LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: ETHAN JAMES YOUNG (feat. DOUMIE and DETZANY)

Today's local spotlight is the song "Say That You Love Me (feat. Doumie and Detzany)" by Ethan James Young. There’s something about this song that feels oddly familiar. It feels like I hit rewind on the clock 25 years to land in a world dominated by 90s R&B with a substantial dose of Christina Aguilera’s self titled debut album and maybe even a little bit of TLC. Maybe even more TLC than Christina? I don’t know. I’m just spitballin’ here. But it’s this kind of familiarity that makes you (especially if you’re a millennial) feel like a little piggy wrapped up in a nice warm croissant and thrown in the oven to bake at 375°.

I also feel like this would be a great time to add a disclaimer that I really have no idea how to talk about music other than indie and/or rock music. So everything I said in that first paragraph just kind of sounded right. I just kind of throw things out there and whatever sticks, sticks. Just kind of went with my gut. If it’s wrong or completely off base, that is not my fault. Is this a cop out? Yes. Is it incredibly lazy of me? Also yes.

But for the love of god, will someone please tell this woman that they love her? Didn’t you think to figure out what her love language was before really getting involved? Are you such an amateur? Come on, it’s not that hard! A little bit of words of affirmation goes a long way. Jesus Christ, people.

I also want to do a quick shoutout to Detzany and her contribution to this song. I once introduced myself to her at Velour and just word-vomited some praise on her and then dipped. But dear lord, every time I hear her sing I just think to myself, holy hell, does she have pipes. And the contrast of vocal styles between her and Doumie on the track make this track a fun delight and the fact that this kind of style and sound is coming out of Utah of all places is a breath of fresh air in the valley of smog that we live in.

​Now if I am to say one thing regarding Ethan James Young, the young (pun intended) producer who orchestrated this nice little ditty, I would say that he’s got moxie. He’s going places. Good for you, dude.

Conclusion: Certified Bop