As the final weeks of the year roll in, the music release schedule naturally begins to slow down. With Halloween now out of the way, the shift is noticeable. Although, of course, a few festive tracks have already started to appear online. While I’m sure one or two holiday offerings will make their way onto the blog before the big day. I’m still laser-focused on spotlighting the elite pop gems that continue to surface — whether they come from major labels or independent trailblazers.
This week, that spotlight shines on ETHAN, the New Zealand-born rising singer-songwriter and producer who’s quietly becoming one of pop’s most exciting new voices.
After making waves with his 2024 debut album Divine Intervention, ETHAN hasn’t taken his foot off the gas. The pop magic has kept flowing steadily through 2025, with tracks like “Do It Til I’m Dead” and “Empty Room” showing his evolution toward a more electronic, R&B-laced dance-pop sound. His latest release, “Damage Control,” feels like the natural next step (and possibly his final offering of the year). It’s an intoxicating mix of sonic tension and emotional depth, perfectly balancing his signature sleek production with a daring artistic edge.
Speaking about the track, ETHAN explains, “Everyone regardless of gender, background, or age, has equal power to express their own sexuality. I wanted to showcase the beauty in our natural curiosity, and make art out of the realm of taboo.”
A music video directed by Fran Granada accompanies the release — an arty, visually stunning depiction of the song’s central themes. Oozing self-expression and sexiness in equal measure, the clip is a bold celebration of individuality and freedom. It’s a powerfully empowering watch that perfectly mirrors the song’s sensual tension and fearless energy.
“Damage Control” dives into that complex space between pleasure and pain, exploring desire and vulnerability with refreshing honesty. ETHAN links up with British singer-songwriter Dan Aura on this one — an artist equally known for his synth-pop sensibility and raw lyricism. Together, they craft a track that feels both emotionally charged and club-ready, blurring the line between intimacy and euphoria.
With “Damage Control,” ETHAN continues to prove why he’s one to watch. If this is his closing statement for 2025, it’s a bold and beautiful one.
Connect with ETHAN
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethanxofficial/