Local artist tells his story
Inspired by his father who was once a country artist himself, Ethan Edghill has brought his talents to Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). Edghill performs throughout the city of Kingsville playing at venues such as bars, clubs, restaurants and at TAMUK’s own Screaming Javelina music festival.
Edghill has always had a burning passion for music, but it wasn’t until his sophomore year that Edghill decided to start volunteering as a music minister at the Kingsville Newman Center and Chapel.
“It really all started with this church, and it just took off. I started with this church around my sophomore year so it was just for free or volunteer work. I’m now the music coordinator for the church and getting to do that is a dream come true, it’s one of the best jobs that one could have,” Edghill said.
Chaplain Fr. Charles Silva is an individual who has seen Edghill grow since the beginning of his time at the chapel.
Fr. Silva strongly believes that Edghill has all the qualities he needs to continue succeeding in his music career.
“I describe Ethan as faithful, flexible, open, receptive…specifically his commitment I think that working here at the Newman Center in the music ministry has given him that foundation that he needs to be able to do his career in music,” Fr. Silva said.
Throughout Edghill’s time at TAMUK, specifically in the Catholic Student Organization (CSO) Edghill has made friends who have watched the hard work and dedication he’s poured into his heartfelt music.
“He’s told me many things of what he’s been through, you know personal things and I really see how it connects to the lyrics of his songs because there are things I’ve gone through that are similar. It’s amazing how close the lyrics match to what I went through and what he went through. I think it’s honestly kind of amazing how he’s able to put that into words,” Altar server and friend of Edghill Bernardo Pendlton said.
Not a day has gone by that Edghill hasn’t continued pursuing his love and passion for the art of music, as music is what allows Edghill to truly express himself.
“I was really, really shy coming out of high school. I didn’t have a lot of friends in high school. I was kind of secluded and was like ‘what am I supposed to be doing here?’ I would try different forms of art and nothing really stood out. I was like, ‘man I don’t really know what I want to do.’ So, learning how to play guitar, sing and write down kind of what I was feeling and what I was thinking was what kind of took it off. Just telling stories is what I love about being a songwriter,” the singer concluded.