Bronx-born and LA-based songwriter Ezra is making his mark in alternative pop music with his punchy melodies, vulnerable lyrics, and raw, unfiltered storytelling. Fresh off the release of his latest single. “Intermission” - an emotionally-charged, piano-driven track, Ezra is gearing up for his upcoming debut album.

Beyond the music, Ezra is bringing fans deeper into his creative world with a mockumentary directed by David Mazouz, featuring cameos from Gabe Saporta (TAG Music), Morgan Cohen, and more. Rolling out episodically alongside each new single, the project blends satire with self-exploration, offering a cinematic lead-up to the album’s release.

We got to chat with Ezra about “Intermission,” his vision for the mockumentary, the role of nostalgia in his music, and what’s next on the road to his debut album. Read the full interview below!

“You’re originally from The Bronx but are now based in Los Angeles - how have those two places shaped your sound and your perspective as an artist?”

Ezra: Well, being from the Bronx, my first taste of loving music was actually freestyle rapping. I realized very early on that I had a passion for writing music, and I feel like to this day, hip-hop influence still somehow finds its way into all of my L.A.-influenced alternative music. You can take the kid out of the Bronx, but you can't take the Bronx out of the kid.

“Your style has been dubbed as “Ezracore”, what does that mean to you and how do you feel that title captures your musical identity?”

Ezra: I think it just means that because of the blend of different genres, there’s not very much like it—if anything. My goal coming out to L.A. was to find a sound that differentiates me from everybody else, and I feel like this project is pretty indicative of that. I’m honored that my supporters view my music as its own genre.

“In just a few years, you’ve gone from releasing your debut EP, to touring with artists like Carlie Hanson and Matisyahu. What has been the most surreal “pinch me” moment of your careers so far?”

Ezra: I think the most surreal moment was playing my first sold-out show in L.A. It was the release party for the Appreciate the Small Things EP. We booked out a really big venue, and I wasn’t sure how many people were gonna come. It ended up selling out—500 people showed up to turn up with me and celebrate the release of the project. Talking to people who drove from all over because of how much my music impacts them made me realize I’m on the right path, and it warmed my heart.

“When talking about your newest track, “Intermission”, you describe it as being about the one person you’ll always compare others to, saying “it reminded me how everyone else I meet could never fill the void she left”. How did it feel channeling such vulnerable feelings into this track?”

Ezra: Honestly, I felt like I needed to write a song about it because I had just seen her for the first time in years. We had an interesting encounter, and I knew it wouldn’t leave my head until I had a song written about it—something I could listen to whenever the thought popped up. It ended up being a song that I really love, which is lucky, because sometimes the songs I really want to write don’t end up being my favorites, haha.

“With the release of this track, you’re also launching a mockumentary directed by David Mazouz! How did this partnership come about?”

Ezra: I’ve known David for a really long time, actually. Since 2020, we’ve been hanging out. We met through a mutual friend on my first-ever L.A. trip. He came to the studio and we made a song together for fun, and since then he’s been one of my closest friends. He also happens to be one of the most talented and smartest people I know.

“The mockumentary is such a unique concept that ties directly to your new singles and upcoming album, allowing fans to piece together the project with each episode. What was the inspiration behind this concept, and what excites you the most about giving your listeners a visual story to follow along the way?”

Ezra: I wanted to be able to tell my story in a way that wasn’t strictly through the music, while also showing my personality—what makes me different. This whole project is about me gaining perspective, and I wanted to show people how I gain that perspective in a lighthearted, fun way. I’ve always liked The Office and other mockumentary shows, so I figured, why not try to make my own? I think it came out way better than I could’ve ever expected, and I can’t wait for people to see it.

“You describe your sound as a blend of hyperpop, emo, rock, and rap – what would you say makes your music uniquely yours?”

Ezra: I mean, like you just mentioned, I draw inspiration from so many places that it ends up being this weirdly niche thing where people compare it to vastly different artists and bands. And I think the thing that makes it most uniquely me… is me. My music is really vulnerable, and I think if you listen to it, you really get to know me. Heart on my sleeve.

“You lean into late ‘90s/2000s nostalgia, what is one album or artist from that era that heavily influences you?”

Ezra: It’s hard because there are so many, but just to list one: I really, really love The Summer EP by Never Shout Never. The writing is really meticulous, and Christopher Drew’s voice brings me nostalgia that I’m not sure any other vocalist could unlock. They also had a really good sentiment of “it’s okay to not be okay,” which is a message I try to send to my fans.

“If fans walk away from your music with one feeling or one message, what do you hope it is?”

Ezra: I guess it depends on the song. But overall, my message is that people aren’t alone. Just because others don’t always vocalize the problems they’re dealing with on a daily basis doesn’t mean they don’t share them with you. I try to vocalize some of those through my music and hope people can hear it and feel less lonely going through the motions.

EZRA | Hometown Influences, Mockumentary Release, Latest Single, and more

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