In a very relaxed and very entertaining segment of UNFD’s “Music Is My Life” series, Ethan McCann, the guitarist of Australian progressive metal band Thornhill, takes fans through the soundtrack of his life — one memory, one album, and one riff at a time.
Watch the full interview here:
https://youtu.be/3Bsb8bZruko
The video, just over 3 minutes long, is a rapid-fire look into the songs and records that shaped Ethan’s journey as a musician — from childhood nostalgia to full-blown mosh pit energy. It’s a refreshing reminder that even heavy, technically gifted guitarists like Ethan have humble, deeply relatable musical beginnings.
“A song that reminds me of my childhood…”
Straight away, Ethan gives us a look into his early sonic memories and what tracks began to develop his music taste. Regardless of their brutality, these introductory moments indicate that even the most extreme riffs have innocent origins.
“The first album I ever bought was…” & “The first album I was obsessed with…”
Finally, Ethan examines albums that not only were the start of filling his room with sound, but were also the beginning of his obsession! It’s a moment that highlights the essence of music fandom: that album you played through to your CD lost its luster and your MP3 wore the inside of your brain down.
“My graduation song was…”
A fun and unexpected reveal, Ethan shares a surprising song that marked a key moment in his life, graduating high school. This shows that even when a musician has an extremely dark, aggressive demeanor, there is still a hint of playfulness underneath.
“The album that made me want to start a band is…”
This is the moment when fans can see more thoroughly what fueled Ethan’s fire. The clear passion he exhibits in saying the album is an example of how a single piece of music can turn your life upside down and take you on a journey into the spotlight in the music scene.
“A song that makes me want to mosh…” & “A song I wish I’d written…”
These picks reveal Ethan’s musical taste when it comes to aggression and envy. It’s pure insight into what fuels his adrenaline and where he draws creative envy — a sign of respect, not rivalry.
“My favourite song I’ve ever written…”
It’s always interesting to hear an artist choose their personal favorite from their own catalog, and Ethan doesn’t disappoint. He names the track with pride and humility, a glimpse into his self-awareness and growth as a songwriter.
Listen to Thornhill’s album The Dark Pool:
https://unfd.lnk.to/TheDarkPool
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Whether you’re a longtime Thornhill fan or just discovering the band, this short interview is a must-watch. Ethan McCann’s reflections aren’t just fun — they’re real, honest, and packed with passion. In just a few minutes, “Music Is My Life” reminds us why music matters so much — because it shapes who we are.