Cero Ismael Leans Into The Beauty And The Pain On 'WY'

Dark, Melancholic and soulful, Amsterdam's Cero Ismael thrives in the uncomfortable as he explores the reality of loving someone by taking a closer look at his own internal thoughts and actions.

Composed of an undertone of an acoustic guitar rift, synth strings and other subtle elements, he adopts an unusual electronic soundscape alongside softly sung vocals that expresses intense emotion that leaves the listeners reeling.

He delivers his lyrics in almost a confessionally tone on ‘WY’, weighed with such care and delicacy. Cero croons “My partner but that’s not without peace, show up whenever you need me”, implying that love is more than just enjoying the roses.

The Dutch artist shares: “on WY’ I reflect on the difficulties and struggles with my partner, myself and life. Sometimes all three can feel like chaos. on ‘WY’ I highlight the lows, self-reflection and beautiful moments from all.”

Speaking on the accompanying video, the director Folkert Verdoorn says: I’ve always been fascinated in the artificial creation of natural elements. In this case, a storm.

Perhaps it’s my personal desire to be the centre of the universe. To play god. or perhaps I just like to see things move, I don’t know.

Either way I felt It was a healthy thing to pursue for this video, as the song (for me) reflects a sense of harmonisation with the chaotic nature of life.

Verdoorn also feels as if the visuals provide a valuable " insight into the beautiful struggle that everyone at some point goes through. And the reality that we sometimes need to confront whatever the problem is to continue. Besides that it seemed like a solid reflection of the present zeitgeist, with all the shit that’s been going on.

Cero Ismael adds: It was important to me that we would capture a beautiful chaos for the video. Folkert and I have had many conversations to understand each other and the video for 'WY' is a perfect result of our bonding. Together we found beauty in the chaos.”

Listen to all his tracks here