Cero Ismael releases AT LEAST SOMETHING IS PROTECTING YOU
We headed to Amsterdam to spend the week with Cero Ismael before his headline show and the release of his debut album
Cero Ismael is in this for the long haul. From our first conversation with him surrounding the release of his Blue Man EP and subsequent projects AS MUCH AS YOU DID BEFORE and Eureka, the care and craft that goes into every aspect of his projects is evident. In a music eco-system that rewards virality and 'moments' this considered approach is especially noticeable. On his debut album he explores grief, love, loss, friendships, familial bonds and the challenges of single fatherhood on tracks brought to life with orchestral like production. Watching the rehearsal at Amsterdam's skate cafe days prior to the headline show at Paradiso, the value of having instrument playing musicians on the album and a live band for the show was palpable. The passion and catharsis Josh performs with might to be too exposing to do alone, but seeing his bandmates give just as much of themselves on stage turns what could look like an exorcism into a prayer group. Maybe the way he performs and produces his music is the perfect reflection of how he lives his life. The day before our shoot with him we grabbed dinner with his 8 year old son, who during the album's production had asked why Josh's creative partner Ami (also present) couldn't live with them. Once the dust had settled from his packed out headline show we managed to grab some quiet time with Josh to reflect on the project's release.
Is it weird making music that is so vulnerable and expressive in your second language and would you feel any more connected to it if it was in Dutch?
I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s weird, but every time I perform for a crowd in The Netherlands, I’m very aware of the fact that I’m singing in my second language. It’s actually something I only recently started reflecting on, so I love that you’re asking this question. When I performed in Copenhagen, for example, I was much less aware of it. I think it’s just part of the job — and part of me being a very self-aware person.
What makes you feel protected?
It’s a lot of things at once — faith, myself, intuition, love, my surroundings, SPF. It’s all there, quietly protecting me.
It's evident what a team effort the Cero Ismael project is. Is it ever difficult straddling work/personal relationships?
I feel very blessed to be working with such a wonderful team. I’ve spent years building the kind of strong work and personal relationships I have now. What I’ve especially learned is that communication and trust are always crucial when it comes to working together.
You've increasingly referenced fatherhood throughout your discography, do you ever think about how Elijah will process your music once he's older?
Definitely. Elijah is a smart kid — too smart sometimes. I’m sure he’ll pick up on things I didn’t even realize I put into the music.
What is the story behind the album art for this project?
The album title and the story behind it were already there in 2023. From that moment on, my team, my creative partner Ami, and I started exploring how we could connect everything — the music, live show visuals, photo series, and the artwork. We really wanted the theme of protection to run through every part of the project. That’s how we came up with the idea to release the album in three parts (AT LEAST, PROTECTING YOU, and AT LEAST SOMETHING IS PROTECTING YOU). Ami later found Robert Roest, a Dutch painter who often paints dogs. For me, dogs symbolize protection, and especially the way Robert paints them really captures that feeling.Eli de Haas also created a unique artwork for each track, each one reflecting the human side of the story.
This project features yet another cinematic masterpiece music video for DRIVING AROUND LOOKING FOR UNKNOWN. In a increasingly streaming and TikTok focused music industry, why do you feel investing so much into video is worthwhile?
I believe it’s important to create timeless art — something that makes people pause for a moment. Sometimes it feels like we’re forgetting that as a society. Everything around us moves so fast that we rarely take the time to just stand still. Life moves way too fast. I also think it’s important to create art that you have to revisit multiple times to really understand what’s happening, rather than just something you consume in 30 seconds. That being said, I do love TikTok though.
You've rapped progessively less since Blue Man, why is this?
I find it hard to rap about pain and certain emotions. Some emotions just feel like they can only be sung, strangely enough. When we spoke back in 2021 for Blue Man, I told you that every new project is like a chapter from my life, and over the past few years, I’ve just felt a stronger need to sing. I’ll be rapping more again soon though. Pinky promise.
Why was Darling the song from Blue Man that made your setlist for the show?
Darling means a lot to me — it’s a song through which I rediscovered myself. It’s also one of my favorite tracks to perform live. I feel completely connected to it, and even after all these years, it still feels like home to me.
Keep up with Cero Ismael here
Article and photography by Martyn Ewoma
Creative direction by Ami Keita
Shot at Skate Cafe Amsterdam
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