IN CONVERSATION WITH CERO ISMAEL
interview by MARIE PAULINE CESARI
Numéro Netherlands Digital presents Cero Ismael, the Amsterdam-raised artist with Surinamese, Dutch, and Indonesian roots, known for his emotional blend of alternative R&B, hip-hop, indie, and electronic music. Following his earlier projects Blue Man, AS MUCH AS YOU DID BEFORE, and Eureka, Cero is now preparing for his debut album, AT LEAST SOMETHING IS PROTECTING YOU, out April 2025.
We spoke with him about music, emotion, fashion, and what’s been protecting him lately.
What sparked your interest in music?
I grew up surrounded by music. My father made music and my grandmother was a gospel singer, so sound and storytelling were always close. I started writing raps at 11, but began singing later on. Singing unlocked something new—it gave me a way to express emotions that didn’t always have room in my daily life. Writing music became a space to process, reflect, place my thoughts, questions, pain and joy.
Your sound blends so many genres. What guides your direction?
I follow feeling over genre, so my sound naturally ends up all over the place. I’ve never felt the need to stick to one sound. I’m influenced by a mix of genres, sounds, and whatever’s happening around me at the time. I just try to listen to what the emotion needs sonically, and let that lead the way.
How does fashion connect to your creative identity?
Fashion, to me, is a form of expression—another way of telling stories without using words. It allows me to show different sides of myself, depending on how I feel. I’m drawn to pieces that feel both functional and expressive, grounded but still artistic. That balance between practicality and emotion is something I try to bring into my music as well.
Your album, AT LEAST SOMETHING IS PROTECTING YOU, drops next month. What’s the story behind the title?
The title speaks to the feeling that even when everything falls apart, something—or someone—is still holding you together. Maybe it’s faith, maybe myself, maybe intuition, maybe love. I can’t say for sure—maybe it’s all of them at once. But it’s there, quietly protecting you. What’s protecting you?
What’s the biggest evolution in your music with this album?
I tried to be in the moment while creating this record, a lot more than before. Taking my time for everything and not being rushed by the world. Or myself. Or short attention spans. I allowed myself to be open, even when it didn’t sound pretty. Sonically, I also explored with more live instrumentation and let the songs breathe more. There’s a freedom in this record that I hadn’t accessed before.
How does Amsterdam influence your artistry?
Amsterdam has a big influence on my work. There’s always something new. New energy, new people, new perspectives. The creative encounters I have here keep me inspired and sharp. The city feeds me, whether it’s through conversations, visuals, or just walking around and observing.
What makes a collaboration truly work for you?
For me, a collaboration only really works when there’s honesty and trust on both sides. Without an emotional connection, the outcome just doesn’t carry any real weight. The best collaborations I’ve had started with genuine conversations and a shared curiosity. It’s about giving each other space, staying open, and keeping the dialogue alive.
What’s one message you hope listeners take from your music?
You’ll find the light, eventually.
