Ethan Samuel Brown steps into the spotlight with his deeply evocative sophomore album, Small Actors, a masterful blend of folk-rock authenticity and orchestrated Americana. Drawing on his decade of behind-the-scenes experience in Nashvilleâincluding his current role as stage manager for Wynonna JuddâBrown offers an album that feels as intimate as a whispered secret and as grand as a theatrical production.
What truly sets Small Actors apart is its meticulous craftsmanship and unique perspective. Recorded with omnidirectional and ribbon microphones, the album captures every organic detail, from the creaks of a piano bench to the ambient hum of cicadas, immersing listeners in a richly textured sonic landscape. Brown is joined by an all-star ensemble, featuring members of Midland, Parker Millsap’s band, and three-time Grammy-credited saxophonist Jovan Quallo.
Conceptually, the album unfolds like a stage production, with each track serving as a scene in the modern American experience. Themes of patriotism, protest, art, and belonging are explored with a sharp lyrical wit and a storytellerâs eye for detail. From the coal-dusted hills of Kentucky in âRose Hillâ to the art-filled halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in âRothko,â Brown paints vivid narratives that challenge listeners to examine their roles in Americaâs ongoing drama.
The standout track, âAm I American?,â written in response to Nashvilleâs 2020 Christmas Day bombing, channels the raw, rebellious energy of punk pioneers like Patti Smith and Iggy Pop while carrying forward the protest-song tradition of folk legends like Pete Seeger. This haunting and powerful anthem questions the nature of American identity with unflinching honesty and emotional resonance.
Brownâs sound is as multifaceted as his experiences, blending Appalachian grit with Nashville polish. His influences range from the introspective folk-rock of Christian Lee Hutson to the piano-driven pop sensibilities of Ben Folds, with touches of Iggy Popâs defiance and Bill Monroeâs Appalachian roots. Critics have compared his delicate guitar work and poignant lyrics to James Taylor and Leonard Cohen, though Brownâs voice remains distinctively his own.
Small Actors is not just an album; itâs an exploration of the human condition, told through the lens of someone whoâs spent years observing others tell their stories. With its theatrical structure, intricate narratives, and emotive soundscapes, Small Actors solidifies Ethan Samuel Brownâs place as a compelling voice in contemporary music and an artist to watch.
