Back Under the Neon Glow: Melt Mars Prepares for His June 5th Comeback at The Smell

Back Under the Neon Glow: Melt Mars Prepares for His June 5th Comeback at The Smell

There’s a certain electricity that follows Melt Mars wherever the project resurfaces — a mix of vulnerability, swagger, and late‑night neon glow that feels unmistakably Brian Ortiz. With a brand‑new single on the horizon and a wave of fresh listeners discovering his world through “Phone Sex,” Brian is stepping back onto the stage with renewed fire. On June 5th, he returns to The Smell in Downtown LA, a venue whose DIY heartbeat matches his own raw, emotional aesthetic. In this short follow‑up conversation, Brian opens up about reconnecting with fans, experimenting with new sounds, and the unexpected literary spark behind his next release.

We’re here with Brian of Melt Mars. You have a show coming up at The Smell on June 5th. What are you looking forward to the most about that show?
I’m really looking forward to seeing old fans again and sharing the stage with great talent. I’m excited to sing my new songs and my older stuff too. I’ve missed performing — it feels like I’ve been gone for too long. I definitely have a little bit of show jitters, and I feel like that never really goes away, but I’m genuinely excited.

Let’s talk about your recently released song “Phone Sex.” How do you feel the reaction has been now that it’s been out for a while?
I feel like the reaction has been really great. I put a good campaign behind it, and the reception has been strong. I’ve gained a lot of new listeners — honestly, I haven’t had this many listeners in years. It’s cool to see old fans digging the new music, and it’s also amazing to see new fans discovering me.

People reach out saying things like, “I just found this new artist,” and that feels really good. It shows me I’m doing something right. You never really know — sometimes you think a song is the greatest thing ever, and then you release it and it doesn’t move the needle. But with this one, I really liked the tune. I was experimenting with sounds I don’t usually get to show — taking inspiration from disco and early‑2000s R&B like Pharrell and Timbaland. It’s cool to see people gravitating toward it.

And you have another song in the works. Tell me about that one.
I have a new song coming out called “Bukowski.” It was inspired by the author Charles Bukowski. A friend let me borrow his book Love Is a Dog from Hell, and I loved his poems and the way he wrote. I wanted to create a song based on his material — it’s dark, gritty, very after‑dark kind of writing.

What about Bukowski inspires you?
He’s very realistic in the way he writes about romance, his relationships with women, and how he feels about himself. I see a little bit of myself in his work — not completely, because he was an alcoholic — but I relate to the way he viewed the world. It’s pessimistic, but everyone feels that way sometimes.

Do you have any messages for people coming to your show?
Yeah — I just hope you have a great time and come out ready to have fun. That’s what it’s all about: building a community and creating good vibes and real relationships.

It’s been so long since I’ve been on stage, and I don’t want people to be afraid to come up and talk to me. I know some people just want to hear the music and go home, but I really want to build relationships with my fans. You never know — friendships can form, and that can go a long way.

That’s what I want to do with my music. If you relate to it, then you’re a little piece of me.

In Conclusion

As Melt Mars prepares to light up The Smell on June 5th, Brian Ortiz stands at a compelling crossroads — rediscovering his voice, reconnecting with longtime supporters, and welcoming a whole new wave of listeners into his orbit. His upcoming single “Bukowski” hints at a darker, more introspective chapter, while his eagerness to build real community at shows reminds us why his music resonates so deeply. Whether you’ve been with him since the early days or you’re just now stepping into the Melt Mars universe, this next performance promises to be a moment of rebirth, reflection, and raw connection in true Brian Ortiz fashion.

(Interview by Ken Morton – Photos by Scott Waters)

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