Martian Arts – A Unique and Independent Voice

A new album ‘Ashram’ just released on Stereo Society – tell us a bit about it, does it have a specific or vision behind it?

None other than writing music that is different to the typical peak time tracks that satisfy the dance floor. An album allows for more experimentation as I enjoy writing mellower and groovier tracks, as well as peak time stuff.

Get Martian Arts – Ashram – album: https://www.beatport.com/release/ashram/4477111

Nektarios, tell us more about your musical journey, how long have you been making music?

First listened to synths from watching the Miami Vice TV series in the ‘80s and was playing my older sister’s records. Michael Jackson’s Thriller was a favorite as well. Then I was playing drums and bass guitar in school rock bands. I moved to the UK and got a BSc degree in audio music technology. I’ve been making and releasing music for over two decades.

You have so many releases in different genres, how did you come to release Psytrance?

My first psytrance release was on Etnicanet with Pan Papason as “Unison”. It was in 2003. He was hanging out at my place in Cambridge and brought some equipment there, so we put that equipment to use. It was a natural development since I was going to psytrance parties for many years before that time.

Do you remember your first Psytrance/Goa trance party?

Yes. It was an outdoor party at the outskirts of Athens in Varimbopi in 1994. I was instantly hooked and started buying Goa trance records after that.

Tell us more about your creative process? Which is your favourite gear to making sounds: digital, analog or modular – and why?

I used to be an analog purist but I am not anymore. I use both analog and digital, software and hardware but my favorite sound source are my eurorack modular synths. The tactile interface and workflow is like active meditation. I love it.

Your favourite track from «Ashram» and why?

I have a few but if I have to choose one it will be Galilean Moons. I started off with two 303 lines and when I programmed in the sequences I remember getting a big smile and that night went on to the early hours. As an artist it is truly a blessing to still have these kinds of moments in the studio.

You have also been working with the legendary Merv Peppler of Ozric Tentacles & Eat Static fame. Can you tell us about this project and how it was working with Merv?

It’s absolute madness. It ranges from both us jamming synths over a beat in the studio and truly feels like a band jam to me trying to get Merv to put the QWERTY down and not smash the computer 😂 Working with Merv is an adventure for sure!

Your favourite Psytrance of all times?

That’s impossible to say but I’ll mention X-Dream, Man With No Name, Kox Box, Logic Bomb.

Future plans?

Try to be the best father I can and make more music.