Ezra Furman
Ezra Furman | |
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.jpg) Ezra Furman (2007) | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 5 September 1986 Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Genres | Indie rock, psychedelic rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar, vocals, harmonica |
| Labels | Bar/None Records Bella Union |
| Website | www |
Ezra Furman (born 5 September 1986, Chicago, Illinois, United States) is an American musician and songwriter. He currently performs solo and tours with his band Ezra Furman & the Boy-Friends. He was previously active in the band Ezra Furman and the Harpoons.
Career
Ezra Furman and the Harpoons
Ezra Furman and the Harpoons were a four-piece rock band active between 2006-2011. The band consisted of Ezra Furman (vocals, guitar), Job Mukkada (bass guitar), Adam Abrutyn (drums), and Andrew Langer (guitar). They formed at Tufts University in 2006.
The Year of No Returning
After touring in support of Mysterious Power, Furman recorded a solo album, entitled The Year of No Returning, without a label. He raised money through Kickstarter to fund the recording and self-release of the album.[1] The album was recorded at Studio Ballistico, located at the time in the attic of Furman’s house, and produced by Tim Sandusky, who lived there as well.[2] The album was released in February 2012. At the end of the year, Furman signed to Bar/None Records, who re-released The Year of No Returning in the summer of 2013.
The touring band Ezra Furman & the Boy-Friends formed in spring of 2012 and toured in support of The Year of No Returning. The band consisted of Jorgen Jorgensen (bass), Ben Joseph (keyboard, guitar), and Sam Durkes (drums). Tim Sandusky (saxophone) joined in 2013.
Day of the Dog
Furman released Day of the Dog in October 2013, also produced by Tim Sandusky, recorded at Studio Ballistico and released through Bar/None Records.[3] This album got Furman notable press in the UK, receiving a 5/5 review in The Guardian by Michael Hann: ‘Ezra Furman has made an album of classicist rock’n’roll that never feels like an exercise, but a living, breathing piece of self expression.’[4] and an 8/10 review in NME ‘A bratty, ragged take on New York Dolls, Spector-era Ramones and E Street Band carnival rock. An unexpected gem’.[5]
The band toured the UK in 2014 and were met with positive press. ‘The punk-fired rock'n'roller isn't too cool to be touched by a richly deserved rave reception.’ 5/5 review The Guardian.[6] The tour finished in the autumn with a sold out gig at The Scala in London on September 2014.
Perpetual Motion People
In early 2015 Furman signed to Bella Union[7] and on 27 April they announced that a new album, Perpetual Motion People, would be released on 6 July (UK/Europe) and 10 July (US).[8] Aided by positive critical reviews Perpetual Motion People peaked in the UK charts on its entry week at #23. A series of concerts in the Europe and the USA are planned to co-ordinate with the release of Furman's album.
Personal life
Furman is Jewish and gender-fluid.[9][10] His younger brother Jonah was lead singer and bassist in the Boston-based rock band Krill until their split in October 2015.
Discography
Albums
Ezra Furman and the Harpoons
- Banging Down the Doors (2007)
- Inside the Human Body (2008)
- Mysterious Power (2011)
Solo
- The Year of No Returning (2012)
- Day of the Dog (2013)
- Perpetual Motion People (2015)
Extended plays
- Songs by Others (2016)
Singles
- "My Zero/Caroline Jones" (2013)
- "Restless Year" (2015)
- "Lousy Connection" (2015)[11]
References
- ^ Kickstarter, "Ezra Furman's Kickstarter" 11 July 2007. Retrieved 2015-04-28
- ^ Furman, Ezra. Interview by Frances Capell "New Year", San Francisco Bay Guardian, 9th February 2012.
- ^ Bar/None Records. "Ezra Furman", retrieved 3rd August, 2014.
- ^ Malcolm Jack, "Ezra Furman review", The Guardian, 13 February 2014. Retrieved 2015-04-28
- ^ Dan Stubbs, "NME Day of the Dog review", NME, 7 October 2013. Retrieved 2015-04-28
- ^ Malcolm Jack, "Ezra Furman Guardian review", The Guardian, 13 February 2014. Retrieved 2015-04-28
- ^ Bella Union "Ezra Furman Signs to Bella Union" 3 March 2015. Retrieved 2015-28-04
- ^ Ben Kaye "Ezra Furman announces new album Perpetual Motion People, Consequence of Sound, 27 April 2015. Retrieved 2015-04-28
- ^ "Ezra Furman on outcasts, Chuck Berry and Judaism | Music". The Guardian. 2014-09-24. Retrieved 2015-08-13.
- ^ "Pretty punk rock: how Ezra Furman found freedom in gender fluidity | Music". The Guardian. Retrieved 2015-08-13.
- ^ Cummings, Bill (1 May 2015). "Track Of The Day #680: Ezra Furman – Lousy Connection". Retrieved 8 July 2015.
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