Bio

Ethan Mitchell is an Ottawa based songwriter, singer, and guitarist. He plays antique and original folk, country, and bluegrass music inspired by his roots in the Ottawa Valley.

Drawing on a diverse set of influences ranging from old school country to bedroom indie to vintage stadium rock, his latest round of songs skews toward the full band, guitars blazing, country rock sound you might find on albums from folks like Waylon Jennings, early Dire Straits, and Loggins and Messina - with just a touch of disco sheen.

A prolific writer, he’s always looking for a way to turn some pithy observation into a proper folk song. He writes about cowboys, Canada, country folk, city folk, lonesome folk, friendly folk, and anything that rouses his imagination. While his guitar playing is steeped in bluegrass and old-time traditions, he also draws influence from red hot country chicken picking - it’s as much Doc Watson as it is Tony Rice or Albert Lee.

His writing is witty and lyrical, often leaning on a dash of bitter sarcasm to drive a point home.

Ethan released his debut album “Western Movies” in March 2025, a compilation of new old-timey Country Western songs about finding your way in a world that’s outgrown the myth of the old West. It showcases his solo acoustic sound, largely carried by one voice and one guitar - plus a sprinkling of lap steel for good measure.

His next album “That Boy Ain’t Right,” releasing October 2026 is a collection of country-rock and indie folk anthems about chasing two dollar dreams bank robberies, driving old cars, watching samurai movies, and the daily struggle of getting off your ass to get your sh*t together and finally do something with your life. The first single - the title track off the album - will release February 23rd, 2026.