A budding composer and college sophomore has already achieved his first viral hit. On March 20, Ethan McMurray, a music student at Oakland University in Michigan, to Instagram that racked up more than 8 million views. The 20-year-old’s instrumental earworm, however, has one very peculiar muse: the dulcet tones of a grilled mushroom.
In the video, McMurray listens to the source of his tune: a TikTok from user @kkmgood picked from a Beijing-style hotpot and placed on a cone for grilling. The original clip, which has more than 31.9 million views, shows that when the mushroom is set on the hotpot’s cone grill, it appears to 'sing.
' Inspired by the video, McMurray created what he called “a little mushroom symphony!!🍄🟫." His mycelium-based masterpiece begins with the trill of a Chinese dizi flute. Later, a bassoon, harp, oboes, clarinets, horns and other instruments join in.
Many folks who heard McMurray’s piece tossed virtual roses onto the stage of his comments section. “I’m telling my future children that he’s Beethoven,” another. “I’ve no idea how long I’ve been listening to this on loop,” another fan.
“this guy is talented, like actually 100% talented. Like mark my word, my dude, you gonna be composing movie scores soon🔥🔥🔥🔥.” Many of the comments the piece to Studio Ghibli, the animation house known for “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro.
" Others say the tune is akin to Disney’s “ ” or “Mulan,” and think tha.