Stefano Ark Tells His Story & Previews Future Plans For His Music Journey

Intro:

Stefano Ark is an alternative artist from London who is now based in Manchester, UK. Stefano often gathers his inspiration from horror and thriller films. His recent album “The Martian: Years 2013-2023” was released last month after his successful 2024 tour. Stefano’s music bends the idea of genre & captures a one-of-a-kind feeling. Before reading our full conversation, you can follow him on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @martianhomestudio.

Meet Stefano Ark

Me: What initially inspired you to start making music?

Stefano: I began writing songs at the age of 9, and from there, my passion for music only deepened, eventually leading me to become infatuated with performance and composition—particularly horror composition. I vividly remember Michael Jackson's This Is It as the turning point in my love for performance. I would watch his shows over and over, teaching myself to dance by mimicking his every move. His attention to detail—how fashion, movement, storytelling, and music seamlessly blended on stage—was utterly captivating.

I even remember wishing I could grow up faster so that I could wear outfits like his one day. Michael was always big on “studying the greats,” and I’ve carried that philosophy with me in every aspect of my life. I applied it to my day job as well, and it’s what helped me excel so quickly in my career. By learning from my peers and directors, I was able to absorb valuable lessons and improve rapidly, just as I have in music and performance so far.

How would you describe your sound & style over the years? Has your sound changed & evolved since you started?

My musical style is a blend of cinematic intensity and experimental storytelling, shaped by my diverse artistic background. I often describe my music as "interstellar cinema" because it feels like a dark, atmospheric journey, where I mix haunting soundscapes with pulsating beats and vivid narratives. I’ve always been drawn to the tension-building sound design in horror and thriller films. That influence plays a huge role in how I craft my music—it’s about creating an experience that builds suspense and evokes real emotion, almost like the soundtrack to a film that doesn't exist yet. I’ve created personas like IrV and The Moon Man to add a theatrical, almost ominous layer to my work. These alter egos are facets of my actual ego, which help me navigate life, my thoughts and feelings, etc. I love playing with the sonic picture, rearranging elements to create tension—something I learned from studying the art of Foley in horror films. It’s all about building an atmosphere that feels as real as it is surreal.

I think that’s part of what sets my work apart—creating horror-inspired cinematic influences to create something unexpected. My recent album, The Martian: Years 2013-2023, is a reflection of my evolution as an artist. Tracks like "THE VILLAIN!" and "STEFANO’S RHAPSODY!" are deeply introspective, exploring themes of universal interconnection, consciousness, and the search for purpose. My music is more than just sound—it’s a journey through my own growth and artistic exploration. I’m always pushing toward new frontiers, constantly seeking new ways to challenge myself and my listeners with every track I create. I believe that the musical development process is always ongoing just like life is, it’s important to recognize this or growth can become stagnant and cause our ego to be in the driver's street- I try to be as mindful of this as possible My recent album, The Martian: Years 2013-2023, is a reflection of my journey and evolution as an artist. Tracks like "THE VILLAIN!" and "STEFANO’S RHAPSODY!" are deeply introspective, delving into themes of universal interconnection, consciousness, and the search for purpose.

For me, music is more than just sound—it’s a continuous journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. I’m always striving to push the boundaries of what I can create, constantly challenging myself and my listeners with each new track. I believe the musical development process is never truly finished, much like life itself. Recognizing this is essential for growth; without it, we risk stagnating and letting our egos take control. I try to stay mindful of this, constantly reminding myself that growth requires openness and a willingness to evolve, both in music and in life.

That is very well said! From there, how did you come up with your stage name?

My stage name is also my legal name. I was originally named Stefan, but most of my family have called me Stefano since I was young, and I’ve always preferred it. In 2020, I officially made the change and began using Stefano as my legal name. As for my alias, The Martian, it reflects how I’ve often felt different and out of place throughout my life—something I once hated about myself. Over time, I’ve learned to embrace those feelings and own them, which is why The Martian resonates with me as a symbol of that journey.

Who are some of your favorite artists/producers/engineers to work with in the studio?

My favorite collaborators at the moment are Amo and Jono Hook, and you'll be hearing more from them in some of my upcoming projects. Both are incredibly talented artists based in Manchester. Jono produced a track called "Space Raiders" for the DLC/Deluxe version of my recent album, and I’m excited for you to hear it. There's already a snippet available on the 'Martian Home Studio' pages on Instagram and TikTok, so if you haven’t checked it out yet, be sure to give it a listen.

