Portuguese singer/songwriter Cristóvam talks about his new single "Fever," his collaboration with Boy & Bear, and how he balances life with his music.
Streaming: "Fever" – Cristóvam
Cristóvam, an artist from Portugal, frequently navigates between different worlds. Residing in the breathtaking, isolated Azores archipelago, his musical journey often takes him far from his home, leading to a life characterized by constant movement. This sense of dislocation is central to his new single "Fever," a mesmerizing track that grapples with themes of chaos and hope.
The song features a collaboration with the Australian indie folk band Boy & Bear, which enriches Cristóvam's already captivating sound. The music video, directed by Diogo Rola, visually intertwines the rugged landscapes of the Azores with the untamed beauty of Australia, emphasizing the concept of being in multiple places simultaneously.
Atwood Magazine had a conversation with Cristóvam regarding the new single, his forthcoming album Desert of Fools, and the creative process with Boy & Bear.
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:: stream/purchase Fever here ::
:: connect with Cristóvam here ::
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Stream: “Fever” – Cristóvam
Cristóvam © Diogo Rola
A CONVERSATION WITH CRISTÓVAM
Atwood Magazine: Congratulations on the release of “Fever.” It’s such a captivating and atmospheric track. What inspired the song, and how did the theme of "chaos and hope" influence its creation?
Cristóvam: Thank you! "Fever" began as a small musical concept for a short film by my friend Diogo Rola, who also directed the music video. I didn’t finalize the songwriting until I was in Australia with Tim Hart working on the record. The lyrics evolved significantly during that time, and Tim co-wrote it with me.
Lyrically, the song exists in that ambiguous area between reality and imagination—similar to a half-remembered dream that feels significant, although you can’t quite pinpoint why. The chaos is reflected in the emotional depth I aimed to express, while hope emerges through the character’s continued pursuit of meaning amid confusion.
You collaborated with Boy & Bear on “Fever.” How did that partnership form, and what was it like to work with them?
Cristóvam: Collaborating with Boy & Bear was truly a dream come true. I’ve admired them for years, so collaborating felt like stepping into a realm I deeply respect. The opportunity arose through my connection with Tim Hart, who produced my last two albums. While we were crafting Desert of Fools, Tim suggested including the band on this track, which turned out to be perfectly timed.
Recording in Australia with Tim, who is not only an amazing producer but also a close friend, was a magical experience. Adding a song with one of my favorite Australian bands made it even more special. It felt like the ideal way to capture this moment.
Boy & Bear are an exceptional band. Their meticulousness, storytelling instincts, and unique sound elevate the track. They contributed so much to it.
Cristóvam © Diogo Rola
“Fever” is part of your upcoming album Desert of Fools. Can you share more about the journey of creating this record and how it differs from your previous albums, Hopes & Dreams and Songs on a Wire?
Cristóvam: Desert of Fools feels like my most sonically adventurous album to date. Looking back, Hopes & Dreams was about establishing my footing, created with a sense of wide-eyed hope. Songs on a Wire arose from a place of solitude; it was raw and intimate, heavily influenced by the stillness during lockdown. This new album expands upon all of that. It is richer, more textured, and broader in sound—while still rooted in the honesty and storytelling that I value most.
Tim Hart had a significant impact on both the songwriting and production. We were aligned from the outset, which made the process feel organic; it was as if we knew instinctively where the songs were meant to go.
The journey of creating this album was both physical and emotional, taking me from the Azores to Australia. That movement heavily influenced the music, creating an undercurrent of distance and exploration, filled with a mix of longing, searching, losing, and ultimately finding.
You also worked closely with Tim Hart (Boy & Bear) as the producer for Desert of Fools. How did his influence and your time in Australia shape the sound and feel of the album?
Cristóvam: Tim’s impact was immense. Over the years, we’ve developed a strong creative trust, and he has a way of pushing me to dive deeper without pressure. He co-wrote some of the tracks, adding a fresh dynamic to the process.
Recording in Australia infused the experience with a new kind of energy. Being far from home, surrounded by a different environment
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O cantor e compositor português Cristóvam fala sobre seu novo single "Fever", a colaboração com Boy & Bear e como encontrar equilíbrio entre a vida e a música.