Ethos (plurals: ethe, ethea) is a Greek word originally meaning 'the place of living' that can be translated into English in different ways. Some possibilities are 'starting point', 'to appear', 'disposition' and from there, 'character'. From the same Greek root originates the word ethikos, meaning 'theory of living', and from there, the modern English word ' ethics ' is derived.
In rhetoric , ethos is one of the three modes of persuasion (other principles being logos and pathos ) discussed by Aristotle in ' Rhetoric ' as a component of argument. At first speakers must establish ethos. On the one hand, this can mean merely "moral competence", but Aristotle broadens this word to encompass expertise and knowledge. He expressedly remarks that ethos should be achieved only by what the speaker says, not by what people think of his character before he begins to speak. This position is often disputed and other writers on rhetoric state that ethos is connected to the overall moral character and history of the speaker. (cf Isocrates ).
The Ethos Project came out of a need to quench a hunger for something new and bigger. Not necessarily for something commercial, but something thought-provoking and beautiful. A group of songs with a message.
Finding a glimmer of light within the darkness.
Finding redemption even for the blackest of hearts.
Finding the starting point of the rest of your life.
This is simply my way of speaking to the hearts of people, something I've always strived for. To let the music talk for me, convey my feelings, and reach out for those like-minded souls out there. This project is as much an outlet and open door for me as it is for you.
The Ethos Project is actually a concept. All the music is interconnected and the lyrics will tell an ongoing story. The whole will connect like a puzzle, but each individual song will be significant in it self. You take with you what you want or need....a piece...or the whole.
I'm still in the process of setting things into motion, but it won't be long before the big picture comes into view. The recordings are very badly done, and are not even close to being complete songs, but I needed to put them up here because, if I didn't, I wouldn't get them done. This, hopefully, will push me into putting the pieces of the puzzle together and getting off to a good start. Lyrics will come soon, as well as fuller songs. God willing, He will provide what I need to finish what He started in me. (Remember 'Big Guy', this one's for you...).
- JP