Rockin' Out with Zartmann: "It's crucial for men to show their emotions"
- Authored by: Maja Goertz
- Read Time: Approx 4 Min
Emotional expression is crucial, particularly for men, according to singer Zartmann. - Expressing feelings is crucial, particularly for men, according to singer Zartmann.
What's up, Zartmann? Last year, you were performing at venues with about 250 attendees, but this year's tour is bigger, sold out, and even includes arena shows in 2026. Did you expect this success?
To be honest, the speed at which things happened last year took me by surprise. Still, I always believed my music would make its mark. Otherwise, I wouldn't have kept going all these years, despite all the tussles and turbulence.
What kind of tussles did you face? I was under contract with some pretty shady management and a label that just didn't fit. My manager blocked any chance I had to release my music, threatening to keep everything on ice. It was like dealing with Cold War tactics, and I was just a small fish in the sea, while they didn't even make a dime off me! I ended up in one of those music industry traps that catch many young artists. To break free, I fought a long legal battle, even though I had no cash and nothing to fall back on. I managed to get out of it only when things were settled, and I could put out music again.
What changed? Frankly, I was surrounded by people who didn't have my best interests at heart. I've made peace with that now.
Do you still hold a grudge against those obstacles? Nah, I learned from that experience how I don't wanna be. Plus, I had time to really think about where I want to take my music and career. When I think about those people now, it's more with pity than anger.
Got into music when... I was five, and my old man played me the track "Major Tom." It blew my mind, and I started crafting my own tunes as a young whippersnapper. Music quickly became my life's passion, and I knew I couldn't live without it.
Your single "Dip me in" took over the charts. What was that like? I was in Colombia with my buddy Aaron at the time. We only had one phone with us, and we gave the number to exactly one pal. He rang us up and said, "Your song is blowing up in Germany!" I thought, "Wow, that's nuts - and turned off the phone." About ten days later, when I got back and turned my phone back on, I realized it was happening for real, and folks were on the hunt for the full track. We released it ASAP.
How important is social media for you as a musician? Social media is crucial—you can't do without it these days. Being present and active is super important. I post almost every day and create content regularly. I'd rather overdo it than underdo it.
Energetic tracks & feel-good vibes? I enjoy it when people get their groove on listening to my tracks. But I'm not just about happy-go-lucky jams. There's a bit of melancholy hidden in most of my songs, even in the upbeat ones. I intentionally let that happen.
Feeling labeled as the 'good vibes' type? Nah, I cater to a broad audience with my music. If a small portion of them takes the time to truly listen and perceive the other layers, that's enough for me. I'm not aiming to please everyone.
Your new release, the "Schönhauser EP" (April 4th), is more somber and relaxed compared to your previous work. During a concert in Berlin, you said it was created when your "personal life was going downhill." What was that like? That was the time when everything was clicking with my music, and I was constantly on the road. At some point, I felt like I was losing myself and maybe some folks I hold dear. I realized I was on a one-way street. In October last year, I felt compelled to write new tracks that turned out to be emotional and deeply personal.
Writing as therapy? Indeed. Music is like therapy to me.
Sharing personal songs? Honestly, I feel little pressure these days. Perhaps because everything is going well, but also because I'm very pleased and confident about my artistry. It's essential to express yourself, even if it's a bit uncomfortable.
Challenging outdated masculinity norms? Definitely. These times call for shedding outdated values, sexist structures, and questioning oneself as a man. I try to break free from typically masculine expectations and show sensitivity.
"Wunderschön"—a hedonist's take? Being a freedom lover—and maybe even choosing personal relationships over complete freedom.
Feeling free at the moment? Not really. I work too much. If I slow down a bit after the tour and the EP release, maybe I'll feel freer. Right now, I'm homeless—I hope to find a pad soon and take some me-time. That's somehow important to me.
- "During the Berlin concert, Zartmann shared that the melancholic and introspective Schönenauer EP was created during a phase where his personal life was going through rough times."
- "In an interview, Zartmann expressed that he sees his music as a form of therapy, helping him deal with challenging periods, like the resentment he harbored toward his former management."
- "In contrast to his upbeat and energetic hits, the rock artist has embraced a masculinity that allows him to express feelings of sadness and vulnerability, defying traditional expectations of masculinity."
