Alex Ebert’s music career has spanned for more than 20 years, whether it was in bands like The Lucky 13’s or Ima Robot. From His later work as his alter ego, Edward Sharpe of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero or under his own name, Ebert has fashioned himself a wiz at making music.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero, an indie rock band based in California have been together since 2007 but recently, the band has departed. PersonA, the fourth album by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero was released last year with Sharpe’s name crossed out on the album cover.
According to Ebert, the character of “Edward Sharpe” had been faithfully (worn out). “As with so many things in life, you don’t do something unless you’re really inspired to do it.” After touring and supporting the album, the Magnetic Zeros have decided as a group to go on an indefinite hiatus.
What this hiatus means in the future is unknown but Ebert sat down with LA Weekly for an interview that gave up some details on the hiatus as well as his solo work.
When asked about the hiatus, Ebert expresses that; “I think it was just time for a freakin’ break. Our last album [PersonA] was a real big statement album for us. I feel like I said all I needed to say for a little while. Then I was having a lot of other things I wanted to do musically and otherwise. It felt like the right time to put some love and focus back on just expressing myself.” Whether it is forever or not, Ebert is just waiting to be inspired again. So fans can hold on hope that inspiration will come.
Hiatus or not, Ebert is filling his time with his art. “I scored All Is Lost, which I won a Golden Globe for, with Robert Redford. I also scored a movie called A Most Violent Year, which I loved.” He also made a Disney short that won an Academy Award.
In the early weeks of May, Ebert released a new track titled ” Broken Record” giving fans a new look of the artist, who has washed away an old character giving life to a new one. The song was written about his ex-girlfriend and features an in depth look at relationships. With the release of “Broken Record,” Ebert is dropping new music in a not so typical fashion. Instead of releasing a full length album, he will be dropping singles every week.
In the digital age where music is being fed to fans through videos and playlists, it is no wonder Ebert decided to take this route. “I think that albums are art for art’s sake now. I think they’re cool, but they were a function of the physical limitations of vinyl and of CDs.” The way music is delivered is limited, Ebert decided to do it differently. In other words, going with the future of technology. Music is changing and we must go with it.
Ebert continues to make music and express his art and for fans of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, one must hope for a return.
Photo credit: Nicole Olmsted
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