It’s difficult to categorize Mars Hendrik into a particular genre. Strains of jazz, R&B, Latin, and rock all make their way into Hendrik’s multi-dimensional odysseys. Rooted in Costa Rica but now based in Connecticut, his influences range from singer-songwriter Børns to the Latin-tinged rock of Carlos Santana.

His latest single “The Jump” is an expressive ode to love accompanied by horns and jangly guitars. His use of sounds is just as vast as his lyrical inspiration.

“The Jump” celebrates divine timing and listening to one’s inner self to accept the love and joy of life. Making the song inspired him to be “brave in moments of uncertainty, to follow my heart, trust the universe, and surrender to the process.”

He’s bringing this ethos into his sophomore album Karma, which will explore fear, love, and heartbreak in a fusion of styles. Before the LP’s release this summer, Hendrik spoke about his unique blend of influences, his creative childhood, and creating Karma.

Culture Flux: Was music an important part of your childhood, and when did you start to realize that you wanted to be a musician?

Mars Hendrik: As far back as I can remember I always loved art of all kinds. I liked to draw. I liked to act. I liked to make up stories. But yeah, I started learning guitar at around 13, and then I fell in love with music ever since.

Since you’re originally from Costa Rica, how has the culture of Costa Rica shaped who you are today as an artist? 

A lot of it is in my energy and perspective. Growing up between two different countries gave me a unique lens on the world. My guitar playing is definitely influenced by Costa Rican guitarists, and living in the jungle gave me the solitude to connect deeply with my creativity and voice. When I first moved there, I didn’t speak Spanish, so music became my universal language and a way to communicate with those around me.

You combine so many different influences like progressive rock, Latin, and jazz in your music. What is the process like of deciding which elements to implement in a particular song?           

It’s all about what best conveys the emotion or story I’m trying to tell. Sometimes it’s a happy accident, and other times it’s very intentional. Each song calls for its own unique blend of influences to best express what I’m trying to convey.

Spirituality seems to be an important part of your life. How has spirituality inspired you creatively, and is that a theme you will be continuing on your upcoming album?

Absolutely. Spirituality touches every aspect of my life, and that naturally flows into my music. It’s an infinite journey — there’s always a deeper layer, more insights, and new dimensions to explore. The upcoming album will definitely continue to weave in those themes, but in new and evolving ways.

Were there any artists that you were listening to while working on the upcoming album that became inspiration for you?

I was listening to a lot of BØRNS and Cake during that period, and they definitely influenced the album. From BØRNS, I drew inspiration from his unique singing voice, songwriting, and the way he incorporated live string players on his last release, Suddenly. As for Cake, their use of horns, creative vocal delivery, and danceable percussion always stood out to me. Having their music in my life made the creative process more enjoyable, and you can hear those influences in the new album.

What is the biggest change in how you approached making Explore Your Mind versus the album you’re working on now?

Explore Your Mind was an expression of an existential crisis—abstract and metaphysical. In contrast, the new album Karma is more relatable and down-to-earth, while still weaving in spiritual themes like divine timing, trust, faith, and love. The songs are shorter and more concise, making the themes more accessible.

Can you talk about creating the new single “The Jump?” What were some of the easier and more challenging parts of making this song? 

“The Jump” came together so naturally that it’s hard to pinpoint any challenges. I wrote most of it in just two days. It was created at a pivotal moment when my team, my vision, and the album’s direction all started aligning. It served as a fulcrum point that brought clarity to the rest of the record.

Are there any goals you have as a musician for the next few years? 

My main goal is to keep making music that’s fun, exciting, fresh, and alive. I want to travel the world, meet fans, build new relationships, and continue to share myself and my gifts with the world.