Speaking to TheJournalistDJ.Com at his album launch, Ezra opened up about the difficult period behind his latest project, the choir that helped shape its identity and his commitment to creating music through human connection.
An Intimate Introduction to ‘Lu Nami’
Ezra introduced his sophomore album, Lu Nami, at M-ber by Liv on Thursday, 12 November, bringing together fellow musicians, industry colleagues and members of the media for an intimate celebration.
The evening’s Modern Japanese dress code set the scene for a gathering centred on music, gratitude and the relationships behind the 12-track project. For Ezra, it was also an opportunity to share the personal journey that informed the album.
Speaking to TheJournalistDJ.Com, he described feeling both relieved and excited as he prepared to share the work.
“I’m feeling ecstatic,” he said. “I was anxious before the interview.”
Finding Self-Belief During a Difficult Period
Behind the celebration lies a project born during what Ezra described as a dark period in his life.
While the studio offered a space to create, stepping away from it meant confronting feelings of stagnation. He recalled moments when attempts to connect with people went unanswered and progress felt difficult to recognise.
During the recording process, however, a shift in perspective gave the album its name and emotional direction.
“I had a defining moment,” he explained. “This thing is within you.”
Ezra describes Lu Nami as “it is within me”, connecting the title to a realisation that belief in his own abilities had to come from within. The accompanying release notes echo that idea, presenting the album as a journey through creativity, doubt and growing self-belief.
The Choir That Changed the Project
One of the launch’s standout moments was a choir performance, offering a live introduction to an element Ezra considers central to the album’s identity.
The collaboration began when a colleague mentioned a choir he was working with. Ezra made contact, invited the singers to his home and recorded with them.
What followed became another defining moment in the project’s development.
“They brought in a different flavour,” he said.
For Ezra, those voices gave the music a distinct character. Their contribution became part of how he wanted listeners to experience the album, rather than simply an addition to the production.
Choosing Real Voices and Human Connection
Discussing the choir also led Ezra to explain why he wanted to work with real performers amid conversations about using artificial intelligence in music.
“I don’t wanna tap into AI. I want the real thing,” he said, recalling his thinking during the creative process.
That choice required time and patience. Ezra described recording through the night with a choir of around six people, working through the demands of bringing several voices and personalities into one session.
He credited his easygoing nature with helping him navigate the process.
“I’m a people’s person naturally,” he said. “I can adjust to people’s emotions or character easily.”
Gratitude for the Artists Who Answered the Call
Collaboration runs throughout Lu Nami, and Ezra repeatedly expressed appreciation for the artists who made time to join him in the studio.
He acknowledged that assembling an album can be challenging, particularly when trying to coordinate the contributors needed to realise a creative idea. Maintaining good relationships helped bring this project together.
“They heeded my call and they came to the studio and created some magic,” he said.
That gratitude extended to his team, launch guests and partners, all of whom formed part of the evening’s celebration.
An Invitation to Listen—and Respond Honestly
As Lu Nami reaches listeners, Ezra is asking audiences to give the project their time and offer thoughtful feedback.
“This is a well thought of, well crafted album,” he said.
His invitation extends beyond praise. He welcomed constructive criticism, encouraging listeners to express their opinions with care.
For Ezra, the release marks the moment a deeply personal creative process becomes a shared experience: 12 tracks shaped by uncertainty, collaboration and the belief that he already had something worth expressing.
