From the 410 to the Stratosphere: An Exclusive Sit-Down with Martian Man

Hailing from the heart of Baltimore, MD, the artist formerly known as Swish Da God is undergoing a sonic and spiritual metamorphosis. Antoine N. Free Jr., better known by his compelling new moniker Martian Man, is proving that he is far more than just a musician—he is a multifaceted force of nature. With a creative lineage that traces back to church choirs, dance ministries, and his grandfather’s DJ decks, Martian Man’s immersion in music was inevitable. Today, he’s blending Hip-Hop, Neo-Soul, and Disco into a raw, intentional sound that serves as a vessel for his vulnerability.

Beyond the studio, this Baltimore R&B artist is building an empire as a Creative Director and entrepreneur behind the beauty brand FreeCare and the Freedome foundation. In this interview, we dive deep into his latest project, The Day I Became Sacred Again, a journey through growth, heartbreak, and renewal. We discuss his transition from his 2025 rebrand, his “Big 3” influences—Pharrell, Lauryn Hill, and Janet Jackson—and why his new sound is a 180-degree turn toward honesty. Get ready to meet the man behind the “out of this world” persona who remains rooted in the soul of the 410.

Where are you from?

Im Proudly Born & Raised From The 410, Baltimore, MD.

How long have you been making music?

Well…I’ve been writing since 7 but start taking it seriously and recording Since 17. Which is such a crazy story of how I got introduced to a studio….but off topic, next question *Giggles*

How many songs /albums have you released to date?

Mmm, I’ll be lying and saying I Know but wild guess when i had i use to go by my old stage name…a good 36 Singles & Two Albums. Right Now As Martian Man, 3 Singles & ‘The Day I Became Sacred Again’ Would Be My First Ever Album.

Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?

My Latest Project Is Called ‘The Day I Became Sacred Again’ & The Background Of This Album Was Growth, Acceptance, Letting Go, Yearning, & Loving Yourself & Others Around You. Life is too short to put all of our energy in one chapter of our lives…y’know?. I think my cover art expresses that…its leaves on my hat, symbolizing growth, The Hat Is A Curtain That You Can See Through Because We usually don’t see what happens behind it when your not putting in an act…the vulnerability , the hard times, or how we feel. And the color yellow behind all this black/white defines Optimism and Joy, Hope and Renewal, most importantly Confidence and Action. I was inspired by The greats like Janet Jackson like in ‘brighter days’ hook , Kanye West in my song ‘Free’ , Pharrell in ‘Ego’ , Lauryn hill & 3 stacks in ‘tango’ , and Marvin Gaye in ‘Summertime fine’

How did you first get into music, and what inspired you to pursue a career in it?

I was inspired by life. My Family is musically inclined, my mother was in a choir, grandmothers danced, pa is a dj and the list goes on but also just seeing how music shapes the world….everyone is not keen on that but its very true & its helps us throughout the day. I always wanted to help people in the way i love plus I love how different sounds, genre’s, voices can influence people by just telling your story. You never know who relates to it.

What do you think of the present music industry?

Industry will always be an industry. Its not summer camp, highschool, or babysitting…which it can feel like sometimes but when you start to realize that you are the art, the passion, the soul, the movement, a crowd of opinions can’t tell you nothing. Everyone takes these opinions and suggestions (which is okay but…) before they attempt their lane and try their hand, they gamble it all away and drop one big song & woosh. The craft does have a soul, its easy to be a one hit wonder but people to see you for who you really are beyond the music & it starts making sense in your craft…that’s impeccable!

Who are some of your biggest musical influences and how have they impacted your music?

Janet Jackson, Lefteye, Andre 3000, Pharrell, Kanye, Lauryn Hill, D’angelo, Marvin Gaye, & Donna Summer.

3 stacks to Left eye to lauryn hill to kanye west shared their deepest thoughts and feelings on beats that was hard hitting and storytelling it made you feel like your there. I want that!

