Zartmann: Raw, Real, “schönhauser”

Zartmann, the Berlin-based artist has carved out a unique space in the German music scene. Since his 2021 debut with 2 Blocks, his distinctive voice and raw storytelling have captivated a growing audience. Now, Zartmann is gearing up for the release of his new schönhauser EP, dropping today. The eight-track project includes the hit tau mich auf, which already topped the German charts in February.
With schönhauser, Zartmann takes us on a journey into his past. His honest approach to capturing the nuances of his emotions creates a space for all those navigating the limbo between heartbreak and escapism while somehow trying to grow up. And as his music reaches new emotional depths, his career reaches new heights: in 2026, Zartmann will embark on the biggest tour of his career, playing 15 shows in the largest arenas across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Lina Kürschner: Your stage name already preserves some of your privacy. Would you say that this helps you to distance yourself from public life? Is Zartmann an artificial figure for you or rather an authentic part of yourself?

Zartmann: It definitely helps me. At least I often have the feeling that I can rediscover myself in the name Zartmann – or perhaps rather: I can be myself even more. Zartmann is not a constructed character, not a staged figure, but rather an extension of my own identity. So I would say: an authentic part of myself.

LK: A lot has changed in your career in the last year. And now your next EP, the ‘schönhauser EP’, is in the starting blocks. How have these developments shaped you and your music?

Z: I think my music has become more mature. You can clearly hear that more time and resources have gone into the production. It’s exciting to see how my way of working has developed and how this is reflected in the songs. Even though it’s ‘only’ an EP and not an album, my sound has become more refined and deeper. Those are the most noticeable differences.

LK: Your lyrics are often very personal. Can it sometimes be difficult for you to show yourself so openly in front of a large audience?

Z: It sometimes takes some overcoming to make yourself so vulnerable, especially as you never know how people will react. There’s always the risk of being ridiculed or not taken seriously. But in the end, I make music out of a very personal drive – to process things, because I love music and that’s the reason why my music sounds the way it does. If I would start to constantly orientate myself on what others expect or what would be safe and invulnerable, my music would quickly become irrelevant.

LK: Many people recognise themselves in your lyrics. Would you say that your songs represent your generation?

Z: I wouldn’t presume to say that. I think that many people can identify with my lyrics, regardless of their generation. Sure, some topics may be particularly relevant to my age group, but ideally my songs simply reach people, no matter where they are in life.

LK: Making music today also means promoting it on social media platforms. How do you deal with this aspect? Do you ever find it challenging?

Z: To be honest, no. Many people struggle with social media, but I’ve always enjoyed it. For me, marketing myself is not a necessary evil, but something that is part of the job and that I really love doing. This is something we grew up with, after all.

LK: To what extent does social media influence your creative process?

Z: Of course, sometimes I think: ‘Hey, this song could work well on TikTok.’ But generally I just make the music I want to make and then think about how to promote it. The other way round would not feel right.

LK: You mentioned rap as one of your biggest influences. In which form is this reflected in your music?

Z: Especially in the lyrics. Even though my songs are embedded in pop productions, you can tell from the rhyme structures that they don’t follow the typical indie house pattern. Somehow everything comes across as a bit more ‘rappy’. So I wouldn’t describe my music as rap, but the influence is definitely noticeable.

LK: What makes the ‘schönhauser EP’ special?

Z: It’s my third EP. This time I have woven a continuous story into it. It has a common thread, a structure that runs from beginning to end. That’s what makes it special for me, because I’ve worked more intensively than ever before on a conclusive narrative style.

LK: What themes or emotions run through the ‘schönhauser EP’?

Z: Honestly? Listen to it. I don’t like to overanalyze my music. Anyone who wants to get involved will find their own meaning in it. And if not, that’s okay too.

CREDITS

Photography: sophiasbilderbuch