Mario’s “Closer To Mars”: A Cosmic R&B Journey Inspired by Self-Discovery and Social Change

R&B sensation Mario, often described by fans and critics alike as a “cosmic being” due to his profound lyrical depth and ethereal soundscapes, has finally broken his two-year musical hiatus. His latest offering, the highly anticipated EP titled Closer To Mars, marks a significant return for the artist since his 2018 project, Dancing Shadows. This new collection of tracks, initially postponed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, delves deep into themes of passion, self-discovery, and the powerful influence of celestial bodies, particularly the Red Planet itself. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Mario revealed the fascinating backstory behind the EP’s conception, detailing how an unexpected linguistic revelation about his own name intertwined with astronomical inspiration to shape his latest creative endeavor.

“I recently found out a couple of months ago that my name actually means ‘Mars’ in Latin. ‘Mario’ means ‘Mars’ in Latin,” the artist shared, his voice resonating with an almost mystical undertone. This striking personal connection to the fourth planet from the Sun served as a foundational spark for the EP’s lead single, also titled “Mars.” The song is a sultry, slow jam that embodies the very essence of its namesake. Mario recounted the pivotal studio session in Atlanta with the esteemed, Grammy Award-winning producer, Lil Ronnie. “He’s an amazing producer,” Mario emphasized. “And he’s like, ‘what type of music do you want to create? What type of EP is this?’ And I’m like, you know, honestly, I’ve been wanting to do just like a summer project, something that’s fun and up-tempo. But today, I’m feeling like Mars. Let’s create a record using the tempo of Mars and the key that the planet Mars is in.” This unique approach highlights Mario’s innovative spirit, drawing from a cosmic wellspring of inspiration. He further elaborated on this intriguing concept, explaining for those unfamiliar: “For those of you who don’t know, each planet has its own key. And it also has its own tempo — BPM — that it runs off of.” This profound understanding of cosmic resonance allowed Mario and Lil Ronnie to craft a track that is not only musically captivating but also scientifically inspired, creating an auditory experience that truly feels “Closer To Mars.”

The cosmic connection extends beyond just the title track. Mario revealed how this celestial framework shaped the lyrical narrative of the song “Mars.” “So we just started there, and I just wrote the rest of the record metaphorically about having a night of passion, but also that in return, my love interest. Ultimately, that’s what this song is about,” he explained. The artist’s vision for the accompanying visuals further solidifies this blend of the tangible and the ethereal. “And I wanted to marry that with a visual that was based in reality, but also based in the cosmic space,” Mario stated, hinting at a forthcoming artistic expression that promises to be as visually stunning as it is audibly compelling. The EP itself features other notable singles like “Pretty Mouth Magick” and “Closer,” each contributing to the overarching narrative of intimacy, exploration, and the powerful forces that draw us together, whether on an earthly or cosmic plane.

The recurring themes of cosmic space, being in tune with celestial energies, and connecting on a deeper vibrational level with the universe are not merely artistic conceits for Mario; they stem directly from his personal journey and lived experiences. “I think for me, growing up in Baltimore, seeing the darker side of life and then becoming an artist, traveling the world and seeing the brighter side of things – it gave this mystical understanding of balance and contrasts,” Mario reflected. This profound duality, experiencing both the harsh realities and the boundless opportunities life presents, has cultivated within him a unique philosophical perspective that informs his creative output and his identity as an artist. His music becomes a conduit for these complex insights, offering listeners not just entertainment, but a chance to reflect on their own place within the grand cosmic tapestry.

“So, I’ve always been that person,” he affirmed, emphasizing his intrinsic connection to these broader concepts. “I can use my music and my creativity as a way to express myself. It’s like therapy to me.” Mario elaborated on his definition of being a “cosmic being,” clarifying that it transcends simple astrological readings or zodiac signs. “I would definitely say mysticism and being a cosmic being – not just astrology, not just the Zodiacs, but all of it – how the contrast works together and how it affects the world that we live in.” This holistic worldview suggests an interconnectedness of all things, where individual experiences mirror universal laws, and the interplay of light and shadow creates the rich tapestry of existence. Through his art, Mario invites his audience to explore these deeper dimensions, encouraging a greater awareness of self and surroundings.

