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Ezra Koenig

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Ezra Koenig
Koenig performing in San Francisco in 2014
Born (1984-04-08) April 8, 1984 (age 40)
New York City, U.S.
Alma materColumbia University
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer-songwriter
  • record producer
  • television writer
  • radio host
TelevisionNeo Yokio
PartnerRashida Jones (2015–present)
Children1
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
  • percussion
  • saxophone
Years active2006–present
Labels
Websitevampireweekend.com

Ezra Michael Koenig (/ˌkeɪnɪɡ/ KAY-nig; born April 8, 1984)[1][2][3] is an American musician, singer-songwriter, television producer, record producer, multi-instrumentalist, rapper, playwright, and radio personality. He is best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of indie rock band Vampire Weekend. Additionally, Koenig is the creator of the Netflix animated comedy series Neo Yokio and also hosts the Apple Music radio talk show Time Crisis with Ezra Koenig. Time Crisis is airing its seventh season, as of 2021.

Over his career Koenig has received many accolades for his efforts including 5 Grammy Award nominations for his work with Vampire Weekend in 2010, 2013 and 2019 (including Album of the Year), with wins in 2013 and 2019 for Best Alternative Music Album. He was also nominated for Album of the Year in 2016 for his production work on Beyoncé's album, Lemonade.[4]

Early life

Koenig was born in New York City and is the son of Bobby Bass, a psychotherapist, and Robin Koenig, a set dresser on film and TV productions.[5] He is Jewish, and his family came to the U.S. from Europe (including Romania and Hungary).[6][7][8][9] His parents lived on the Upper West Side of Manhattan before moving to Glen Ridge, New Jersey shortly after their son's birth. He graduated from Glen Ridge High School. Koenig has a younger sister, Emma Koenig (born 1988), who is the author of the books "FUCK! i'm in my twenties"[10] and "Moan", and has written for television and magazines. Ezra began writing music around the age of ten, and his first song ever was titled "Bad Birthday Party".

During college, he ran a blog called Internet Vibes about fashion, existentialism, personal identity, and modern culture.[11][12] After graduating he taught English through Teach for America at Junior High School 258 in Brooklyn, New York. Students recalled Koenig bringing his guitar with him to class, despite trying to hide it and his music career. He was described as a "laid-back" teacher who successfully made bonds with his students.[13] In fall 2007, a deal with XL Recordings cut short Koenig's teaching career.

During his schooling and college years, he was involved in numerous musical projects with Wes Miles,[14] a childhood friend and now current frontman of Ra Ra Riot. Koenig and Miles formed an experimental band, The Sophisticuffs, which was described as "wildly inventive musical work".[15] In 2004, Koenig formed the rap band, L'Homme Run, notable for the comedic track, "Pizza Party",[16] with Andrew Kalaidjian and fellow Vampire Weekend band member Chris Tomson, played saxophone for the indie rock band Dirty Projectors and worked as an intern for The Walkmen.[17]

Career

Vampire Weekend

Main article: Vampire Weekend

In 2005, Ezra formed the indie rock band Vampire Weekend. The name of the group was in reference to an unreleased indie film of the same name that Ezra and his friends produced during a vacation. In the film, Ezra portrayed the protagonist, Walcott, a man hell-bent on escaping Cape Cod as he believed vampires were coming. Many songs from the band's eponymous release made reference to the film.[18][citation needed]

Koenig performing with Vampire Weekend (2014)

Ezra met his bandmates at Columbia University, prior to 2003.[19] After already having met drummer Chris Tomson, Koenig became acquainted with Rostam Batmanglij. The two immediately bonded over Radiohead at a party during freshman year and vowed to start a band one day.[citation needed] Rounding out the group was Chris Baio, Koenig's suite-mate in his sophomore year, with whom he shared a love of Destiny's Child. The group immediately got to work, playing their first show in 2006 at a battle of the bands in a campus basement. They placed third out of four. Later that year, some of their demos appeared online, earning raves from sites like Stereogum and Pitchfork.[citation needed] Before they knew it, they were selling out shows and appearing on the cover of Spin without even having released an album.[20]

Their eponymous debut album arrived on January 29, 2008, and by the end of the year they had performed on Saturday Night Live, played for 40,000 fans at England's Glastonbury festival, and sold nearly half a million albums. The album was self-produced while they were working full-time jobs. Since then, the band have released another three albums: Contra (2010), Modern Vampires of the City (2013), and Father of the Bride (2019).

The band has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards. In 2011, Contra was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album, but Brothers by The Black Keys won the award. In 2014, Modern Vampires of the City was nominated in the category and, this time, the band won the award. Following the win, Koenig exclaimed, "I'm the pre-eminent Ezra of my time, and when I die, then we can talk about who comes next."[21] In 2020, Father of the Bride earned the band a second win for Best Alternative Music Album and a first nomination for Album of the Year. "Harmony Hall" was nominated for Best Rock Song.

Time Crisis

Main article: Time Crisis with Ezra Koenig

After the release of Apple Music, Koenig began hosting his own radio show on the Apple Music radio service, Beats 1.

The show, Time Crisis, mainly features Koenig and a variety of notable guest stars, as well as regular co-host Jake Longstreth, an L.A.-based painter and former member of Dirty Projectors. Each episode lasts two hours, during which Koenig and company discuss news, respond to emails from listeners regarding 1970s rock music, explore the current terrain of U.S. politics, and sometimes analyze the history of corporate snack foods. Additionally, Koenig compares and contrasts contemporary popular music with music of an era relevant to the discourse of the specific episode.[22]

Jonah Hill, Rashida Jones, Mark Ronson, Florence Welch, Jamie Foxx, Tim Heidecker, James Corden,[23] and Koenig's sister, Emma Koenig, have starred as guests on the podcast.

The show debuted on July 12, 2015, and new episodes air fortnightly. As of May 10, 2020, 120 episodes have aired.[24] The show is in its sixth season.

Neo Yokio

Main article: Neo Yokio

Following a hiatus from Vampire Weekend, Koenig wrote and produced an animated comedy-adventure series about a depressive, demon-slaying playboy voiced by Jaden Smith. The series, Neo Yokio, debuted on Netflix in September 2017.[25] The show was written and produced in 2015, with the final sound mix being completed in January 2016;[26] however, due to issues with Fox, the show was postponed until finally being picked up by Netflix.[27]

Yokio is presented in the style of an anime series. However, in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Koenig stated that he believes the show is not a traditional anime: "First of all, out of respect for true anime, I've always called Neo Yokio "anime-inspired" – it's a hybrid. But I've always been a fan of anime, and I always wanted to do something that was kind of an homage to it. Maybe a loving parody. Initially the people I was working with thought I should be the voice of the main character, but I was, like, 'I just spent seven years being the frontman of something, using my voice all the time. What I need right now is to slip into the background of something.'"[28]

Upon release, the show's first season received mixed reviews from critics, earning a 54% score on Rotten Tomatoes.[29] Shannon Liao of The Verge criticised the show's story and voice-acting, writing that "the initial glamor of the backdrops and talent involved wears off fast. It has awful voice acting, and a pointless, predictable story that’s only surprising because it’s so willing to hit the bottom of the barrel."[30] The New York Times gave the show a more optimistic review, stating that "if a defensive reading of the line, “Yes, my girlfriend broke up with me to take a finance job in San Francisco,” makes you chuckle, “Neo Yokio” may be for you."[31]

On an episode of Time Crisis in early 2018, Koenig spoke about the future of Yokio, hinting that "Neo's not dead."[32] However, Netflix cancelled the show the following month after one season and a Christmas special.

Other projects and appearances

In 2009, Koenig provided vocals on the song "Carby" on LP, the debut album from Discovery, a group which features Vampire Weekend keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij and Ra Ra Riot vocalist Wes Miles. In the same year, he appeared on "Warm Heart of Africa" by The Very Best, "Pyromiltia" by Theophilus London, "I Could Be Wrong" by Chromeo and "Dynamo" by Abd al Malik.

In 2012, Koenig performed "I Think Ur a Contra" with Angelique Kidjo in her PBS special. He appeared and provided vocals in the music video for Duck Sauce's "Barbra Streisand". His recording of the song "Papa Hobo", by Paul Simon, was included as part of the soundtrack for Max Winkler's film Ceremony.

In 2013, Koenig was featured in the song "Jessica" by Major Lazer.

In 2014, Koenig was featured on "Ezra's Interlude" by Chromeo, as well as "New Dorp, New York" by SBTRKT. He also appeared in the HBO drama series Girls[33] and Haim's music video for "My Song 5" featuring A$AP Ferg,[34] and performed the voice of Ryland on the animated series Major Lazer. At the 86th Academy Awards, Koenig accompanied Karen O on backing vocals and acoustic guitar for her performance of the Oscar-nominated song "The Moon Song" from the film Her.

In 2016, Koenig was credited as a writer and producer on the song "Hold Up" by Beyoncé.[35] Due to these contributions, Koenig was nominated for a Grammy Award for the album Lemonade. In January and April 2016, Koenig vocally supported political candidate Bernie Sanders by performing at a number of his rallies.[36]

In 2017, Koenig made an appearance in Charli XCX's music video for "Boys".

In 2018, Koenig was credited as a songwriter and producer on the single "I Promise You" by James Corden, from the film Peter Rabbit, which also prominently featured Vampire Weekend's songs. His demo of the song was also released.[37]

In February 2020, Vampire Weekend performed at a rally for U.S Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders.[38][39]

Influences

Since the age of 9, Koenig has been an admirer of music. In a 2014 interview with Vulture, he stated, "My dad is a massive music fan, so even just growing up in the house, he was buying new cool music, up through when I was born. So I was very familiar with the Ramones, Run DMC, Blondie—core New York music. My parents would often play the Ramones song, "We’re a Happy Family", so I remember when I was 9 or 10, learning the lyrics and trying to understand." By the time he got to high school, Koenig's taste had slightly changed: "I had some older friends who were really obsessed with hip-hop, De La Soul, Tribe Called Quest. There’s something about Midnight Marauders; it feels like a late night in the city album."[40]

Koenig is also a self-professed fan of bands such as The Grateful Dead and Sublime, who he believes largely influenced his musical taste.[32]

Personal life

In August 2018, Koenig's girlfriend, actress Rashida Jones, gave birth to their son.[41]

References

  1. ^ "Ezra Koenig - New Songs, Playlists & Latest News - BBC Music". BBC. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  2. ^ "Ezra Koenig on Instagram: "April 8, 1994 🎂"". Instagram. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  3. ^ "Today in Entertainment History". AP NEWS. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  4. ^ "Vampire Weekend Reveal New Album Title Father of the Bride, Share New Songs: Listen". pitchfork.com. Retrieved 2019-01-24.
  5. ^ Green, Penelope (July 25, 2012). "Emma Koenig's So-Called Redacted Life". The New York Times.
  6. ^ Perry, Andrew (March 31, 2010). "Vampire Weekend interview". The Telegraph. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  7. ^ Anthony Carew (23 November 2009). "Interview: Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend". about.com. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
  8. ^ "Vampire Weekend: Don't call us white | The Jewish Chronicle". Thejc.com. 2010-01-15. Retrieved 2013-05-13.
  9. ^ Lester, Paul (January 7, 2010). "Vampire Weekend: 'They're attacking a version of us that doesn't exist'". The Guardian. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  10. ^ Green, Penelope (2012-07-25). "Emma Koenig's So-Called Redacted Life". The New York Times.
  11. ^ "Internet Vibes". Retrieved 2020-07-30.
  12. ^ "Ezra Koenig's Pre-Vampire Weekend Blog is Full of Vibes". www.vice.com. Retrieved 2020-07-30.
  13. ^ Guanlao, Nicole (2008-06-23). "Vampire Weekend Frontman Ezra Koenig's Students Recall Playing Pranks On The Future Rock Star - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV.com. Retrieved 2013-05-13.
  14. ^ Roberts, Michael (2008-06-11). "Q&A With Wes Miles of Ra Ra Riot - Denver - Music - Backbeat". Blogs.westword.com. Retrieved 2013-05-13.
  15. ^ "Look at me, I made a blog: "Reginald's Lament" - The Sophisticuffs". Madeablog.com. 2009-07-24. Archived from the original on 2012-03-04. Retrieved 2013-05-13.
  16. ^ "Video Hits Interview Vampire Weekend". YouTube. 2010-05-13. Retrieved 2013-05-13.
  17. ^ "5-10-15-20: Ezra Koenig | News". Pitchfork. 2010-08-17. Retrieved 2013-05-13.
  18. ^ "Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig on His Early Influences, the Continued Oxford Comma Debate, and the Most Important Hometown Shows". Vulture. March 28, 2014.
  19. ^ Pressel, Jennifer (June 2007). "Vampire Weekend Strives for a Cohesive Sound". Columbia College Today. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  20. ^ "The Semi-Charmed Life of Vampire Weekend". Rolling Stone.
  21. ^ "Vampire Weekend Win Best Alternative Music Album". GRAMMY.com. 3 March 2014.
  22. ^ "Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig Gets Beats 1 Show". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2015-11-18.
  23. ^ "Watch James Corden Crash Ezra Koenig's 'Time Crisis'". Pitchfork.
  24. ^ "Time Crisis". Apple Music: Beats 1.
  25. ^ Luu, Christopher (September 29, 2017). "This New Netflix Show May Finally Get You Hooked On Anime". Refinery29. Retrieved October 2, 2017.
  26. ^ "Ezra Koenig Talks Netflix's 'Neo Yokio' and Its Homage to Anime". HYPEBEAST.
  27. ^ "Listen to "Zane Lowe and Ezra Koenig" posted by Zane Lowe on Apple Music".
  28. ^ "Ezra Koenig on New Animated Series, Next Vampire Weekend LP". Rolling Stone.
  29. ^ "Neo Yokio: Season 1 - Rotten Tomatoes".
  30. ^ "Netflix's Neo Yokio has the makings of a brilliant anime, but fails the execution". The Verge.
  31. ^ Hale, Mike (21 September 2017). "Review: An Anime New York in Netflix's 'Neo Yokio'". The New York Times.
  32. ^ a b Crisis, Time. "Time Crisis: Episode 62 - Sublime Goldfish". Apple Music. Beats1. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  33. ^ "Watch: Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig Made a Cameo on "Girls" | Pitchfork". pitchfork.com.
  34. ^ https://www.nme.com/news/haim/79251
  35. ^ "Beyoncé Releases New Album Lemonade Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Jack White, the Weeknd, James Blake". Pitchfork Media. 23 April 2016. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  36. ^ Puglise, Nicole (20 June 2016). "Vampire Weekend frontman on the 'end of the road' for Bernie Sanders". the Guardian.
  37. ^ "Ezra Koenig — "I Promise You"". Spin. 16 February 2018.
  38. ^ "Ezra Koenig on Instagram: "this picture (and caption) are from February 2016 when we played our first-ever Bernie rally in Iowa City. we're doing it again February 1, 2020 in Cedar Rapids. (Also @boniver is playing a rally the night before in Clive)⁣"". Instagram. Retrieved March 1, 2020.
  39. ^ "Vampire Weekend Perform at Bernie Sanders Rally: Watch". pitchfork.com. Retrieved March 1, 2020.
  40. ^ "Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig on His Early Influences, the Continued Oxford Comma Debate, and the Most Important Hometown Shows". Vulture. 28 March 2014.
  41. ^ "It's a Boy! Rashida Jones, 42, and Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig Welcome Son Isaiah". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
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