“VERSIONS allowed me to be able to take inspiration from other places rather than just my own experiences. It’s changed where I draw inspiration from.”

In this series, we’re highlighting our VERSIONS Alumni. You’ll learn about their transformative journeys with and through the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship.

Ethan

A Career Snowball

Ethan Lyric’s journey into music began unexpectedly during high school. Initially, he had only a vague interest in music until one day, on a whim, he felt the urge to create a song. When he played it for his mom, who was moved to tears, he realized he had a knack for music. That moment marked the start of his vibrant musical path.

While Ethan wasn’t exposed to musicians growing up, he immersed himself in the community, drawing inspiration from it once he saw the positive reactions to his music. Without any significant early musical influences, he was able to craft his unique sound that is now listened to across Canada on radio stations and played on international playlists. He’s even had the opportunity to tour across reservations in Manitoba.

Reflecting on his career, Ethan says, “My whole music career is like a boulder rolling down a hill. And I’m just trying to hold on.” Despite not fully understanding his rapid success, he acknowledges his natural knack for songwriting, which he believes comes from within.

He also credits music for helping him reconnect with his Indigenous heritage. Raised by his mother in Winnipeg, it was through his father that he traced his OjibweIndigenous roots. His involvement in music allowed him to embrace and integrate into his community fully.

The Musically-Talented Activist

Interestingly, Ethan’s childhood dream had nothing to do with creative talents—it was to become a politician. Ethan recalls, “I always wished I could just be one of those people who can enact change for real.”

Today, while he thrives as a musician, he still honours his political aspirations by supporting politicians and assisting in running their campaigns. His desire to make a tangible impact on his Indigenous community remains a driving force in his life.

An Experience Like No OtherMerging Music and Activism

Ethan was drawn to the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship by the prospect of connecting with youth from around the world. “The community aspect of VERSIONS was the biggest draw. It was so cool,” he shares. To Ethan, VERSIONS stood out from other music programs because it focused not just on the music industry but on using art for change. Through the program, Ethan learned about racism and discrimination within the music industry, understanding how these issues impact artists globally.

Ethan says the Fellowship was something he hadn’t experienced before. “VERSIONS was an experience like no other that I’d had before. Most music programming focuses on the industry’s ins and outs, but this was about using your art for change.”

Merging Music and Activism

Before joining VERSIONS, Ethan’s music was not explicitly linked to activism. VERSIONS changed that. The program helped him blend his musical talents with his desire for social change.

“VERSIONS has helped me figure out how I could blend music and social change. To me, music was more of an emotional outlet. But the whole process of VERSIONS has shown me how influential art can be in using it for social change.”

Memories Made with VERSIONS

For Ethan, the most memorable part of VERSIONS was connecting with other Fellows. He realized that despite geographical differences, many issues stem from common roots. “No good art comes from being really closed up. VERSIONS helps you make sure your art is as honest and open as it can be,” he reflects.

When asked about the most influential part of the experience, Ethan says meeting the VERSIONS team in person was a turning point. Near the end of the year-long Fellowship, the Darkspark Media Team travelled to meet each Fellow in person to record the Fellows’ original song over a celebrity produced beat and capture footage for a short documentary. Ethan says the in-person aspect helped to level up the experience after being virtual for almost a year.

Additionally, Ethan shares how guest speakers including celebrities like Sean Paul, world activists and educators made a lasting impression on his general mindset toward art and social change. “Each one helped me keep my mind open,” Ethan says.

Pushing Past Doubt

VERSIONS guides each Fellow in designing and implementing their own social impact project in their communities.

For Ethan’s project, he collected books to donate to The People’s Library, an Indigenous-led library in Winnipeg, to inspire Indigenous youth to become more interested in their culture and reconnect with it.

Initially comfortable working behind the scenes, the program inspired Ethan to take on more proactive roles.

“I didn’t think I could do it. I didn’t know if people would care about the issue if it was me trying to do something.”

Running a social impact project made him realize his capability to lead and initiate change.

“After running our social impact project, it helped me realize I really can lead something on my own and I don’t need to wait for someone to come help and do it. VERSIONS definitely changed how I looked at leadership and realized my capabilities.”

A Note to Future Applicants and Fellows

Ethan advises future VERSIONS applicants and Fellows to approach the program with an open mind.

“It’s more than a music program; it’s a life program. I have definitely changed my entire outlook on life and myself and how I make music,” he says.

What’s Next

Inspired to take on more social initiatives, Ethan has since launched a scholarship fund, starting with $500 for Indigenous creatives, with plans to increase it annually.

As a VERSIONS Alum with a thriving music career, Ethan plans to head back to school. He was a Loran Scholarship finalist and is set to study Linguistics at the University of British Columbia. His goal is to work with Indigenous languages, further linking his academic pursuits with his passion for community service.

Today, Ethan views music not just as a passion but also as a business. “I still want to make music one of my focuses for the rest of my life, but I want it to be something that I can enjoy as well as pursue as a business.”