Biography

Ethan Setiawan has a command of the mandolin far beyond his twenty-some-odd years, and has won both the National Mandolin Championship at Winfield, KS and the Rockygrass Mandolin Championship. Named “creative and virtuosic” by WBUR, his path has wended its way through traditional bluegrass, to Bach partitas, to free jazz. On his new album, “Gambit”, Setiawan takes the calculated musical risks of a seasoned player. He moves aptly between stylistic influences, harkening back to the experimental string band music pioneered in the early 80s while presenting entirely original compositions.

Setiawan was one of three children who were all homeschooled by folk-loving parents, so his childhood was untraditional, and full of exploration. “As a teenager, I loved the idea of going to jams and having this community of people I could hang out with”, he explains. He began driving to Chicago to take lessons with Don Stiernberg, and traveled to California to attend The Mandolin Symposium. After finishing high school, Setiawan attended Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship. “I think I came into Berklee as a very technically oriented musician, but just being exposed to so many different styles and incredible musicians really broadened my musical horizons, and gave me a deeper understanding of artistry and musicality beyond technical proficiency”, he explains.

His debut full-length album, “Flux” is made up of original tunes drawing from the wells of bluegrass, jazz, and new acoustic music. In retrospect, Setiawan can see immense growth in himself since the release of “Flux”. “I can look at most of those tunes and point you back to a Matt Flinner tune or a Bela Fleck tune that I drew inspiration from, but it feels more like a school project to me, something that I set out to do with a specific goal in mind, whereas “Gambit” feels more like my own artistic statement.

Produced by legendary fiddle player Darol Anger, Gambit features Anger’s signature chamber music influenced arrangement styles. “What I love about the album is that the sum of it is greater than its parts”, explains Setiawan. “It starts with an introductory meditation, and it moves through a Swedish tune, a real jammy number, some more jazz and new age influenced pieces, as well as the old time and bluegrass elements. It’s not one thing, it’s a whole record”. In working with Anger, Setiawan found that he was able to make the most musical choices for each tune, leaving academic influences aside.

Gambit” was recorded in Maine at the Great North Sound Society, and features an all-star cast of musicians including Darol Anger (fiddle), Tony Trischka (banjo), Sam Leslie (guitar), Brittany Karlson (bass), Ethan Jodziewicz (bass), Louise Bichan (fiddle), Joe K. Walsh (mandolin), Mike Marshall (mandolin), Neil Pearlman (keys), and Matt Arcara (banjo).

In addition to his solo projects, Setiawan is an in-demand side man and band member, and can be seen playing with Acoustic Nomads, Hildaland, and Darol Anger among others. One listen through to “Gambit” will explain why Setiawan is in high demand. Throughout the record, his technical proficiency is rivaled only by his restraint, leaving room for the music to thrive.

Press

“…creative and virtuosic” - WBUR

“…one of the most formidable mandolinists of his generation.” - The Bluegrass Situation

“Growing up in America’s Corn Belt, Ethan has this music in his head, hands, and heart.” - Darol Anger

“Ethan is one of the most exciting, versatile and virtuosic musicians in today's acoustic music landscape.” - Red Line Roots

"Vibrant, thoughtful, and beautifully interactive"  - Julian Lage

“One of the brightest lights and freshest voices to emerge in the mandolin world in years.” - Joe K. Walsh

“...This young player fully grasps the importance of leaving space in his playing, letting notes breathe, and allowing the mandolin’s sound to expand fully. - Bluegrass Unlimited

"Ethan is one of those greatly informed young musicians of today who knows the roots of the music he is creating, but is not afraid to search and carve out his own voice within this new tradition. - Mike Marshall

Press for Gambit

“...reaches beyond the traditional confines of bluegrass, showing a wide breadth of compositional styles from loose country jams to new age, jazz-tinged ballads.” - WBUR

On his new record, Gambit…he fuses his entire musical background to create something completely new. It isn’t jazz, but it’s not not jazz. It’s bluegrass, but not in the traditional sense. It’s funk, but also old-timey. - The Bluegrass Situation

“The songwriting and playing on this album are incredible.” - Mandolins and Beer

“Ethan Setiawan’s GAMBIT isn’t just a collection of new string band tunes; Ethan has captured the spirit of a whole genre, through his personal lens… gorgeous generous music by a whole new generation of brilliant musicians.” - Darol Anger

“…a sound world that speaks to many traditions but is often refreshing and surprising, drawing on Bluegrass, Jazz, and Classical elements.” - Wildfire Music + News

“Conjuring the classic Americana of Aaron Copland, and Yo-Yo Ma‘s Goat Rodeo sessions, “Golden” is a wild and electric piece, showcasing Setiawan’s dexterity on the instrument, along with a keen sense of melody.” - The Indy Review

bio written by Rachel Baiman