Janet & pharrell & Donna Wanted You To feel good & Let Go no matter what troubles came your way what can we do about the past…conquer it, thats all. Inspirational.

And marvin gaye to D’angelo. Sensual in ways you can’t imagine when you hear them. You get a shiver, goosebumps, and a tingle. Thats that raw feeling.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a musician and how have you overcome them?

I have faced people i worked with before slandering my old stage name before we can go on tour at all, I Had other artists blaming me with the phrase “i had that name first” (when I was swish da god) , and burn outs from not knowing when to take a break if you don’t got it right now. I learned that it’s always people and unforeseeable things that would always come your way but just cause it comes always doesn’t mean you have to take it over and over again. You take care if yourself, Your rebrand, you pop out, you do the work quietly first, and then show your ass *laughs* i feel good!

How has your music evolved over the course of your career, and where do you see it going in the future?

I evolved with my music so iam the music. My music is my life and who can relate to it, they can but i like to be honest, raw, and feel like myself when writing, recording and performing. I write from a place of clarity, how can i share and spill my emotions out without sounding like im singing but venting to you, from peace of mind, and lessons that i learned. Its a big 180 for me! Especially its the music i want to write now.

Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?

Right Now, Nada. I worked with my fave producer/Mixer in the world , DaveO. But but is a reason, I want you get to know me first…over again but i do have a dope list of musicians i want to work with from Yummii, Zulu, Bashar, and so much more!

Can you describe your creative process and what goes into making a song or album?

Life. When i feel like something sparks after an event, scenario, a good time. I will press the side button on this phone so fast to make sure im voice recording that tempo, sound, adlib, or beat i made up in my head so quick before it goes. *laughs* Cus if you don’t act on it, god will give it to someone else. but i love being in a secluded area like my kitchen or bedroom, it feels peaceful the most there.

Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?

I think i would definitely love to collaborate with my big 3: Pharrell, Lauryn hill, & janet (R.I.P D’angelo & left eye , erykah badu is in there as well).

What was the first album you bought?

Pinkprint By Nicki Minaj, What a time to be alive. That album inspired me as well, the storytelling but the fun playful beats and songs. The dynamic of that whole project is goated and is epitome of an album done right.

What’s your favorite song at the moment?

Well only my friends and family would know this but when your asking if im good, i always say this phrase. “Fine and dandy, Sweet Like Candy”, im always making up things in my head.

If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?

Well, you know ball if you catch this. I would definitely leave ‘Opus’ In my draw, that was my baby when i use to go by my other stage name. It felt like i was seem and heard, and everyone was f*****’ with it.

What is your favourite saying?

Well only my friends and family would know this but when your asking if im good, i always say this phrase. “Fine and dandy, Sweet Like Candy”, im always making up things in my head.

What other hobbies or interests do you have?

I have my own smell good brand called ‘Freecare’ & i have a foundation helping the less fortunate called ‘Freedome’. But hobbies i love writing stories, creative Director photoshoots, eating…definitely eating , i love Pinterest, gardening, playing the game (Xbox, PS), getting high of an edible and cooking *snickers* dancing in the house.

Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?

This project is defining me, not martian man but more so Antoine. I want to talk about my heartbreak, lost, about yearning for another, about finding yourself and accepting you but on the other side i wanted to have fun, let go, be sensual. I share all of the genres i fell in love with not just for my artistry but showing how a beat/lyrics can make emotions stand out. On this project I I share my Hiphop, Neo Soul, and Disco influence while telling a story. I wanted to be very minimalist on background vocals, adlibs, and production. I wanted a raw, intentional, but feeling as well.

What’s in the pipeline after this project?

Of course music is always gonna be pushed out but i want to learn how not to rush myself so I want to branch out to not just creative Directing but movie or show director, expanding my freecare brand, helping out more people, learn myself more, travel, and lets see if we can get in the road.

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music. *

Thank you and i appreciate that. Thank you having time for me and making me feel welcome. Goodluck on your endeavors as well.

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