Renowned Musician Martin Larose Releases New Single “Temporarily Broken” from Upcoming Album Hek of a Ride
Celebrated singer-songwriter and virtuoso musician Martin Larose is set to pick up the pieces of someone who has loved with the release of his latest single “Temporarily Broken.” This soul-stirring track is a glimpse into his highly anticipated album Hek of a Ride. “Temporarily Broken” showcases Larose’s distinctive style, blending tapping, atmospheric ambiance, and intricate musicianship that has garnered him global acclaim.
As an independent artist, Larose has released six albums with Hek of a Ride, co-written with lyricist Nath Farley, promising to be a masterful addition to his discography. The album showcases Larose’s versatility and features renowned Canadian harmonica player Guy Bélanger on two original songs.
“Temporarily Broken” is a glimpse into the remarkable artistry showcased on Hek of a Ride. The track’s captivating blend of acoustic singer-songwriter style with a hint of alt-country builds to a chorus driven by the unique harmonica stylings of Bélanger. Larose’s dedication, talent, and profound contributions to his local music community have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Inspired by musical greats like Michael Hedges, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Howe, Chris Whitley, and Pete Townshend, Larose crafted a unique style that captured the attention of the regional music community. His work was featured in the prestigious magazine Guitar World, and he became a regular guest artist at the International Guitar Show in Quebec, setting a benchmark for acoustic guitar performances. He mesmerized audiences at jazz and blues festivals, solidifying his reputation as a virtuoso musician.
Larose’s artistic journey finds him splitting his time between producing albums for artists from Canada and Europe at the state-of-the-art recording facility Studio Septentrio in Jonquière, Quebec that he co-owns with his spouse. His contributions to the regional music scene extend beyond the stage, having served as the producer and host of the television show “Studio Boréal.” Recently, he and his wife directed the documentary “Les Cordes Insensibles,” providing an intimate look into the world of independent music.
To coincide with the release of his upcoming album, Larose has also been working on an acoustic cover of Rush’s iconic “The Spirit of Radio,” played on Harp Guitar, further demonstrating his musical dexterity and innovation.
Listen to “Temporarily Broken” below and learn more about Martin Larose via our mini-interview.
Care to introduce yourself?
My name is Martin Larose, and I am a Canadian musician living in northern Quebec in a small town called Jonquière, which is part of the greater Saguenay area. I’ve been involved in music since my mother introduced me to piano lessons at the age of 6, but I discovered my true passion when I picked up the guitar at 13. Despite growing up in a predominantly French-speaking region, my musical influences were diverse, including artists like Pete Townshend, Michael Hedges, Eddie Van Halen, Chris Whitley, and of course, Canadian musicians like Rush, Amanda Marshall, The Box, Too Many Cooks, and Sass Jordan.
I identify myself as an acoustic guitar player, and I’ve had a fulfilling career as a local musician. Over the past 30 years, I have self-produced all my albums, a source of great pride. Recently, I had the fortunate opportunity to collaborate with Loren Gold from The Who on a pandemic-related collaborative video.
For the last decade, my wife and I have been operating a commercial recording facility on our property called Le Studio Septentrio, where we work with a diverse range of artists. We even had the privilege of collaborating with Jeanick Fournier, the winner of Canada’s Got Talent, during the entire selection process.
In addition to my music career, I hold a Master’s degree and a third-cycle scholarly background in business management. As an indie artist, I am deeply dedicated to honing my craft and developing my signature guitar sound.
Could you please share the process of writing and recording “Temporarily Broken”?
My heart lies in composing, and in this album, I ventured into collaborative songwriting by teaming up with lyricist Nath Farley from St. Sauveur. Her lyrical prowess shone as she sent me lyrics during the early days of the pandemic. We established common themes and found our rhythm from there. I aimed to infuse the album with Americana and bluesy elements while showcasing my guitar prowess. The outcome fills me with pride, and most of the album features a collaboration with local musicians who are part of our studio team. For this particular song, I reached out to Quebec’s renowned harmonica player, Guy Bélanger, who delivered an outstanding performance.
Could you describe your experience as a musician in Saguenay?
It’s a mix of fun and challenge! Being situated away from major cities like Montreal and Toronto, it can be tough to gain visibility and exposure. There are limited venues available for performances. Despite these obstacles, I don’t wallow in self-pity. I view the unique rural setting as advantageous. My recording facility is nestled in the countryside, providing a truly inspiring atmosphere. We’re equipped with cutting-edge technology and the scenic surroundings fuel creativity.
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to captivate you?
Narrowing it down is tough due to the extensive list, but I must mention Rush! Growing up in the ’80s, they held immense popularity in Saguenay. They were exceptional musicians and innovators, and the fact that they recorded at Québec’s Le Studio added to their mystique. I’m currently working on a special project involving one of their songs, so stay tuned! I also have a deep fondness for Too Many Cooks, a ’90s band. Richard d’Anjou, their vocalist, possesses one of Canada’s most remarkable voices, and he’s become a close friend over the years. Amanda Marshall is another artist who holds a special place in my heart—her incredible voice and artistry are truly exceptional.
With your extensive experience in music, what advice can you offer to those just starting out?
Don’t wait for validation from others and listen to your inner voice. You hold the responsibility of creating music, so keep at it even if the rewards aren’t immediate. Don’t let anyone convince you that you’re not an artist.