Wax Owls

Blending indie-folk with acoustic and ambient elements, Los Angeles-based Wax Owls formed in 2020 when multi-instrumentalist Gerry Hirschfeld and drummer Chris Tsaganeas connected through mutual friends. Their mellow sound—described by EARMILK as having “a captivating folk air… present in every release”—evokes comparisons to Bon Iver, Novo Amor, Hollow Coves, and The Paper Kites.

Since their inception, Wax Owls have steadily risen in the indie music scene, securing airplay on LA's KCSN radio and performing at major festivals such as Bonnaroo, Peach Fest, and Pilgrimage. In 2023, their single Bring the Rain gained national attention with a sync on Grey's Anatomy and became a staple of Apple Music’s As Heard on TV playlist. The song—exploring the emotional tension between holding onto the past and moving forward—embodies the band’s reflective lyricism and intimate soundscapes.

For Hirschfeld, the formation of Wax Owls came at a deeply personal time, following the loss of a professional mentor to suicide. Having experienced the pressures of a high-stakes legal career, Hirschfeld’s decision to focus on music was a way to find meaning and creative fulfillment. “We don't want to look back and regret not having the time to do the things we love,” he reflects. This personal mission shapes the band’s ethos and gives their music an unmistakable sense of purpose and introspection.

In 2024, Wax Owls released their debut EP Cowboy Cologne, a collection of songs delving into themes of resilience, self-discovery, and finding light in dark times. Atwood Magazine praised the EP, saying, “Wax Owls’ vulnerability is undeniable, and in the intimate spaces they create, artist and audience alike find not just strength and hope, but connection—a pull toward something greater than ourselves.”

The EP features standout tracks like Freckle, inspired by Elliott Smith’s vocal production techniques to create a raw sense of vulnerability, and Ladybug Season (live performance video below), a poignant song reflecting on Gerry’s mother’s time in the ER. The line, “I stared back so blankly when she told me, Gerr, I’m scared,” captures the emotional depth that defines much of their songwriting. Wax Owls have collaborated with a range of notable artists, including Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra) and Marty James (known for Despacito and Religiously). Future releases will also feature contributions from Incubus’ bass player. Their music is set to appear in the 2025 indie film Ethan Bloom, marking another milestone in their journey.

As they continue to write, perform, and collaborate, Wax Owls are dedicated to creating music that resonates on a deep emotional level.