Ethan Bortnick's 'luna park' Exists in a World Between Dreams and Reality
Pianist, singer-songwriter, and producer Ethan Bortnick bares his heart and intrusive dreams in his latest EP, luna park. After piling up hundreds of millions of streams and earning the hearts of listeners everywhere, the Florida-born prodigy wrestles wild sounds and even wilder emotions into a restless, raw, and cathartic vision in this latest body of work.
"I come from a world of extreme technique and music theory," shares Bortnick. "However, I'm also a big fan of some of the greatest songwriters. I love Chopin, but I also look up to Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, Elliott Smith, and Joni Mitchell. My mission with this project is bridging the gap between those classical roots and my passion for songwriting on the EP. The mission is always to be as unique as possible and push my art till it actually makes me feel uncomfortable."
"doppelgänger" opens the EP like the beginning of a classic Western movie, with an intensifying collection of cinematic horns, driving guitar strums, and clopping horse hooves. Throughout the verses, the rising star explores the complexities of personal growth, the transient nature of life, and the struggles many people face in finding a genuine sense of self. Ragtime-esque piano lines descend into a fantastical sonic space.
The high-octane banger "hide n seek" gets listeners' hearts racing and ready for the sinister masterpiece that is "SLEEP PARALYSIS DEMON." A personal favorite, the previously released single is aided by the sound of 808s, a thrilling string arrangement, and, of course, Bortnick's virtuoso-level, attention-demanding piano playing that straps us into a sonic journey that blurs the boundaries of dreams and reality. Bortnick explores the dark and eerie experience of sleep paralysis, personifying the experience as an evil entity or "demon" that haunts the protagonist's sleep. He croons, "Pour me the liquor, Fill up the vile, You're stuck in here, For a little while," suggesting a sense of being trapped and helpless, seeking solace in substances and distractions. The chilling track closes with Bortnick sing-shouting references from the exhilarating chorus, including "Wake up," emphasizing the urgency and desperation to escape the recurring and terrifying experience.
Moving through other notable tracks like "jumpscare in your garden," the EP ends on a mellow note with the title track, "luna park." Filled with vivid imagery, emotional depth, and intricate instrumentation, the track paints a picture of a complex relationship that transcends mundane reality and ventures into a dreamlike realm. The opening lines set a somber tone, depicting chaos and desperation. Bortnick sings, "I'm all in shambles/ Subway in hell /A poor man sleeps / In his spew," luring us into the grim, downtrodden setting and possibly symbolizing a state of emotional turmoil or decay.
As Bortnick begins to build a connection and find beauty in the unknown, the pre-chorus delivers a beautiful dream sequence that reflects a desire for unity and connection, even in the face of mortality or "one big wheel of death." The chorus encapsulates a pivotal moment in the relationship, symbolized by the exchange of a "present wrapped in fluorescent" and a profound question posed on top of Luna Park. This setting of an amusement park represents a place of joy, excitement, and unpredictability, mirroring the rollercoaster of emotions of luna park itself.
Listen to luna park below:
