Ezra Bell with Night Crew and Dolï

Ezra Bell was founded late in the summer of 2013. It was warm enough to sit on the porch into the evening and learn a couple of songs. A lap drum a banjo and an out-of-tune guitar.  Years on, it’s surprising Ezra Bell is still at it. Streaming services have surprisingly worked in Ezra Bell’s favor and listeners resonate with the tales spinning out of order around disconcerting musical interludes. Somehow, a licensing company commissioned Ezra Bell to play and record Sam Cooke’s worst song for an insurance commercial. The commercial aired on Superbowl Sunday. Ezra Bell espouses neither football nor insurance but sold out accordingly for the pittance that was paid and the exposure. Such is the music industry. Many heartfelt messages from unknown listeners have kept Ezra Bell busy writing and recording. Eventually, a booking agency caught on to the growing cult following and propped Ezra Bell up in front of audiences outside of Portland, forcing the band to drive thousands of miles, sometimes in single day, to play for crowds. Then there was COVID. Now the touring has (mostly) ceased and the band focuses on recording and self-releasing independent music.