Meet Easton Schirra - An Artist Who Brings The Beauty Of Life Into Focus

Before getting into the Q&A, I have to send some hallelujah hands to the sky for Easton Schirra because this guy has a stack of callings. 🙌

I met Easton eight years ago, when the world was fawning over the iPhone 4S and before Instagram was a hot, new social platform. Jive Records had discovered, and signed, an artist I had written about on Kick Kick Snare and Easton was hired to shoot the promotional photos. It didn’t take long before we struck up a real and true friendship - not to get all sentimental but my life is richer and far more colorful because of it.

Easton’s this gloriously free spirit that just so happens to be incredible at photography, music, fashion, and graphic design. Hell, I bet he’d be an expert quilter if the mood struck. What links his many passions and creative pursuits is always heart and authenticity. It’s what makes his photos and pieces of art true capsules that not only represent beauty but exude the depth of the soul.

What’s your favorite song or album of all time (or right now)? What’s the story for you behind it?

Prophet - King Princess. Once I heard it, I couldn’t stop dancing - makes me feel sexy. The other morning I put it on and ended up dancing naked by myself at home smokin a j. You gotta try it.

How do you discover new music? What are a few of your go-to playlists, stations, sources...?

Usually through friends. Specifically, my friends Daniel and Jessica. They always dose me with their latest and greatest. And I also just like to peruse Spotify and see what's recommended to me. That’s one algorithm that’s working for me lol.

Imagine you're a career coach. What do you wish you knew when you first started?

Don’t rush things. Don’t quit. Just keep creating and build a base before you start running.

Photography 101: What are the do's and don'ts artists should live by when pairing their music and visuals?

Keep it fresh. Everyone may not like it, but step out of the box. Be you. Don’t let anyone manipulate you or take over your vision. Ultimately, YOU are the artist so let your voice be heard.

What’s a normal day like for Easton? Break it down for us.

There really isn’t a normal day for me, which is why I love what I do. Staying creative and pursuing my passions is something I can’t really stop. Everyone tells me to focus, but the thing is — I am focused. I’m so fucking focused on what I want. I want it all.

‘Haunted’ is your fourth music release. We saw that you scared a lot of your followers during your promo run. Can you explain what you did?

So I wanted to combine acting and music - I decided to film short “haunted episodic” type scenes that lived on my IG story that eventually led to the release of the music video. They were Blair Witch style, me at home, haunted for the week building up. My go-to director/collaborator Tyler Winther and bf/mua Elite Rothstein helped me execute these in 2 nights of filming. It was a blast. (Click here to watch!)

Who is your musical icon... the one that inspired you to get into the business and why? Do you have a favorite new artist that you can't stop listening to?

I absolutely love FKA Twigs - I saw her live a couple months back in downtown LA and literally could not keep my mouth closed. I was in awe the entire time. I think I cried throughout the whole performance. Her show was so theatrical and honest, and so intimate. I remember the last song she sang was acapella, she stepped out of the curtain by herself and started singing. By the time she was finished everyone was standing on their feet cheering for what seemed like an hour that I never wanted to end. She just stood there and started crying. I was crying. She made eye contact with half that room. That moment will forever be etched in my brain. The fact that she could stand there and give her energy so openly like that - and receiving everyone else’s energy. It was beautiful. Truly an inspiring artist who merges her talents and mediums so effortlessly.

What’s the last song that got stuck in your head? Which part?

Miya Folick - Deadbody. The chorus. Her voice gets me every time. I photographed her a while back when she was just starting and I knew then that she was gonna blow up. Love you Miya!

What was the defining moment/break in your career that helped get you to where you are today?


I’m not sure if there is a “defining moment” really. I have worked hard over the past 10 years building my art to where it is now. I have made many great connections and continue to push forward. I am nowhere near where I want to be. Close though, I can taste it.

What artist has your favorite social media game and why?


Social media is a game itself. Not really a fan lately...but with that said it can be utilized to start something amazing from pretty much nothing. I’ll bow out of this question now haha. Triggering.

If you have $100,000 to break a new artist, how would you spend it?

ADVERTISING. MARKETING. Yes, spend money on the music and the visuals but I think nowadays people need to see your face/your name everywhere so they start to think to themselves “whos that? They look rad, gotta check them out.” I really believe that theory where if you hear or see something 3 times, it sticks a bit more.

What advice would you give new artists hoping to connect with fans and make a true impact on the industry?

Don’t be afraid of creating. Put it all out there and take risks! Ask for forgiveness, not permission ;]