When it comes to mixing, my go-to engineer is Tom Hazal, also based in Manchester. In an industry where working relationships can be difficult, Tom stands out for his passion, confidence, and undeniable talent. He has an amazing ability to capture the exact vibe I’m going for in the final mix and master, and he's always receptive to feedback, which makes the whole process much smoother. He’s truly a professional through and through.

In a perfect world, what does a perfect studio or recording session look like in your imagination?

I prefer a cozy home studio over a "professional" one any day. For me, feeling relaxed is essential when recording—if the environment isn’t right, it takes me longer to get into the zone and deliver my best. My ideal studio would have dim lighting and be located on Mars, but for now, I’ll settle for just the dim lighting.

Nice! And do you remember the first song you've ever made? If so, what was it like & how does it compare to your latest/best releases?

The first song I ever created was called Braveheart. Although I had written many songs before it, this was the first to have a melody. I never recorded it back then, but I plan to do so soon, along with another song from that era (currently in demo form). I wrote Braveheart in 2009, and I’ve never forgotten the chorus. In fact, I was singing it in my apartment just yesterday.

Now that I’m an adult, I can expand on it further, adding more depth and complexity to the verses. The original version was much more pop-oriented compared to my recent release, which leans heavily into avant-garde and experimental territory. The final version of Braveheart will strike a balance—a fusion of the signature Stefano Ark sound with a hint of pop, creating something fresh yet true to me.

Outside of music, what are some talents & hobbies that others may not know about you?

One of my biggest interests is neuroscience; I find the field incredibly fascinating. I also believe that disciplines like biology and astrophysics can inspire and inform one another in meaningful ways. On top of that, I’m a huge film nerd! In my late teens, I seriously considered shifting my focus to filmmaking but ultimately chose to invest my energy into music. That said, the two fields are deeply interconnected, and in the near future, I plan to return to my filmmaking passion. My autism was on its final level with my ticket-collecting hobby haha—I visited the cinema daily and accumulated hundreds of tickets, only to lose the entire collection eventually. It’s one of those quirks I look back on with a smile.

What's been the most difficult part of your journey in music?

Believing in myself and my talent has been a journey. I often talk about the concept of a "sense of self," and it's important to emphasize that this wasn’t always my reality. It took years of self-discovery, learning from others, and reprogramming my mindset to break free from societal constructs that keep us disconnected from our true selves. Today, I have complete faith in my talent, my purpose, and who I am. But in the past, my low self-esteem and lack of self-belief held me back from allowing myself to truly be "seen." Overcoming those barriers has been essential to embracing my authenticity and fostering growth.

I appreciate the honesty in your answer! Is there any advice you would give to someone who is thinking about getting into music today?

I would advise them not to overthink their craft or focus on who they "should be." Instead, embrace who they are right now, including both the positives and the negatives. There's something incredibly rewarding about hearing your music and witnessing your own growth over time. It’s also crucial to focus on yourself. Comparison often leads to feelings of inadequacy and can blind you to how special you truly are.

While it's important to draw inspiration from others and continue learning—both of which are essential for growth—avoid falling into the mentally draining trap of constant comparison. It can hinder you from fully realizing your mission in this lifetime. Remember, your art is ultimately for you; it’s a reflection of your unique expression. Some people will connect with it, and others won’t—and that’s exactly what makes art daring, authentic, and innovative.

And finally, do you have any upcoming plans or releases you’d like to share with the fans?

I have so much exciting content to share over the next year, and I can’t wait to bring it all to life. In February, I’ll be releasing a spin-off story/EP titled ‘A Martian Space Federation Story: STeVe & IrV’. This project dives deeper into the alter egos featured on my current album and expands on the world of ‘Planet IrV’. I’m also working on a DLC for the current album, and it’s shaping up beautifully.

One track, ‘There Goes The Martian’, holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait for you to hear it. On top of that, tour dates for ‘Martian Home Studio: Live on Tour!’ will be announced soon. All of this is building up to the release of my sophomore album, set to drop on Halloween 2025. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come! Also, they’ll be music videos for “Cruel World!” & “The Villain!” landing soon