Five years after first testing the melody live, Marten Lou finally releases ‘Chemical’, a collaboration with British artist Ross Quinn. Some melodies are gone the morning after, but others remain etched in the mind for years. For Marten Lou, the journey of this track began in 2021, when a simple idea sparked in his bedroom. He began building a tune around it, eventually testing it at small, intimate shows. Even then, despite the modest crowds, the passion behind the composition was undeniable.
The melody remained a constant companion through his creative process. It wasn’t until 2026 that Marten Lou decided to revisit the concept, rebuilding it from the ground up to reflect his evolved sound. The breakthrough arrived during a writing session in London, where Ross Quinn joined him to craft the final vocal layers. This collaboration provided the missing piece, transforming a long-held idea into a polished, emotive production.
A Fusion of Melodic House and Emotion
‘Chemical’ finds its home in the space between melodic house and the intensity of a late-night dancefloor. The track is anchored by rolling basslines and a steady four-on-the-floor beat, while intricate layers of melody drift overhead. The inclusion of unexpected oud sounds adds a unique texture, perfectly complementing the soaring, high-register vocals of Ross Quinn. The lyrics explore the tension between cynicism and the hope for something magical, culminating in the recurring mantra: “I think I need a chemical.”
This release follows a string of successful projects for Marten Lou, including his collaboration ‘Technicolor’ with RIVO and ‘Save Me’ with CamelPhat, both of which have garnered significant streaming numbers. As Marten Lou embarks on a packed international tour, the melody that stayed with him for half a decade is finally ready to take center stage.
