“I’m not afraid of not knowing the answer yet”: A conversation with Zoé Hammer

Swiss Brazilian singer-songwriter Zoé Hammer’s upcoming album, Birdlike, has been introduced with ‘Dreams’. The track, rich with shimmering textures and mythical imagery, is one of discovery and reflection.  

“There are times when I write a song in twenty minutes, but with ‘Dreams’, I struggled”, Zoé Hammer confesses. This struggle wasn’t in vain, however, as the single charts a journey of self-discovery. This journey is mirrored in the sonic composition of the track, backed by a grand orchestra, as the song concludes with new chords every four bars, demonstrating constant change and growth. 

‘Dreams’ introduces themes which will be further explored in Birdlike, an album which will manifest sonically the experience of “being or feeling lost”. Hammer elaborated on this meaning, revealing, “It’s about making choices and finding the right path”. 

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a circus artist, then an actress, and then a singer

Zoé Hammer

Intimately, Hammer shared, “When I was growing up, I wanted to be a circus artist, then an actress, and then a singer … there came a time when I had to choose.” This experience, of having a diverse range of passions and interest, but feeling as if a lane must be picked, is one we can all relate to. The reality of the event, in which Hammer “had to reflect on what I wanted and why I wanted it”, is the central theme for ‘Dreams’. 

For this single, Hammer worked alongside producer Pascal Jean, which they described as “magical”. It was the first time “a producer didn’t tell me to do less”, confessed Hammer, which is portrayed by the “100 harmonies on the track”.  

Hammer isn’t coming into Birdlike inexperienced. Growing up with a classical singing background, being involved in a rock band in high school, and studying musical theatre has allowed Hammer to broaden their taste and allows them to bring their “favourite rhythms or instruments together from different genres”. The main change from their previous ventures, however, is with this album Hammer has “access to professional equipment”, as opposed to “hammering foam on the inside of my wardrobe”.  

Alongside the release of ‘Dreams’, an MV was released, inviting viewers into the imaginative world of Hammer. In this MV, Hammer brought together thirty collaborators to film in an abandoned building. The visuals, which Hammer “spent every waking moment for a few months planning”, enhance the story of the song as they can “show the viewer the whimsicality of that world”. 

I’m not afraid of not knowing the answer yet

Zoé Hammer

Hammer discretely revealed titles for songs that will feature in Birdlike: ‘Alice Lost in Wonderland’, ‘Rotten’, and ‘Polite with Me’. These songs, in line with the concept of Birdlike, focus on “trying to find answers to questions which might not have them”. A focus, which Hammer is prepared to venture, as she states: “I’m not afraid of not knowing the answer yet”.  

Both these tracks, however, focus on different aspects of “feeling lost”, with lyrics in ‘Alice Lost in Wonderland’ – “None of these paths are mine / So where the hell am I?” (‘Alice Lost in Wonderland’, Zoé Hammer) illuminating by means of metaphor the facing of decisions outside of their control. Contrastingly, in ‘Polite with Me’, the lyric “The path winds and splits as it seems fit / But my body cannot run in half down both paths” (‘Polite with Me’, Zoé Hammer) is dedicated to the embodied difficulty of being divided between two decisions. 

These lyrics are undeniably beautiful, effectively expressing Hammer’s “internal world to the outside”. It remains intriguing, however, how Hammer’s vocals will drive the message of the stories she is telling here, and how the composition will enhance the experience. 

Regarding future plans, Hammer revealed she intends that “The entire album will be released at the beginning of April”, with another single being released at some point in January. Let’s wait patiently and wonder whether the next song and music video will be for any of the tracks that Hammer teased, or something entirely unheard of.