Martone’s Mystery Man is more than just a short film; it’s a poignant, raw interlude from his upcoming album, Phoenix Rising: The Emperor’s Ascension, set for worldwide release on June 30, 2025. The film, edited by Lamont Hicks, delves into the emotional turbulence of intimacy, love, and longing, with a striking audio performance that leaves a lasting impression.
“I’ve definitely received calls like that from people I’ve dated,” Martone says with a laugh. “At the heart of the story is love, which is why I released this short film. A lot of people aren’t always honest about how they feel after being intimate. Then there are those who play games, making you feel like you have to chase them. That’s never fun—it’s counterproductive to what they say they want. And if left unchecked, situations like that can become volatile.”
The voicemail that anchors Mystery Man is steeped in intensity and vulnerability, blending frustration, desire, and emotional rawness:
“Yo, Martone… what the fuck, man? You just gonna ghost me like that? You think I’m some kinda joke?”
As the message builds, the Mystery Man’s voice rises with passion and frustration:
“I can’t stop thinkin’ about you. Last night… I replayed every second in my mind. The way I had you—screaming my name like you couldn’t get enough—and now you wanna play like you didn’t feel that? Like you don’t remember? Nah, you remember every damn thing.”
Martone reflects on the powerful delivery. “I won’t lie—it made me blush,” he admits. “It was a script I wrote, but the actor did such an incredible job. Kudos to him. Maybe one day he’ll reveal himself, but that’s his story to tell, not mine.”
This interlude perfectly complements Phoenix Rising: The Emperor’s Ascension, which Martone describes as his most autobiographical project to date. “This album is more personal than anything I’ve done before,” he shares. “I have songs about my coming-out experience, my career in entertainment, love songs—falling in love, falling out of love, meeting someone like Mystery Man, and exploring where that might lead. There are also socially conscious tracks. It’s a multi-genre album, reflecting who I am as a person: beautifully flawed, a contradiction—but one who understands himself well enough to create a project like this.”
Martone acknowledges the challenges and growth he’s faced since his last project. “I’ve gone through a lot, and I’m willing to be as honest as I can. Sometimes the truth hurts, but it has—and continues to—set me free. I’m definitely looking forward to this next chapter.”
With its blend of emotional honesty and artistic depth, Mystery Man and the upcoming album promise to offer audiences an unforgettable journey through Martone’s life, love, and self-discovery.
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