Ezra Koenig

Early Life

Ezra Michael Koenig was born in New York City to Bobby Bass, a psychotherapist, and Robin Koenig, a set dresser for film and television. His family, with roots in Romania and Hungary, moved to Glen Ridge, New Jersey shortly after his birth. Growing up, Koenig attended Buck's Rock Camp, a creative arts camp, and graduated from Glen Ridge High School. He began writing music at the age of ten, with his first song titled "Bad Birthday Party." Koenig later attended Columbia University, where he ran a blog called Internet Vibes and taught English through Teach for America before his music career took off.

Career

In 2005, Koenig formed the indie rock band Vampire Weekend, inspired by an unreleased film he created with friends. The band quickly gained attention, playing their first show in 2006 and releasing their self-titled debut album in 2008. The album's success led to performances on Saturday Night Live and at Glastonbury, solidifying their place in the indie music scene. Koenig's musical influences range from the Ramones to hip-hop legends like De La Soul, shaping his unique sound and style.

Personal Life

In August 2018, Koenig welcomed a son with actress Rashida Jones, whom he referred to as his wife in a 2024 interview. The couple has expressed their commitment to each other, stating they are “married in the eyes of God.” Beyond music, Koenig is also known for creating the Netflix animated series Neo Yokio and hosting the Apple Music radio show Time Crisis, which is currently airing its tenth season.