Tasha Tziakis Chats to Ezra Phoenix
Photo: Tasha Tziakis
Stills from ‘FOMO’ - Ezra Phoenix
Ezra Phoenix is a singer-songwriter based out of Porirua, Te Whanganui-a-Tara and has been steadily releasing music over the last two years. Ezra aims to connect with his Pasifika audience and inspire conversation and connection around sexuality and gender. Ezra teamed up with Studio Halfgray to bring his music video vision for FOMO to life earlier this year.
Ezra Phoenix - a name of a super star. How did you find your way to naming your alias and what has that name brought you since?
I’ve always been fascinated by the Phoenix. A mythological creature said to be reborn from its ashes. I resonate with this concept of an endless cycle of growth and learning. I like to think I experience multiple ‘Phoenix cycles’ throughout my life. My real surname is Esera, which is the Samoan translation for ‘Ezra’, a book from the bible. It is common for Samoans to name their children after books or characters in the bible, and common for some families to adopt a surname from the book as well. Since discovering ‘Ezra Phoenix’, much has changed.
Behind the Scenes: On set of ‘FOMO’
The FOMO music video follows a particular storyline of hidden feelings and an urgency of wanting authenticity in relationships. What in that narrative and relationship dynamic did you want to highlight by bringing it alive on screen?
Men are expected to be masculine and heterosexual. Historically this made sense in a world where physical strength and the need to reproduce was key for the survival and expansion of the human race. But, the disease men face today is this very expectation that forces them into a box. Men come in all different shapes, sizes, and sexualities. If we as people do not allow men to explore their sexuality and express themselves safely and freely, we hinder the advancement of the human race. But that is looking at things on a larger scale. I simply want to say that sexuality is a spectrum, and just because a man is masculine, doesn't mean he is straight.
Something that seems intrinsic to Ezra Phoenix is the balance of the holy musical trinity, Dance, Costume, and Performance. How do you conceptualize and manage these extra elements? Do you do it solo or have more of a team with you?
As long as it serves the theme or purpose of the song, I will incorporate different elements into a visual expression. With my song FOMO, I wanted to highlight sexuality within Pacific Island communities in New Zealand. Given the theme of the song, I wanted to saturate the music video with traditional and contemporary Samoan costume designed by Masi Smith to make clear the audience I am trying to communicate with; Samoans. Having a background in Pacific and contemporary dance, I wanted to thread this style of performance through the video, again to reinforce my target audience.
You've been releasing music for a couple of years now and most of those releases have music videos. What are your favourite parts in creating music videos and why?
I love a good theme. Once I can identify a strong theme for a music video, my ideas just flow freely and naturally. Themes don't come to me straight away, which is why it is my favourite part of the creative process. It’s the lightbulb moment, the spark before the flame, that allows me to imagine a full storyline in my head. The challenging part is putting my vision down into words and explaining it to people I work with e.g. producers, directors. But I have great people in my team who helped make FOMO a reality.
Your sisters were with you on set! It was incredible! What role/s do your sisters and family play in assisting with and supporting your musical career?
The four horsemen I like to call them. They all play many roles on the fly. Mostly they are there to support me and give feedback. They all featured the ‘Diamond Dress’ music video which we filmed at home. It was fun to edit but stressful to film because having siblings on set is never productive lol.
What has the feedback been like since releasing FOMO? Has it been received and understood as you had hoped?
I’ve received a lot of positive feedback about FOMO. Many friends and followers on social media platforms have sent messages of thanks and congratulations. Most of the feedback is from younger, more open minded people, which I think highlights the importance of starting a conversation about sexuality in the Pacific so more people are aware. By more people, I mean those who choose not to acknowledge or turn a blind eye to sexuality.
Has social media influenced the importance that you place on creating visual elements to accompany your music?
Reaching a larger audience means using platforms everyone else is using. Having the ability to release music and visuals on social media has been a blessing for me as an independent artist. I keep my content as authentic and honest as possible.I am not a fan of releasing content based on social media algorithms for increased views, I believe my work will reach the people who need to see it the most.
You recorded with Toby Lloyd of Tiny Triumph Recordings for FOMO - how was that process?
Recording any song with Toby Lloyd is a fulfilling experience. Vibe is so important to me, so when I introduced FOMO to Toby, he was instantly hooked on board for the ride. It only took 2 sessions to lay down my vocals and harmonies for FOMO, and then the music was completed within a month. The magic behind everything is a shared understanding of who Ezra Phoenix is, or rather, become. I found Ezra working with Toby, and creating FOMO unlocked a piece of the Phoenix puzzle.
How does a music release feel being signed to Lil Sister PR compared to when you were independent?
I always say Toby Lloyd is my wizard, and now I have Kate from Lil Sister PR who is my guardian angel. Not only has the release been the easiest release to date, she has and is pushing my music to a wider audience. If I'm honest, I feel quite lazy because I don't have to send any emails or press releases to anyone. But I am extremely grateful for Lil Sister PR and their support and love for me as an independent artist with nothing but lyrics and harmonies.
Do you have a favourite moment on set with Studio Halfgray? Honestly, I couldn't believe that the fan swished your hair so beautifully in the very last take of the shoot - it was divine timing.
There was a point during the video shoot where myself and directors Ben and Will were discussing ideas and themes onset while the camera was rolling. They were bouncing off my ideas and I was resonating with theirs. That chemistry gave me a sense of safety and security, knowing that they understood my vision and did all they could to enhance it. That, and also the costume changes in between scenes were my second favourite moments during the video shoot. My absolute favourite moment was before we started filming; we all stood in a circle in the studio, and I said a few words. At that moment, I couldn't help but think of how far I had come as a solo artist, having a full team behind me ready to do the work.
What else have you got lined up and where can people stay up to date with you?
My new project lined up is for a new song called ‘City on Sin’. This project is made possible with NZ on Air, and will be released some time early 2023. It may or may not be a continuation of one of my music videos, but we shall see. Watch this space.
Ezra Phoenix himself is an ever growing story and spirit, we are thankful to have been a part of telling a slice of it. Watch the ‘FOMO’ here.
Keep up to date with Ezra Phoenix on his socials: