Check Out Ethan Heller’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ethan Heller

Hi Ethan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The band actually started as a bar band in 2017, we were all in other projects and just used the name Snozzberries as a fun, kitschy placeholder for our jam project. The reaction to our early shows was very enthusiastic, so we solidified our lineup and started writing songs. To look back and see how far we’ve come since those early days is a trip.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Things have been a roller coaster, as I’m sure any band can relate with. The hardest struggles we’ve dealt with began in Covid times, when we and every other band were prevented from touring. Later in 2020, our drummer Sean Mason unexpectedly passed away. His passing was so difficult for us to process. We ultimately decided to continue on with the name, in honor of our friendship. We’ve since completely restructured the band, with only myself and Ian as original members. Bringing in Josh Clark and Paul Gladstone has drastically changed and the sound of the band, bringing in more prog and jazz. I’d also say our songwriting has matured significantly, as happens when going through major changes and grief.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My favorite part of The Snozzberries is how diverse our sound is. Each of us having our individual influences is one of our biggest strengths. We all share a love of classic psychedelic rock, 70s funk and soul, and jazz. I grew up playing in punk bands, so there’s a distinct punk rock attitude behind the songs I bring to the table. Josh blends his passion for jazz with old school blues and soul – he used to be in a killer blues-influenced band called Travers Brothership. Ian has a ton of jazz and funk influence, a lot of Herbie and Chick Corea are in his sound as well as classic prog acts like Yes and ELP. Paul brings a ton of soul and melodic influence, best seen on his tunes Hide and Living Without You.

What does success mean to you?
Success is a spectrum. For us, the ability to write and perform music across the country is a success in itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thesnozzberriesmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesnozzberriesavl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesnozzberriesavl
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesnozzberriesavl2563