Tokyo songwriter and artist Martin Leroux brings the anthemic energy and storytelling back to modern pop rock. His latest single emerges in the form of the boldly distorted, musically colourful, and quickly catchy Red Light – a fiercely likable song, with a noteworthy arrangement backing up a classic pop structure and sentiments that naturally uplift.
Known for his refreshing sense of story at the helm, Martin Leroux has gone from strength to strength since his debut EP Parks and Cafeteria, back in 2010. In many ways, Red Light showcases and celebrates the songwriting and performance prowess he has established in the years since. His presence within the Japanese music scene is undeniable, and with the launch of this high-octane pop-rock anthem, his global reach could potentially soar as high.
Beginning with a heavily distorted guitar-set-up, which feels almost like nostalgic blues rock or Americana at first, Red Light goes on to weave in a short and snappy pop to funk vocal verse and subsequent pre-chorus. Things build and build, the ideas feeling impassioned but accessible in their metaphorical and literal reflections. Then we get a huge crescendo of a chorus to top off that strong progression in the best possible way.
It’s a high-energy track, awakening and catchy, gifting the kind of driving anthem that makes you want to move fast – as well as a simple and memorable hit of pop rock songwriting that naturally lingers in the mind.
Self-described as a ‘Third Culture Kid’, Martin was raised in Japan by French and Filipino parents. His unique cultural heritage often pours through in his music, reflecting on a distinct upbringing and mindset, whilst stylistically paying tribute to legendary songwriters like Tracy Chapman, Joni Mitchell, and James Taylor.
His goal is simple – to leave something behind that makes the world a better place. The sheer joy and passion brought through in Red Light, as well as the skill for playing, performing, and writing, all resounds with precisely that kind of optimism and heart.
Single out November 29th. Find Martin Leroux on Instagram & Submithub.
