Q&A: Cero Ismael Embraces Vulnerability in 'AS MUCH AS YOU DID BEFORE'

 

☆ BY Sophie Gragg ☆

Photo By Josh Sybren

 
 

TAKING YOU ALONG FOR A SMOOTH, EMOTIVE RIDE - Cero Ismael sure knows how to get you in the feels with his upcoming project AS MUCH AS YOU DID BEFORE. Following 2021’s debut EP Blue Man, AS MUCH AS YOU DID BEFORE offers a more reflective, insightful exploration of self when it comes to failure. Highlighting an extraordinary level of vulnerability tracks like ‘Desperation’ tells the tale of Ismael’s negative relationship with drinking, while “I Will Keep You” touches on his experience of feeling suicidal. The Amsterdam-based rapper and singer uses his music as a form of self-healing, where the listeners are lucky enough to be part of the journey, often finding inspiration and relief in his music as well. 

Growing up immersed in a plethora of cultures - Dutch, Indonesian and Surinamese - Ismael found not only inspiration in his surroundings, but also in love, religion, spirituality and most importantly, music. AS MUCH AS YOU DID BEFORE showcases his ability to layer his velvety smooth vocals with more stripped, honest instrumentals, the melodies and Ismael’s voice remain the center of attention. 

Ismael’s latest “DAVE BUDDHA” is out now, giving listeners further insight into the upcoming project. Ismael notes, “‘DAVE BUDHA’ is about the change of scenery and trying to not lose yourself in the chaos. Staying true to yourself can sometimes be difficult when everything around you is changing.” 

With intentions to bring strength and hope to his listeners through his music, Ismael succeeds with the heartfelt nature of AS MUCH AS YOU DID BEFORE. The long-awaited project offers a new chapter for Ismael, one embracing growth and all that comes with it. Read below to learn more about the project and get ready for the highly anticipated AS MUCH AS YOU DID BEFORE, out April 1. 

LUNA: Spring is here and you have a project coming up - how are you doing these days?

ISMAEL: I’m feeling blessed and grateful. I’m healthy and surviving. My surroundings here too, we share the same energy. Although it is clearer than ever that the world and its inhabitants are suffering collectively, I try to find peace as much as I can.

LUNA: How do you think growing up immersed in so many cultures has impacted the feel of your music?

ISMAEL: I grew up listening to a lot of music coming from all three countries. Growing up with Surinamese, Indonesian and Dutch roots made me realize that it is possible to put real emotions in your music. Any kind of emotions. 

LUNA: Congrats on the upcoming release of AS MUCH AS YOU DID BEFORE! How would you compare this project to Blue Man? 

ISMAEL: Thank you. Blue Man was me trying to figure out how to deal with the failure between two people in a relationship. AMAYDB is about me trying to figure out how to deal with failure within. Processing trauma and opening up. With failure comes growth, setbacks, lessons and learning. This project is about seeking for light at the end of the tunnel.

LUNA: Can you share a favorite memory from the making of the project? 

ISMAEL: Telling my little brother Nathan that he will be the artwork of the project. 

LUNA: What are some of your favorite sonic elements you got to explore in this project?  

ISMAEL: The minimal approach. This time we gave the melodies of the instruments and vocals more room. Barely adding drums. Translating the isolation through the music. Sometimes there’s already enough happening.

LUNA: Some of the tracks touch on really vulnerable topics - is it ever difficult to show this side of yourself to the world? 

ISMAEL: At the moment, it is not anymore. But it used to be very difficult for me. I grew up in an environment where I did not get encouraged to show that side of myself. But the older I get, the more I see how important it is. Especially as a black man. I am here to show that it is ok to be vulnerable, speak about problems, mental issues, suicide and trying to grow as a human being.

LUNA: Which track means the most to you?

ISMAEL: “SAM”. Sam is my brother, I love him. We met in high school back in Almere. I can’t thank him enough for always being there for me. He carried me through everything I was going through while making this project and before that.

LUNA: What set of lyrics are you most proud of? 

ISMAEL: “I thought I had it all, then I lost it all. Is it really real? Or are you clapping before the fall?”

LUNA: What, if anything, do you hope listeners can take away from this project? 

ISMAEL: I hope it gives people as much strength as it gave me while making this. I hope people know that they are never alone even though it does feel like it. It is ok to fail, try, make mistakes and fail again. It is ok to be human and don’t be ashamed of yourself. Sometimes I wish someone would have taught me these things earlier, but I am glad that I found out myself. 

LUNA: You got to work with Olya Oleinic for this project to touch on the visual side - what was this collaboration like? 

ISMAEL: Magnificent. I feel blessed and happy that I got to work with her. Olya challenged me to think out and go out of my comfort zone. When we started with our collaboration, Olya came to my house to bring me a 2x2meter paper to hang up on my wall for some time. She was leaving for somewhere in the world and was coming back in a couple of weeks. She told me to draw, write and hang up everything that comes to mind or inspires me. After a few weeks we exchanged our ideas and thoughts. That was how we started this collaboration. Olya is a special human being. An artist that has a vision that I have never witnessed or seen before. Olya made me realize that I am able to do everything, as long as it comes from the right, pure place. 

LUNA: Can you give us any insight to any upcoming visuals? 

ISMAEL: Patience is a lovely game. 

LUNA: What intentions do you have for the rest of 2022? 

ISMAEL: I’m going on tour soon, so I’m looking forward to enjoying and playing both projects for people. I would like to learn how to make pottery. I’m taking workshops at the moment. Trying to be a good human being. I’m working on new music too.

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