Ezra Axelrod (born Ezra Eli Axelrod Varón, 1986, Athens, Ohio) is an American singer, composer, pianist and recording artist and gay rights activist based in London.[1] Axelrod is one of a small number of openly gay recording artists to explore queer identity explicitly through his music.[2] In 2010, to create a platform for his work and that of other alternative artists, Axelrod launched The Menagerie, a series that served as a platform for cutting-edge performers and cultural practitioners.[3] The Menagerie hosted a residency by internationally acclaimed composer Errollyn Wallen. Errollyn Wallen.[4][5]
Axelrod studied voice, composition and piano at Middlebury College, in Vermont, before moving to London in 2008.[6] During his time at Middlebury, he enjoyed the company of a small group of highly respected intellectuals, including (but not limited to) Daphne Morrison, David Restrepo (now Axelrod's partner), Nima Alidoust, Zsofia Young and Carolina Caeiro. To this day, their influence can be seen across Axelrod's artistic career.
Axelrod has also been linked to the Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, with elements of la movida madrileña appearing in Axelrod's work, and the songs "Tajabone" and "Volver" appearing in Axelrod's repertoire, which feature in the director's films Todo sobre mi madre and Volver.[7]
Axelrod grew up primarily in La Grande, Oregon where his parents are writing professors at Eastern Oregon University. He has lived in Madrid, Spain, Middlebury, Vermont, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Washington, DC, Bogotá, Colombia and currently resides in London. He has one brother, Josh.
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Axelrod's style of music mixes his western roots, classical formation and exposure to UK rock.[8] His compositions have been described as "subtle but intense" and tend to focus on themes of love, lust, and conflict.[9]
Axelrod has also written chamber music, including "The Border" string quartet, recorded by The Takacs Quartet at Middlebury College in 2007, and "The Vilnius Duet" for orchestra and two sopranos.
In late 2010, Axelrod met Colombian producer Toño Castillo, who helped launch the careers of Shakira, Aterciopelados, and Andrés Cepeda.[10] The two decided to start work on Axelrod's second album, Songs from the American Motel, together in Bogotá, Colombia, with a large ensemble of Colombian musicians including international peace activist, percussionist and bassist César López.[11][12]
The Enfield Sessions (EP 2008)
Patria (EP 2009)
Around Here (Compilation 2009)[13]
"American Motel" (2011, in production)
Soundtrack for La milagrosa (2009, dir. Sam Morril)[14]
The Lust for Wisdom Tour, April 5–17, 2010, Montreal (Cabaret Mado) to New York City (Kaufman Center)[15] The American Motel World Tour, began January 8, 2011: USA, Colombia, Argentina, UK, Europe.[16] Axelrod debuted his new live show "Songs from the American Motel" on July 14 at London's Bush Hall.[17]
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