Cero Ismael - Interview & Some More Time (Official Video)
Cero Ismael continues his exploration of the broken heart as he shares a new single ‘Some More Time’ and announces the impending release of Blue Man in January 2021 - an 8-track debut project that chronicles the last year of his live. Reflecting on a poisonous relationship and the all too familiar love that’s impossible to let go of, this latest single sees Cero flex his dexterous vocal ability fleeting between signing and rap.
Shortly following ‘Missing Out’ which was widely supported by i-D, The Independent and more, this latest offering also comes alongside a moody yet vibrant visual filmed during a light festival in Amsterdam - our first glimpse at the 6’5 gentle giant.
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
My love for music started at quite a young age. My father used to make music and that’s how I first got introduced to (rap/hip hop) music. He used to play me a bunch of (old school)rap music, from Biggie, Jay-Z, Prodigy, Nas, Big L, 50 cent, Eric B & Rakim and Big Daddy Kane. Also some newer stuff and different artists. But mostly old school east coast music. My grandmother also was a gospel singer, so they helped me a lot with sparking love for music.
At the age of 10 I got introduced to Soulja Boy and all the music on the internet and that’s when it became a real serious thing for me. I fell in love with all these different, new, young artists that were doing what they love. And the way that they wanted it. That kind of independence inspired me a lot and eventually got me to start recording music by myself at 11.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I am influenced by a lot of artists that make any kind of art. But when it comes to musicians that inspire me at the moment I would say: Connan Mockasin, Playboi Carti, King Krule, Chief Keef, Jonatan Leandoer96, Daniel Johnston, Dean Blunt, Yves Tumor and more. I would love to work with all of them and I wished that I could have seen Daniel Johnston live before he passed. I am also heavily influenced and inspired by the music scene here in The Netherlands. The hunger, work ethic and quality that a lot of artists deliver is insane.
3. Tell me about your creative process when you make music, do you have a particular routine or do you just write when the feeling takes you?
I just write when the feeling takes me. I am not the kind of artist that spends 24/7 in the studio.
Most of the time I’m in the studio with Jopie & Rijnbaart (the producers that I have been working with for the last couple of years) and we just zone out. I see these sessions more as a therapy session than a real studio session. That’s how it feels. We have good conversations before we start a session so we understand each other at its best. As honest and pure as possible. So I wouldn’t necessarily say I have one routine, it just happens.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I would describe my sound as melancholic and dreamy. Music that makes you feel.
5. Can you tell us a little bit more about your forthcoming debut project, Blue Man?
Blue man is my project that I have been working on for quite some time. It took me some time because I really was searching for myself and the sound that I wanted to go for. I knew what story I wanted to tell but I did not know how to tell the story. When I found out how I wanted to tell the story and how it had to sound, the rest came to me easily.
I was healing from a broken relationship while making the project. Feeling, failing, understanding and finding peace inside of my heart that was broken in pieces at the time. I made all eight songs together with my two producers Jopie & Rijnbaart. They have helped and supported me a lot while making this project.
6. A lot of your lyrical material seems to focus on love and relationships, the good and the bad. What is it about them that inspires you?
To me love and relationships are two of the most beautiful and interesting things someone can experience. Love can be so beautiful and ugly, uplifting and draining at the same time. The thin line between so many opposite things inside of love always amazed me. Same goes for relationships. How is it possible? And if I don’t find the answer how can I solve it?
7. What’s your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
One of my proudest moments to date so far was when I played a sold out headlining show in Paradiso Amsterdam. That’s a venue that I have been visiting since I was younger. So to play a headlining show, all those people coming to hear me sing and see me perform, was a special and proud moment for me.
8. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Create for the right reasons. Participate in this chaos with love and keep reminding yourself why you are trying to play the made game of music. Always. Connect as much as you can and leave your big ego aside.
9. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
Elijah Waters and Tommy Mayran.
10. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I have been listening to Starz by Yung Lean, Friend or Foux by Lancey Foux, WCPGW by Dominic Fike, Apolonio by Omar Apollo and Almost There by Lucki a lot.
11. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I like to read and work out. I was training for a marathon this year but got injured. Too bad.
12. Name Three things you can't live without when you’re in the studio?
Apple EarPods, so I can directly record myself when creating, coffee and comfortable chairs.
Words - Ed Lindsay