During the revealing interview with HollywoodLife, Mario also opened up about the delicate balance between his various creative pursuits. His recent break from music wasn’t a period of idleness but rather a dedicated foray into acting, which included a two-year stint as the character Devon on the popular television series Empire. Additionally, he portrayed Benny in the 2019 FOX live musical special, Rent: Live. These acting roles, while successful, created an internal tension for the multi-talented artist. “Your potential always haunts you, when your instincts are to do what you naturally love to do, which is, for me, singing and creating music,” he confessed, speaking candidly about the powerful gravitational pull he felt drawing him back to the recording studio even as he excelled in his acting career. This internal struggle between different artistic callings is a common experience for many versatile performers, highlighting the passion that drives Mario’s work in every medium.

Despite the allure of returning to music, Mario’s commitment to excellence in every project he undertakes is unwavering. “But I’m also one of those people who gets completely lost in the task at hand – being a Virgo,” he added, citing his zodiac sign as a testament to his meticulous and dedicated nature. “Whether it be Rent or Empire or being on tour. Whatever it is I’m doing, I want to make sure that I deliver 100%.” He provided a vivid example of this dedication with his participation in Dancing with the Stars. “So when I did Dancing with the Stars, you know, I cut out that time that put myself in that mindset of, ‘Okay, I am now a complete ballroom dancer. That’s got to be my life for the next three months.'” This anecdote perfectly illustrates Mario’s profound ability to immerse himself fully in a role or project, a quality that undoubtedly contributes to the depth and authenticity found in all his creative endeavors, whether on screen or in the studio.

Beyond personal and cosmic introspection, Mario also fearlessly addressed the profound social issues impacting “the world we live in” through his powerful track “Rewrite It.” This poignant song, released months before Closer To Mars, was written as a direct response to the tragic killings of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and countless other Black men and women at the hands of law enforcement. Reflecting on the song’s genesis, Mario drew a compelling parallel to a legendary artist who also used his platform for social commentary. “I look at my art before we get to this specific set of stuff, I think about artists like Marvin Gaye who, when he first came out, he was known for his pop, his love songs. Then, as he grew into an artist that started feeling the world around him, he started using his art as his voice. You hear songs like ‘What’s Going On’ and ‘Mercy, Mercy Me.’” This comparison positions Mario within a revered lineage of musicians who transcend mere entertainment to become vital voices for change. He continued, “I look at myself the same way. As an artist, I’m a vessel. And as a young, Black man, it’s important for me to also use my voice to inspire not just young Black people or African Americans, in general, but for the world to hear our voice in a different way. And music is such a great platform to share things.” His words underscore the profound responsibility he feels to leverage his artistry for advocacy and to amplify the voices of those marginalized, making “Rewrite It” a powerful statement of solidarity and a call for justice.

Mario further elucidated the profound message embedded within “Rewrite It.” “‘Rewrite It’ is kind of like, for me, it’s picking up where people like Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and others – some of them had different views on things, but I think the general through-line is equality,” he explained. This statement firmly places his work within the continuum of the civil rights movement, emphasizing that the fight for equality is an ongoing struggle that requires continuous effort across generations. “Picking up where they left off for this generation so that we could take steps further so that our kids and our grandkids could look back and say, ‘wow, that generation stood up for us, and now we’re living in a more fair world, or equal work, or just world.'” This vision of a brighter, more equitable future is the driving force behind the song, transforming it from a mere musical piece into a profound generational anthem. Mario’s call to action is clear and immediate: “We have to rewrite our own history in the present. You know, in the present moment is where we make change.” This powerful assertion emphasizes personal agency and the collective responsibility to actively shape a better world, reminding listeners that the power to create a just society resides in the actions taken today.

Concluding his insightful conversation with HollywoodLife, Mario delved deeper into his ongoing efforts to instigate change, touching upon various aspects of his activism and philosophical outlook. He also shared intriguing tidbits, including an unexpected mention of “the power of cats,” hinting at the diverse influences that shape his unique perspective. For eager fans, he offered a glimpse into the future, providing an indication of when they can anticipate more captivating music from him, promising that his artistic journey is far from over. Mario’s ability to weave together personal cosmic insights with pressing societal concerns demonstrates his versatility not only as a musician but as a thoughtful and engaged public figure.

Closer To Mars is available now on all major streaming platforms, inviting listeners to embark on a compelling journey through R&B, introspection, and universal truths.