These days, it seems like you can’t walk down Wilton Drive without hearing someone talking about Alexander Zenoz.

A perfect example of a local guy making good, the Miami native has been charming fans onstage from South Beach to Wilton Manors and beyond for a few years. A charismatic entertainer, known for his riveting live performances, Zenoz was gracious enough to make time for an interview in early 2026 in advance of his upcoming show, “Civil Disobedience,” with his band The Birds of Paradise, at the Gray Box Theater in Wilton Manors on January 10, 2026. 

Alexander, because this interview is taking place in early January 2026, I was wondering if you did anything special to ring in the new year? 

I kept things easy this year. I took the time to share with my close friends and family, while reconnecting with those who've been away traveling. 

As an entertainer, how often do you have to perform on New Year’s Eve? 

Fairly often. New Year’s Eve is one of those nights where performing comes with the territory. There is something meaningful about helping people close one chapter and open another through music. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly. 

Are you someone who makes New Year's resolutions, and if so, how successful are you at keeping them? 

I do believe in resolutions and intentions. One of my biggest resolutions last year was committing fully to building the band and seeing The Birds of Paradise grow into what it is becoming now feels incredibly validating. Watching that vision slowly come true has reminded me that some resolutions take time. This year I am also focusing more intentionally on family and friendships, making sure I am present for the people who have supported me along the way. 

In your early years in Miami, did you sing in church choirs or school musicals? If so, is that how you discovered your singing ability? 

I think I always loved singing; in the car and to the radio at home. It was always paired with fantasies and dreams of singing and making music with a band, whether in a studio or for an audience. I really found my voice in my elementary school choir though, where I was given some of my first chances with leads and the solo opportunities it took to nurture my talents and confidence. 

Was your family supportive of your decision to pursue a career in entertainment? 

They were supportive in spirit, but we did not grow up financially privileged. My parents worked nonstop and were often not home, so pursuing this career came with a lot of difficulty and independence. While they wanted great things for me, much of the work and sacrifice required to move forward fell on my own shoulders early on. 

Who would you cite as your single biggest musical influence? 

Freddie Mercury. Easily. His fearlessness, theatricality, and emotional honesty continue to influence how I approach performance and storytelling. 

Who are your three favorite songwriters? 

Billy Joel, Ryan Tedder from OneRepublic, and Billy Joe Armstrong from Green Day. Each of them writes with a strong sense of identity while still connecting deeply with a broad audience. So much of my lyrical sense comes from some of the amazing works they've created.  

Is there a musician or a band that you listen to for your own enjoyment that you think might surprise your fans? 

System of a Down often surprises people. While their sound can feel intense, there is a world outside of traditional American music theory happening in their structure. Much of their writing follows principles similar to Indian raga-based systems, leaning into semitone movement and unconventional progressions. That approach creates richer storytelling and deeper emotional sensations. On top of that, their themes challenge everyday life and society in ways that feel fearless and necessary. 

What is the genesis of the name of your band, The Birds of Paradise? 

The name represents individuality and unity at the same time. Each bird brings its own unique sound and character, and together that collective music becomes what I think of as paradise. It felt like the perfect metaphor for a band built around distinct artists coming together to create something larger than themselves. 

You have developed a sizable following in the LGBTQ community. What does that audience mean to you? 

It means everything. That audience has shown up for me with openness, trust, and emotional honesty. There is a shared understanding there that makes performing feel deeply personal and affirming. 

How would you define your own connection to the LGBTQ community? 

It is personal and lived. Although I am part of the community, and my work has always been shaped by that experience. It's shared with the experience of so many of my friends and family who are also part of this community and driven by their truths as well. Learning how to be visible, vulnerable, and authentic has informed everything I create. 

You have been in a feature-length movie, a TV movie, and a TV miniseries. Would you like to do more acting? 

Absolutely. Acting is something I want to continue pursuing alongside music. The two inform each other in powerful ways, and I feel most fulfilled when I am able to move between both disciplines. 

Has acting always been on your radar? 

In a way, yes. I have always wanted to be a performer. Singing came first, but once I joined drama club in high school, I really caught the bug. That experience fueled my passion further and solidified my desire to pursue acting as well. 

Has any of your music been used in a movie or on TV? 

I have not had any music placed in film or television so far, but it is an industry I am eager to explore. I see a lot of potential for my original work to live within visual storytelling.

You have a show, “Civil Disobedience,” on January 10 at Gray Box Theater. What can you tell the readers about that performance, and the meaning of the title? 

“Civil Disobedience” is about reclaiming your voice artistically, personally, and collectively. The January 10th performance at Gray Box Theater is a full band show with The Birds of Paradise, featuring originals, reimagined material, and music from my “Birds Eye View” project. “Birds Eye View Volume I” is set to release in Spring 2026, with “Volume II” already in development. Before all that, I am releasing my featured single “Different Love,” planning music videos, and developing new original music not only solo but also written specifically for the band. We are also laying the groundwork for a future tour on the horizon for the 2026-27 season. The title reflects trusting your voice and choosing growth, even when it challenges comfort or expectation.