Zachary Mason Delivers “The Funky Martians” and Connects With Us About the Cosmic Journey Behind the Song
- STAFF
- Aug 6
- 8 min read
By: Staff
“The Funky Martians” is a brilliantly bold, genre-defying masterpiece that redefines the space rock experience.
Get ready to blast off into the unexpected with "The Funky Martians", the latest release from the brilliant, genre-blending artist known for his unorthodox approach to storytelling and sound. With a quirky blend of space rock, psychedelic vibes, and experimental grooves, this track marks the introduction to a much-anticipated EP that’s bound to turn heads and spark curiosity. But what exactly happens when a human colony lands on Mars and faces off against hostile Martians? Well, as it turns out, a lucky mistake reveals that the key to peace is not technology, diplomacy, or firepower, it’s funky music. And in true "Funky Martians" fashion, the tale is as entertaining as it is wildly original.
We spoke with the man behind the madness to get a glimpse into his creative process, his inspirations, and what it’s like to create an unforgettable soundscape with a touch of humor.
Between special effects, powerful performances, and a storyline that could easily fit into a sci-fi classic, there’s a lot more to this artist than meets the eye. So, what’s the story behind The Funky Martians? How does a unique blend of humor and space rock come together?
Dive in to find out more from the visionary who’s taking listeners on a cosmic, groovy journey!
Here’s how it went:
BEGIN INTERVIEW:
Hello Zachary Mason, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more excited to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. For the fans meeting you for the first time, is Zachary Mason your given name or a stage name? What inspired you to choose that for your artist persona?
A. Many years ago, I would sign poetry I wrote under the name Zachary Mason. The name stuck in my mind and, a little while ago, when I became a musician, I decided to use this name. It has a sense of nostalgia to it- and I guess I just like the sound of the name!
Q. Can you explain the inspiration for the story behind The Funky Martians? What inspired you to combine humour and space rock for this track?
A. When I approached this track, towards the end of 2023, it was intended as part of the EP, which had begun early that year with the opening number and title track: 5…4…3…2…1… The Funky Martians follows on from the story I’d already started, and that helped to give it some direction and purpose. When it comes to science fiction, I’m a big fan, and I’ve read a fair bit of the genre over the years, by writers such as Wells, Asimov, Clifford D. Simak and A.E. Van Vogt… Having that love of sci-fi in my blood really carried over into the production and creative process on display in the Funky Martians! With the previous track, I’d already created a certain style of sound, which is evident in The Funky Martians- however, this song also has some aspects unique to itself…
Q. At 28, you have a significant body of work with over 200 demo tracks. You’ve also seen great success with songs like “I Wish Humans Were Made In A Factory…” which hit No.13 on Groover’s charts and “I’ll Get Through” which charted at No. 41 and No. 93 on the indie radio charts in 2024. This not only proves high volume, but high quality. How do you manage to create such great music in such quantity, and how does this creativity affect your life outside of music?
A. I started creating a lot of music in late 2021 (sometimes averaging 2 or 3 demos a week!), and I was quite happy and eager to embrace that creative spurt. At the moment, I’m not creating music at quite the same rate as back then, but I’m definitely still creating! If music is something you love, then I guess you’re only too happy to embrace it as often as possible!
Q. You have Sync Placements with songs accepted by YTINIFNI Pictures (Film/TV company) & Brazilian Film and TV company Relva Music. After these significant achievements, do you see yourself heading more toward film/TV work or do you feel your focus will remain on creating music for mass audiences?
A. At the moment, the focus is on music streaming, but it’s really just a case of seeing how things go and adjusting accordingly… Admittedly, there is potential for more money to be earned from Sync than from streaming platforms, so I’m definitely hopeful that things will happen for me in the world of TV!
Q. Ok, we love this storyline. We read it's about a human colony landing on Mars and encountering hostile Martians. Then, a lucky mistake leads to the discovery that funky music can appease the Martians, blending a humorous and quirky narrative. Do you have plans to work with a writer or production team to turn this concept into a movie or full-scale production?
A. A film based on this track would be totally mad! (In the best way, I hope!) I don’t think I’ve got the kind of budget needed for that sort of enterprise at this time, but it’s fun to imagine what could be done on the big screen with The Funky Martians! (Fans may be interested to know that I did create a short piece using AI, which features Martians dancing to my song! This can be found on my socials, such as Instagram or Tik Tok!)
