Azaria Franco (he/him) is a multidisciplinary artist and songwriter from Brighton, UK. Drawing influence from a mix of genres, Azaria plays with the edges of alternative folk. He weaves creative melodies with rich harmonies, drawing on his poetry to inspire vulnerable storytelling.
“I am an artist & activist, by profession & by nature. I feel the traditional systems that the binary, rigid, capitalist world enforces often don’t support me, or offer me the freedom i need. So I endeavour to create art, music, spaces, that allow for me to reclaim my creative freedom. I take inspiration from the real, authentic, natural worlds and emotions. the spaces people forget to look at and the places we all dream of ending up. I spend hours deep in nature where the pace of things is slower. Here, i make the most beautiful art. Outside of the city and outside of the expectations that this society has placed upon me.”
Azaria has been writing original music since he was 14, on a guitar his grandad bought him. His first single River Of Bones is out now, along with the Official Music Video. Azaria will be playing a number of shows in the UK over the summer. To find out more and catch him live follow him @youcancallmeaz Azaria has recently released his debut single River Of Bones + the Official Music Video is out now.
"My debut single River of Bones is a culmination of my work both creatively and personally, this far. after focusing on my gender exploration and work within trans rights activism for the best part of 7 years, River Of Bones is the beginning of me reclaiming my oldest and deepest childhood dream, to make music. bringing with me everything i’ve learned about myself and a newfound feeling of freedom, to express myself fully with a voice that feels like mine, in a body i connect with, and with a mindset that has radically shifted from needing to please and appease others in order to fit in, to needing to be free.
Love, loss, separation, disconnect, identity, transition, sexuality, change, endings, beginnings, all the central themes within my music revolve around my personal experience as a trans man, a lover, a friend, a brother, a multidisciplinary artist and a breathing, growing being on this planet."
Azaria is currently working towards an EP, whilst playing live shows around the UK.
Up until 2026 Azaria has worked within the world of Trans Rights Activism. Whilst exploring his own gender identity Azaria has spent the majority of his adult life advocating for social change, whilst utilising his multidisciplinary skill set.
See some of his work below:
Writing:
Az has written his first book due for publication with JKP books in 2026. Then book is about Trans Rights Activism and aims to bring together all aspects of his change-making journey.
Az is an experienced writer who has written for a number of major publications including his recent work with Lucy & Yak - Guest Writer for Pride Month 2023, Huffington Post & Feminist. Az is a weekly writer for Impact (September 2021-present) and has since celebrated with the team winning the 2022 Shorty Award and Audience Honour Award and multiple nominations for The Webby Awards best of the internet.
Az also writes and designs regular educational and affirmative infographic content for his social platforms to help support the wider LGBTQ+ community and educate on the importance of gender inclusivity. More recently Az has been creating graphics around his self-healing processes, advocating for a greater understanding of the deep truths within all of us. His work has a focus on the self-development and healing aspects of his own journey that has taken him into new mindsets and new ways of living.
Art
Az is an artist & illustrator.
Through colour, space, shape and texture, Az explores all that encompasses his self, with honesty and individuality. Seeking to intrigue the viewer and invite questions, all while telling a story of his past and present experiences.
At the end of 2022 Az took on the role of Contributing Editor for the first Feminist x WeTransfer ZINE in which his art work was published amongst some of the worlds leading changemakers. Free download HERE.
During 2023 Az worked as an illustrator for Organisation My Genderation.
Az has run an online store selling his art & activism on various t-shirts, prints and stickers at LTD times throughout the year. At the start of 2022 he worked with Philadelphia Printworks to create a benefit T-shirt for Trans Week of Visibility with 20% of proceeds going to PFLAG National which sold out.
From a young age Az has relied on art as both a creative outlet and a coping mechanism. As a neurodivergent person living with multiple mental health illnesses, Az has always found creative processes necessary for his self-development and preservation.
Trans Activism:
In July 2023 Az founded Trans Protest UK, the central platform for all UK trans rights protests, pride marches and demonstrations.
Since graduating with a degree in Psychology from The University of Brighton in 2019, Az has been building his reputation within the LGBTQ+ activism community. Az gives talks on intersectionality, gender identity, inclusivity & mental health. At the end of 2021 Az spoke with Freeda about his experiences as a trans masculine person, for their "Being Me" series and was invited back for their "Coming Out" series in 2022.
Az regularly gives interviews for publications, podcasts and magazines, most recently speaking with Injection Magazine (June 2023) about accessibility at pride.
Modelling:
Currently signed to Zebedee Talent Agency and Contact Creatives, Az has 3 years experience as a professional model, having worked and featured with many established clients including Photo Vogue, Pride In London, Fujifilm, Getty Images, Sephora, Lucy & Yak, Coppafeel! Doc Martens & Noctis Magazine. Az is experienced on the runway and in front of the camera. He has also completed a number of personal projects including a photo series entitled ‘My Story’ with Kristina Varaksina. View the full story here.
One of these photographs was shortlisted in 2022 Portrait Of Britain, by The British Journal Of Photography and published on Hardback. available via Hoxton Mini Press (January 2023.)
Az has also got experience working on commercial sets, having recently worked on global adverts with Wise (‘Take On The World’) and Lipton Iced Tea
HIGHLIGHTS & PRESS HERE
Space Holding & Growth Pathway Facilitation:
Az has 3 years experience in holding space and leading online & in-person workshops. A highlight has been being designing & facilitating a 7-day Discord Wellness Journey based around Euphoria and Connectedness with For Them in June & September 2022 and Zine Making workshops with Trans Sober in 2023.
In 2024 Az founded Creative Healing With Az, a local community project designed at bringing people into contact with their inner child through creative practices and community. This project has included a weekly Zine Making club, and a new offering called Art + Sound Lounge, a space for community to come together and share passions for art and healing in a non-judgmental, inclusive space.
Az also has experience holding guided meditations and sharing circles.
Az also offers creative strategy sessions, supporting people to bring together ideas, shape projects and find a balance between creativity and strategy. See more
azaria franco (he/him) 