Zartmann on Emotions, Struggles, and New Masculinity: An Unfiltered Chat
- by Maja Goertz
- 4 Min
Emotional expression is key for male individuals, according to singer Zartmann. - Emotional expression is crucial, particularly for men, according to singer Zartmann.
Alright, Zartmann, your gigs have taken off from 250 to sell-out crowds, and arenas are on the horizon in '26. Didn't see that comin', huh?
Frankly, I didn't see it coming at the speed it happened. But I've always believed in my artistic journey, no matter the ups and downs.
What kinda struggles we talkin' 'bout? Well, I've had my fair share. I had a restrictive management and a label that blocked my releases. It was absurd, like living in the Cold War, and I was just a small-time artist who wasn't making 'em rich. I had to fight a long legal battle to get out of that, even though I was penniless.
How did that happen? I surrounded myself with folks who weren't invested in my long-term career. I've moved on from it all.
You still mad 'bout it? Not really. I learned what kind of people I don't wanna be. Plus, that experience gave me time to shape my musical direction and artistic identity. When I think back on them now, it ain't hate but pity.
You got into music at five, after your ol' man spun "Major Tom." Besides that tune, what made you pick up a guitar and start singing? It was like a calling. Music soon became the center of my life. I knew it was my destiny to make it my career.
One of your singles, "Dip me in," went viral and topped the charts. How did you react when you heard that? I was in Colombia with a mate at the time. The one friend we had a phone for called and said my song was about to blow up in Germany. I figured: that's wild! - and turned the phone off. Ten days later, when I got back home, I saw the truth and dove right into releasing the song.
Social media, ain't nothin' without it, right? You're dead right. It's crucial for a contemporary musician to stay active. I post content regularly and keep it light - I'd rather drop too much than too little.
Your tunes are known for the good vibes they bring, so conscious move? Sure, it's cool when people catch a positive vibe from my music. But don't get it twisted - I ain't all sunshine and rainbows. There's usually a bit of melancholy even in the happiest tunes. I let it flow.
And the haters who call you soft? Don't care. I got a broad audience, and if some folks just wanna catch some good vibes without delving deep into my music, that's ok. I ain't gotta please every Tom, Dick, or Harry.
Comin' up, your "Schönhauser EP" drops on April 4th, and it's more serious than your earlier work. You shared at a Berlin show that it was penned when your personal life was in chaos. Spill the beans on that time?
That was the period when my music career took off, and I felt like I was losing myself and the people I hold dear. I realized I was lost in a labyrinth of one-way streets. During that time, last October, I wrote new songs that turned out to be emotional and intense.
Writing songs help ya deal with tough times? You bet. Music is therapy for me.
Releasin' such personal songs, freak you out? Nah, not in my current booming state. I feel no pressure, as I'm content with the direction my art is headed. Of course, it ain't always easy to open up, but I think it's vital, particularly for men, to show emotions and not just sing about shallow things.
People called you a representative of a new masculinity. What does that mean to you? Living in today's world, it's essential to question the old values, sexist norms, and even ourselves, men. It's about breaking free from traditional male stereotypes and embracing sensitivity. That's what I strive for.
"Wunderschön," you lay it out as a hedonist. What's the definition according to Zartmann? Being a lover of freedom - sometimes even more than relationships.
Feelin' free now? Not really. I'm too immersed in work. But who knows? Freedom can also mean being alone - it's the eternal question, isn't it? I'm mulling it over often. Hopefully, after the tour and EP release, I can slow down a bit and find an apartment to call my sanctuary.
- New Masculinity
- Emotional Expressiveness
- Songwriting as TherapyZartmann has achieved significant success in the German music scene, as evidenced by his song "tau mich auf" reaching No.1 on the charts[1]. Born into a music-loving family, he started writing songs and making music at a young age. In interviews, he discusses his struggles within the music industry, including his legal fight to break free from a restrictive management and label. His lyrics often reflect themes of melancholy despite the upbeat nature of his tunes. Zartmann has also expressed his views on masculinity, particularly the importance of emotional vulnerability and the need for men to question traditional gender roles. He sees himself as a representative of a new masculinity and has talked about issues like hedonism, personal freedom, and introspection in his music. Despite his success, Zartmann remains focused on his artistic journey and is looking forward to his upcoming EP release and arena concerts.
- Zartmann believes emotional expressivity is crucial, especially for men, to break free from traditional gender roles and embrace sensitivity, which he considers a part of a new masculinity.
- In his music, Zartmann weaves melancholy themes despite the generally upbeat nature of his tunes, using songwriting as a therapeutic outlet during tough times.
- Despite the recent success of his music career, Zartmann still feels a sense of longing for personal freedom, pondering on the eternal question of what true freedom means for him.