Q. The voice effects to create the narrator, Martians, and colonists were a standout technique that makes this song feel iconic already. Is this something you intended to do from the start, or did it evolve as the song was being made?
A. So I was using some vocal plug-ins/effects in the studio which I’d explored a bit in 5…4…3…2…1… , this time in some different ways and with some peculiar results! I just made things up as I went along, and I’m quite pleased with the result! It’s amazing what you can do with sound and effects these days, and songs/projects with a humorous or bizarre twist can really benefit from these creative tools… (I would like to mention that I did not use AI at any point in the creation of this song!)
Q. What kind of special equipment did you use to create the Martians’ voices, and what was the most challenging part of that process?
A. As I mentioned previously, it was thanks to some vocal plug-ins that I was able to achieve the vocal peculiarities on the song! Trying not to laugh whilst saying: “Play that funky music, space boy!” could be a challenge…
Q. What’s the story arc for the EP, and how does The Funky Martians fit into the larger narrative of the colony on Mars?
A. So the EP 5…4…3…2…1… will tell the story of mankind having to flee Earth, why, what happened on their first arrival on Mars, and how they feel about their new home after a little while… There will be a humorous streak running through this EP, with the occasional poignant remark… I think a lot of people worry about the planet and our climate, so I think this EP is something that may spark some interest… Of the three tracks on the EP, The Funky Martians is definitely the most humorous and the least poignant!
Q. Were there any specific images, phrases, or emotions that sparked the songwriting for The Funky Martians?
A. After nearly two years, I don’t actually recall everything about the creative process for The Funky Martians… In between 5…4…3…2…1… and The Funky Martians, I’d started taking Zoloft, so I was pleased that this didn’t dull my creativity too much! A lot of my projects arise simply as a result of my desire to create, and it often comes together as a result of how I’m feeling on the day…
Q. Was the title of your song The Funky Martians the first choice, or was it an evolution? Why?
A. I can’t remember if I chose the title and then worked the story around it or the other way around! And if I can’t remember how, then I can’t remember why! Sorry!
Q. What’s something you’re working on right now, whether musically or personally, that your fans might be surprised to hear about?
A. One day I’d like to invest in a Bass Guitar and the necessary Amp… I’ve only played Bass once but it was enjoyable and it’s something I’d like to do one day to my own songs! (Though I love working with John Thomasson from Little Big Town! I hope we can always work together!)
Q. Are there any lyrics in The Funky Martians that hit especially hard for you, or sum up the heart of the message you wanted to share?
A. “Play that funky music, space boy!” (*Laughs*)
Q. What is the most unexpected sound or technique you used in The Funky Martians that listeners might not catch at first?
A. I think I might have originally intended a more melodic vocal style, but in the end I went for the slightly posh-sounding voice that speaks rather than sings in each verse! It seems a bit weird at first (and heck!- it IS weird!) but I think a lot of listeners warm to it the more they hear it…
Q. Is there a song by a band you grew up listening to—something that still resonates with you—that you'd love to cover in the studio today because it feels connected to who you are or played a role in shaping your career?
A. I must admit that I don’t usually give much thought to covering other people’s songs, but I’m not ruling it out… Neil Young is my favourite artist and has been for many years, and I think he has had an influence on some of my more folky efforts… I may not have covered any of his songs, but I think at times I may have covered some of his spirit, if you know what I mean…
Q. Outside of music, who or what has had the biggest influence on your personal growth or artistic perspective?
A. I’ve always enjoyed reading, and I think this has bolstered my creativity and vocabulary… I read all kinds of genres from various time periods, and I think this has encouraged me to experiment and not remain in the same groove all the time.
Q. And finally, what’s next? Can you give us the inside scoop on your upcoming projects, and what should fans be excited about? We'd love to be the first to share the news!
A. Well, 5...4…3…2…1… is of course an upcoming EP, and if I were to do a countdown for its release, I think I’d be at around the 3… mark right now...! It’s a question of having the right funds to progress the EP and be ready for its release. I can’t make any promises, but I’m thinking the EP could be out between October and November this year… I thank fans for their patience, and apologise for the wait! I’m finding it hard to wait! And fans should of course be excited about the new EP! If they want to be, that is…
Zachary Mason, thank you so much! We appreciate you taking the time to talk to us.
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Zachary Mason’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
