Words by Tom Farmer- @tomfarmer5000 @TomFarmerJourno
It sounds counter-intuitive to say that a song transports you dreamily to another world, yet also make you more aware of the problems that face those around you. Yet, Irish singer-songwriter Smoothboi Ezra has been able to do just this, with latest single “Stuck” a perfect fusion between lucidity and realism.
Born and raised in rural Ireland, Smoothboi Ezra has cultivated a raw and emotive sound from their bedroom. Amassing over 10 million streams on Spotify, as well as turning heads at BBC Radio One and The NME, the early stages of Ezra’s career have blossomed with promise and potential. Not only are they writing tunes which are audially aesthetic, crisp vocals reverberating over Phoebe Bridgers-esque instrumentals, the Irish singer-songwriter is giving a harmonious voice to those who don’t have one.
As someone who identifies as gender non-binary, as well as being on the autistic spectrum, to categorise Smoothboi Ezra’s tracks simply as “good tunes” would be an unjust simplification. Smoothboi Ezra’s lyrics speak the minds of the unheard, discussing topics such as gender dysphoria and depersonalisation. Moreover, Ezra writes candidly about their own personal struggles of forming relationships; all in the style of Elliot Smith or even Kate Bush.
The new track “Stuck” specifically is the first release off their upcoming EP. With a tender exploration of relationships, particularly one that is faltering to an unrecoverable extent, it’s a single that would sit well in a chilled playlist. With crisp yet intentionally hazy production the track is a beacon of warmth.
Sure, Ezra writes songs that are very listenable- you don’t need to know their story to understand that. But, driven the intent of giving the unrepresented a tuneful cry, Ireland’s latest indie spokesperson Smoothboi Ezra has potential to turn a few more heads.
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