Q&A: EZI Gets Vulnerable with "Play God," Unveiling the "Power" Behind Her Upcoming Album
SINGER-SONGWRITER EZI IS BACK with a powerful new single, "Play God," that delves into the complexities of control and vulnerability. This introspective track serves as the first glimpse into EZI's upcoming album, Into Your Power, Into The Light, an exploration of contrasting themes that promise a journey of self-discovery.
In this exclusive interview, EZI opens up about the inspiration behind "Play God," the contrasting sides of her album, and how letting go of control fuels her artistic expression. She also shares advice for aspiring artists, particularly those from marginalized communities, and hints at exciting plans for the upcoming spring season.
Get ready to be inspired by EZI's honesty and passion for creating music that empowers listeners to embrace their own power and vulnerability.
LUNA: Congrats on the new release! “Play God" delves into the complexities of control and vulnerability. Can you elaborate on the specific situation that inspired the song four years ago?
EZI: The specific situation was a bit odd. Long story short I was dating someone who had a pretty unhealthy relationship with control. I watched them kind of act as a puppeteer in the rooms they were in. The night before I wrote Play God I went to an event with them and then to a party with my friends later that evening. That night specifically I remember viscerally feeling how even though it was fun the energy just felt pretty off and dark.
I was watching people flex with drugs and sex and money and control. It was a power trip and just remember having the thought that they were doing all of that not because they genuinely enjoyed it but more so to escape their own mortality. And that got me thinking about my own relationship to control and power. That night I had crazy dreams and I woke up the next morning knowing I was going to write something really unique in my session that day. Play God is to this day one of my most favorite songs I’ve ever written.
LUNA: You mentioned "Play God" represents the "Power" side of your upcoming album ‘Into Your Power, Into The Light.’ Can you describe the contrasting themes you explore on the "Light" side of the album?
EZI: The themes on the “light” side of the album are about losing innocence, falling in love, experiencing freedom. The second half of the album is still melancholic but brighter and more hopeful as apposed to the power side of the album which is more dark and brooding.
LUNA: You mention "ego death" as a consequence of letting go of control. How do you translate this concept into your personal growth and artistic expression?
EZI: For me personally, I experience an ego death when I let go of control and just surrender without judging myself. So in that sense it’s incredibly intertwined in my art. When I’m checking my ego and fully present in my own energy my art comes alive.
LUNA: You began your career as an actress and transitioned into music under the moniker EZI. How did this artistic transition shape your creative identity and songwriting process?
EZI: I write my songs with little movies in my mind. I often structure a song in the arch of a movie. I think of the first verse as an introduction of the scene and the character, the pre chorus as the conflict or obstacle a character confronts and the chorus as the hight of the story. I’m also very influenced by sounds that feel cinematic. At the end of the day though it’s all just story telling which is my favorite part of songwriting and performing.
LUNA: Your music often tackles themes of mental health and self-discovery. How do you use your platform to raise awareness and encourage open conversation about these important topics?
EZI: For the most part my music is about the relationship I have with myself and my identity. So with that comes themes of exploration, mental health, sexuality. Music makes me feel seen and heard so more than anything I want to give people listening to my music a safe space to understand themselves a bit better. I want my music to be a safe space for people to really get to know themselves and open up to the world knowing that someone else has gone through the same exact thing.
LUNA: As an LGBTQ+ artist, how do you incorporate your identity and experiences into your music, while also ensuring your message resonates with a broader audience?
EZI: Most of my music is about the relationship I have with myself and my identity. My queerness is such a major part of my identity and personal journey so naturally it finds its ways in my music. I’m always just writing from my experiences and when I do I’m never thinking about that needing to apply to a broader audience. At the end of the day regardless of the gender of the person I’m writing about I think the core takeaway is the feeling I’m writing about which is something that anyone can relate to.
LUNA: What advice would you give to aspiring artists, particularly those from marginalized communities, who are navigating the challenges of the music industry?
EZI: Lean in and tell your story authentically! People are craving representation and new perspectives, I know am. Also try to find a community of likeminded artists and when you do support and uplift the shit out of each other, there’s space for everyone.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for the spring season?
EZI: Dropping more singles off my album. I’m working on strings versions of some of my favorite songs off the project, which I’m so excited to share.
