Folk Pop from Martin Leroux

Martin Leroux has spent his life walking the in-between; between languages, locations, cultures and identities. Now based in Tokyo, the French-Filipino singer-songwriter channels that lifelong experience into music that feels intimate and timeless. As a self-described “Third Culture Kid,” he grew up in Japan, carrying the voices of multiple worlds within him and it’s this layered background that gives his songs their charm, their poignant meaning and their wide appeal.

Blending a folk pop sound with meaningful songwriting, he draws inspiration from artists like Tracy Chapman, James Taylor and Joni Mitchell to deliver his own accessible yet unique musical output. His voice is resolutely modern, both sonically and lyrically, stitching personal reflection into something that extends outwards beyond the personal.

His debut EP Parks and Cafeteria, released back in 2010, marked the beginning of a decorated journey in the Japanese music scene, where his music has been featured on television, radio, video games and in stage productions. Building on his enduring presence, he’s continued to go from strength to strength while introducing countless new fans to his folk music world.

Now he delivers what might be his most heartfelt material yet with his latest single titled “Butterskies,” a gentle, melancholic, yet ultimately uplifting meditation on goodbyes, on the sweetness of memories and the ache of moving forward. Anchored by intricate classical guitar and warmly arranged strings, the song floats with the kind of breezy grace that masks its emotional context. Initially penned for a stage play, the song took on a life of its own, developing into a personal reflection with real-life heartbreak.

Opened by the delicate plucks of acoustic guitar, Martin’s warm vocals enter to cast an enchanting folk scene, draping delightful leads and picture painting lyrics over the smooth layers of melodic instrumentation. Softly developing with blissful strings, the affecting lyrical writing is wrapped in an exquisite arrangement that glides with memorable melodies, hushed backing vocals and dreamy aesthetic, resulting in a spellbinding listening experience that’s truly impossible not to love.

As the second single from his upcoming autobiographical album, “Butterskies” hints at a deeply thoughtful project that seeks to document not only Martin’s multicultural upbringing but also the emotional landmarks that shaped it. Paired with the single is a remix by Matias Fumagalli who reframes the elegant song in a dance-focused, 80s-tinged sound to reimagine the song in an exciting, uptempo setting. As he continues to shine as an exceptional singer-songwriter with a compelling sound, Martin Leroux is sure to keep dazzling folk fans around the world for years to come.

Listen to Butterskies below

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