In his latest release, “Butterskies,” Tokyo-born singer-songwriter Martin Leroux invites us into a delicate moment of transition—the kind we all know too well. Released on May 16, the track is a heartfelt folk ballad that gently unfolds with fluttery classical guitar, lush strings, and a deeply human message: goodbyes are hard, but they don’t have to be empty.
From the first note, “Butterskies” sets an emotional tone—bittersweet yet comforting. With clear inspiration from folk legends like James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, Leroux weaves nostalgic storytelling with modern emotional clarity. The result is a tender ode to past loves and farewells, full of gratitude and hope. It’s music for those quiet moments when you reflect on where you’ve been and who you’ve become along the way.
Originally written for a stage play about a 1960s folk musician falling for the actress next door, “Butterskies” took on new meaning as Leroux experienced a real-life heartbreak. “Writing this song was very cathartic,” he shares—and it shows. Every lyric feels lived-in, like a journal entry turned into poetry. The line “I hope you want the love you find”captures the song’s essence: letting go not out of bitterness, but with warmth and goodwill.
When the play fell through, Leroux held on to “Butterskies,” and we’re fortunate he did. The track has since blossomed into something far more personal and universally relatable.
Musically, “Butterskies” is a departure from Leroux’s previous single “Red Light,” a bold, pop-rock track. Here, he leans into folk—soft, introspective, and full of texture. Per Löfdahl’s string arrangement from Sweden’s StringTracks studioadds emotional weight, building a sonic landscape that feels like spring just after rain. It’s warm, rich, and full of quiet detail.
Leroux’s vocals float above the instrumentation with the kind of fragile strength that makes folk music so timeless. There’s no pretension here—just honesty. He doesn’t try to impress you. He’s simply inviting you to feel something real.
Martin Leroux’s multicultural background—French and Filipino heritage, raised in Tokyo, now based in Seoul—informs his work with a unique depth. His music often reflects themes of connection, belonging, and letting go, and “Butterskies” is no exception. Growing up in a sprawling, ever-changing city like Tokyo, Leroux learned early on how frequent goodbyes can be. But he also learned how to carry the good parts forward—a theme that breathes through every verse of this track.
He says it best: “You get used to goodbyes—but that doesn’t mean it gets easier.” With “Butterskies,” he captures that emotional truth perfectly.
“Butterskies” is the kind of song that doesn’t just play in the background—it lingers. It’s for the moments you’re driving alone at dusk, or packing up memories in a box, or remembering someone you used to love—not with pain, but with gratitude.
Martin Leroux has crafted a song that feels both intimate and universal. Whether you’re navigating the end of a relationship or simply reflecting on how life constantly changes, “Butterskies” will speak to you. It’s a gentle reminder that goodbyes can be beautiful too, and that there’s always something worth carrying forward.
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