Originally from Goshen, Indiana, Ethan Setiawan tried out numerous instruments before finding his way to the mandolin, making a name for himself when he won both the National Mandolin Championship and the Rockygrass Mandolin Championship. Years later, Setiawan has become a leading voice of the mandolin, his path wending its way through traditional bluegrass, to Bach partitas, and free jazz. He performs regularly with his progressive bluegrass band Ethan Setiawan & Fine Ground, and Scottish fusion duo Hildaland. His solo albums “Flux” and “Gambit” (produced by Darol Anger) are made up of original tunes drawing from all these wells, and employ a traditional full band format. On his 2025 release “Encyclopedia Mandolinnica” he explores the many possibilities of mandolin music through duets and trios with friends, mentors, and heroes. His current touring project, Ethan Setiawan & Fine Ground, released its first album, “Little Storms”, in 2026.
Setiawan was one of three kids who were all homeschooled by folk-loving parents. His childhood was untraditional and full of exploration, and music gave him a social outlet outside of the home. “As a teenager, I loved the idea of going to jams and having this community of people that all play music”, he explains. He began driving to Chicago to take lessons with Don Stiernberg and traveled to California to attend The Mandolin Symposium. After finishing high school, Setiawan attended Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship. “I think I came into Berklee as a very technically oriented musician, but just being exposed to so many different styles and incredible musicians really broadened my musical horizons, and gave me a deeper understanding of artistry and musicality beyond technical proficiency.”
Setiawan’s primary touring project, Ethan Setiawan & Fine Ground, is deeply rooted in and colored by traditional bluegrass, yet forward-leaning into a thoughtful modernity. This Boston-based quintet allies together some of the most athletic musical aces of the Northeast bluegrass scene: BB Bowness on banjo, Julian Pinelli on fiddle, Alex Rubin on guitar, Brittany Karlson on bass, led by mandolinist Ethan Setiawan. Rather than retreading bluegrass’s past, Fine Ground’s debut album, “Little Storms”, reflects the heart of the tradition with fresh original compositions alongside songs from beloved contemporary folk artists. This new release brews together a musical collection that feels equally at home in the bluegrass canon and today’s broader contemporary acoustic landscape. Recorded at Dimension Sound Studios, Little Storms was recorded the way this dynamic band has always loved to make music together: live, in a room, listening and connecting to each other through the songs that move them. It is a truthful and moving portrait of the musical depth that only comes hand-in-hand with longtime friendship, collaboration, and love of craft. “Little Storms” released on October 2nd, 2026.
In addition to his solo projects, Setiawan is an in-demand sideman and band member, and can be seen playing with various acts in the Northeast and further abroad. Throughout his work, Setiawan’s technical proficiency is rivaled only by his restraint, leaving room for the music to thrive.