Exclusive Interview: Leonardo Barilaro on Seamless, Cosmic Storytelling, and the Dream of Mars

Dr. Leonardo Barilaro—internationally known as the Space Pianist—is not just a musician, but a visionary. After mesmerizing audiences with Moon Seeds (featuring Tina Guo) and the cosmic soundscapes of Black Sun, Barilaro returns with Seamless, a four-track EP that pushes the limits of musical experimentation, physics, and imagination.

Released on February 27, 2025, Seamless is the culmination of seven years of sonic exploration. It reflects on myth, space travel, and the emotional intensity of humanity’s quest for the unknown. With evocative visuals and collaborations with experimental artists Marino Di Nino and Andrea Giovannoli, the EP merges organic piano textures with ethereal guitars and expansive drumming to create a true cosmic journey.

We sat down with Leonardo to learn more about the creation of Seamless, his deep-rooted connection between music and space, and where his journey might take him next—possibly even to Mars.

Exploring Leonardo Barilaro’s Artistic Journey

1. Your work consistently bridges the worlds of music and space exploration. What first inspired you to merge these two passions, and how has that vision evolved over the years?

Leonardo: I’ve always been captivated by the mysteries of the cosmos. As a child, nights spent gazing at the stars were accompanied by listening to music (Bach, Beethoven, Brahms to mention a few) that hinted at something deeper in the Universe. This early enchantment with celestial bodies, combined with my deep love for music, naturally led me to merge these two passions: aerospace engineering and the piano. Over time, this vision has grown into a lifelong mission: to translate the wonders of Space into sound, inviting listeners to experience the Universe in entirely new ways.

2. Seamless has been in development for seven years. Can you take us through the creative journey behind it? Were there specific moments or breakthroughs that defined the project?

Leonardo: Creating Seamless has been a transformative voyage. The project began in quiet moments of introspection, at that time I was going through important changes inside and outside my life. As the EP evolved, collaborative breakthroughs with talented artists helped shape its narrative. Each studio session felt like charting unknown territories, where unexpected sonic landscapes emerged like constellations in an ever-expanding sky, and…I was having also a lot of fun during this exploration!

Diving Into Seamless

3. Seamless takes an experimental approach, incorporating prepared piano techniques and unexpected textures. What led you to explore these new sonic possibilities, and how do they contribute to the storytelling of the EP?

Leonardo: The exploration of prepared piano and unexpected textures was driven by a desire to create a sonic landscape that reflects the unfamiliar and awe-inspiring nature of Space. These techniques allow me to evoke feelings of weightlessness, the vacuum of space, and the sheer vastness of the cosmos, contributing to the EP’s narrative of transcending boundaries.

4. You’ve collaborated with Marino Di Nino and Andrea Giovannoli on this project. How did their contributions shape the sound of Seamless, and what was the dynamic like in the studio?

Leonardo: Working alongside Marino Di Nino and Andrea Giovannoli was a beautiful, intense dialogue. We recorded our session remotely – with me based in Malta and them in Abruzzo, Italy – largely due to the pandemic’s impact during 2020 and 2021. Their contributions, rooted in diverse experimental approaches, challenged and expanded my musical horizons. The studio sessions became a vibrant space where ideas intermingled freely, much like the dynamic process of star formation, where pressure and high temperatures fuse different elements to create something profoundly new.

5. The tracks on Seamless—from Voyager Dream to Rewriting Icarus—each have deep conceptual roots. Which track resonates with you the most, and why?

Leonardo: Each track on Seamless holds a special place in my heart, but Voyager Dream resonates most deeply. It embodies the spirit of exploration and the human desire to reach beyond our limits, mirroring the iconic Voyager missions’ journey into the unknown. It is a very vibrant piece for me.

Bridging Space and Music

6. Your music is deeply tied to space exploration, and you’ve even had compositions streamed from space missions. How did your experiences with Maleth 2, Maleth 3, and ASTROBEAT influence the themes of Seamless?

Leonardo: Actually, it’s the other way around. Seamless influenced my experiences with Maleth 2, Maleth 3, and ASTROBEAT, along with their soundtracks. Having my compositions streamed from space missions reinforced the power of music to connect humanity with the cosmos. ASTROBEAT, in particular, highlighted the ability of music to bridge cultural and geographical divides, emphasizing the powerful language of sound. These experiences shaped the themes of exploration, unity and the boundless potential of Space exploration that are woven throughout the EP. Additionally, my work on Moon Seeds with Tina Guo was a defining moment, demonstrating the power of combining classical music with modern sounds and space themes.

7. The accompanying music videos for Seamless promise a surreal, space-travel-like experience. What was your vision for these visuals, and how do they complement the EP’s sonic atmosphere?

Leonardo: The music videos for Seamless are designed to be a visual extension of the EP’s sonic atmosphere, offering a surreal, space-travel-like experience. I envisioned visuals that would transport viewers to otherworldly landscapes, mirroring the emotional journey of the music. The videos aim to create an immersive experience, complementing the EP’s themes of exploration and transcendence. As a Space Art Cultural Ambassador, I feel it is important to bring the visual representation of space to the audience.

Looking Ahead

8. You’ve stated that “In Space, there is space for everyone.” How do you see the role of music in shaping humanity’s relationship with space exploration?

Leonardo: “In Space, there is space for everyone” reflects my belief that Space exploration is a collective human endeavour. Music plays a vital role in shaping this relationship by creating emotional connections to the cosmos. It can inspire curiosity, boost a sense of unity, and remind us that we are all part of a larger cosmic narrative.

9. You’ve already made history with your work in space-inspired music. What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming missions, collaborations, or live performances that fans should watch out for?

Leonardo: The journey is far from over. I’m currently exploring new horizons that further intertwine music with the cosmic experience. Upcoming projects will include deeper collaborations with platforms like ASTROBEAT and innovative ventures such as Moon Seeds with Tina Guo. Whether through live performances or real Space missions, I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what space-inspired music can achieve.

10. Your ultimate dream is to perform a piano concert on Mars. If that moment were to happen tomorrow, what would be the first piece you’d play, and why?

Leonardo: Performing a piano concert on Mars would be the ultimate convergence of my dreams. If that moment were to arrive tomorrow, I would open the show with my piano version of Interstellar! Immediately afterward, I would premiere a new composition created for the occasion (the 9 months of travel to Mars would be more than enough time to compose it), perhaps titled Mars Prelude, which would undoubtedly include a tribute to the immortal God of Harmony, J.S. Bach!

A Seamless Step into the Unknown

With Seamless, Leonardo Barilaro continues his mission to unite the mysteries of the cosmos with the language of music. From prepared pianos to poetic space narratives, this EP is more than a listening experience—it’s an odyssey through sound, science, and soul.

Follow Leonardo on his journey across galaxies, real and imagined—and stay tuned for the day he becomes the first pianist to perform on the Red Planet.

🌌 Seamless is available now on all streaming platforms.

🎧 Follow Leonardo Barilaro, the Space Pianist, on Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram for updates, music videos, and future cosmic collaborations.