Alex Ebert, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' lead singer, says that "Edward Sharpe" was originally a character that he made up to hide behind. In today's conversation, Ebert says that he and "Edward" have merged, to a certain extent. Still, he says, there's a tension between his invented persona and reality - which is why the cover of the band's latest album, PersonA, displays the name "Edward Sharpe" crossed out.
HEAR THE COMPLETE SESSION AND MORE ON NPR MUSIC HERE