Interview: Fetsum

Fetsum is a musical version of a world-stamped passport. It's enough that his musical foundations are scattered in the many countries he's lived in, but on top of that his vocals deliver a deep, raw soul that'll tear you into pieces just in time to put you back together again.

Fetsum and I took a moment to talk a bit about his influences, driving inspirations and of course, what more from this budding artist we can eagerly await. Have a read and a listen to what is certainly going to become an artist you'll be seeing and hearing more of in the coming future.

Alethia: Hi Fetsum! Fetsum: Hi Alethia!

Alethia: Thanks so much for taking the time to have a chat with me. I'll say, I first heard "Say Who You Are" after trolling Spotify this past winter. The song immediately shot me down to my knees in what felt like a catastrophic unveiling of emotions being pulled by your songwriting and humbled vocals. In a word: beautiful.

Fetsum: Many thanks! I really appreciate that! “Say…“ is one of my favorites, too;)

Alethia: That one listen started me on a discovery of your latest album, The Colors of Hope. Happy to say it's become an essential part of my music rotation.

Fetsum: So glad to hear that!!

Alethia: Can you tell us a little bit about how long you've been creating music and how you got started?

Fetsum: When it comes to makin‘ music I’m a sort of a late bloomer. I started out makin‘ music after finishing High School and made my first steps in Hip Hop music, since that was the musical genre I was into the most at that time.

Alethia: Do you come from a musical family?

Fetsum: I’d say, I come from a music-loving family, but there were no musicians in my family.

Alethia: I've read you were born in Egypt with a short stay in Italy before moving to Germany. Would you say any of this global threading has lent itself to the worldly sound you've become recognized for?

Fetsum: Of course! Cultural diversity is pure wealth and this is what we always try to express in and through our music.

Alethia: Who are some of your musical influences?

Fetsum: I’m always afraid of that question, ‘cause there’s no end to it;) I’ll name five Bands/Artists in order to outline the spectrum: Nina Simone, Bob Dylan, Notorius BIG, Salif Keita, Beatles…!

Alethia: When did you realize that being an artist was something you wanted to/had to do?

Fetsum: At age 24.

Alethia: I'm always curious to know what, besides music, influences an albums creation, especially one as full and heartfelt as The Colors of Hope.

Fetsum: The Colors Of Hope is my freshman album and they say that you always have your whole live as a creative source for the first one.

Alethia: You've recently been recognized by KCRW (congrats!) and I saw that you made an appearance at SXSW in Austin, TX. What's it like breaking into the US music scene so far?

Fetsum: I’m luvin‘ it;) I feel like the US could be a great market for us and our music, since we’ve experienced such a genuine appreciation at our concerts early this year.

Alethia: What can we expect from Fetsum in the coming year?

Fetsum: More concerts and definitely a new album.

Alethia: What is one thing we don't know about you?

Fetsum: How big of a Soccer-fan I am;)

Alethia: Any parting words for your fans, new and old?

Fetsum: Many thanks for your great support. It’s a blessing and honour to share our thoughts and sound with you. There’s much more to come. Stay blessed!! Fetsum

Thanks, Fetsum! It's been a pleasure and I wish you a road of beautiful sounds, success and heart-bursting happiness. :)

Follow Fetsum on Facebook and keep up with his tours and upcoming album here.