21 October 2022 - 0 Comments

Porirua-based Samoan artist Ezra Phoenix has today released his gorgeous, and fearless, new RnB pop single + video FOMO - and you’ll have FOMO (fear of missing out) if you miss this!

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From the moment you hear Ezra’s powerful voice and warm harmonies, you’ll be hooked on FOMO. An impressive artist with a confident sound, Ezra Phoenix is passionate about promoting Samoan language/culture and normalising gender and sexuality narratives within Pāsifika communities.

“FOMO’s about a boy obsessing over another boy he just met,” says Ezra, “but because of societal pressures, he’s not able to express his feelings out loud.

“I’m now writing from a place of fearlessness, seeking to challenge expectations placed on Pacific Island boys about exploring their sexuality. Expectations from family, the church and community, all centre around the heterosexual norm of being masculine and forming relationships with the opposite sex. These expectations leave no room for one to explore and discover their sexuality or express their identity safely and without judgment or being ostracised. These expectations perpetuate toxic masculinity, increase anxiety and loss of self, and ultimately cause internal suffering for young boys who feel trapped under these societal pressures within Pacific Island communities. Sexuality is individual, unique, special, and is part of our identity.”

FOMO was expertly recorded and mixed by producer Toby Lloyd at Tiny Triumph Recordings and mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG Studios. It was created with the support of NZOA Funding.

Also being released at 7pm October 21 is the FOMO music video. Filled with Pacific iconography and symbolism, the use of traditional and contemporary Samoan costume and ceremonial items, the video is calling for more awareness and acknowledgement of LGBTQI+ individuals and their experiences within Pacific Island communities.

Watch the FOMO video HERE

Imagined by Ezra, the video was brought to life by Studio Halfgray’s Ben Stewart and William Cho; set designer Daniel Kingston and production assistant Tasha Tziakis; and three beautiful contemporary and traditional Samoan costumes designed and styled by Masi Measina’s Masi Smith.

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