Martin Looi

Martin Looi (b. December 19, 1998) is a contemporary Malaysian violinist, composer, and music producer. He has cut an EP and two albums and is noted for a live performance he did from atop the KL Tower.[1][2]
His music expands beyond traditional classical boundaries, blending classical violin technique with modern genres like hip-hop, R&B, pop, and electronic music.[3]
Early life and career
[edit]Born in Melaka, Looi began his classical violin training at the age of five, developing a strong foundation in the traditional repertoire.[4][5]
He later pursued higher education in audio engineering, graduating with a degree from the Australian Institute of Music. This technical background heavily influenced his transition from a pure instrumentalist to a modern music producer capable of shaping his own unique sonic landscapes.[6][7]

Looi’s discography is defined by genre-fluid experimentation, frequently created in close collaboration with his sister and co-producer, Lav Looi. He debuted with the EP Maddy in 2022, followed by his first full-length exploration of hybrid styles, Sugary, in 2023.[8][9]
In August 2024, Looi secured a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records for performing the "Highest Altitude Facebook Live Broadcasting Violin Performance." He performed the Malaysian national anthem Negaraku 300 meters above ground atop the KL Tower.[10][11][12]

That year, Looi also released a Christmas album with his sister called Wrapped In Harmony.[13]
In March 2026, Looi released Velvet Alibi, an eight-track cinematic, dark-pop instrumental album.[14][15][16]
The project which features dramatic reinterpretations of iconic tracks alongside original compositions garnered international acclaim, earning a Silver Medal at the Global Music Awards in April 2026.[17][18]
Known for bridging the gap between classical instrumentation and mainstream Malaysian pop culture, Looi has collaborated and shared stages with prominent local artists, including hip-hop icon Joe Flizzow, Marsha Milan, and vocal powerhouse Jaclyn Victor.[19][20]
References
[edit]- ↑ Vengadesan, Martin (2023-12-07). "Young violinist strikes sweet melodies with 'Sugary' release". Malaysiakini. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ "Martin Looi's historic, sky-high violin performance for Malaysia". The Malaysian Reserve. 2024-08-28. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ "Martin Looi pertaruh identiti sinematik dalam Velvet Alibi | Awani". www.astroawani.com (in Malay). 2026-04-07. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ Keran (2024-01-18). "Violinist From Melaka Wants To Redefine Violin Music". Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ Jared Wee (2023-11-16). "Local violinist Martin Looi strings an elegant twist on modern hits in EP 'Sugary', out next month". Malay Mail. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ "Experience Martin Looi's timeless music magic". The Malaysian Reserve. 2024-03-12. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ "Malaysian violinist Martin Looi reimagines iconic songs in new album". The Star. 2026-03-26. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ Terence Toh (2023-12-02). "On a 'Sugary' high with violinist Martin Looi". Free Malaysia Today | FMT. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ "24-year-old violinist from Melaka set to unveil extended play 'Sugary'". 2023-12-14. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ Vengadesan, Martin (2024-08-29). "Violinist scales new heights with Merdeka gift to nation". Malaysiakini. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ Lifestyle, Terence Toh @ FMT (2024-08-31). "Violinist Martin Looi sets record with high-altitude 'Negaraku'". Free Malaysia Today | FMT. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ "Martin Looi sets new Malaysia Book of Record with his performance at Menara KL". The Star. 2024-08-26. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ Alhamzah, Tahir (2024-12-24). "#SHOWBIZ: Sibling revelry | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ "#SHOWBIZ: Violinist Martin Looi's journey of 'Refined Mystery' | New Straits Times". www.nst.com.my. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ Sarawak, Utusan (2026-03-26). "Martin Looi tafsir semula lagu-lagu ikonik dalam album baharu Velvet Alibi". UTUSAN SARAWAK. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ "Martin Looi Tafsir Semula Lagu-lagu Ikonik Dalam Album Baharu 'Velvet Alibi". Getaran (in Malay). 2026-03-26. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ Mail, Malay (2026-04-23). "Malaysian violinist Martin Looi's 'Velvet Alibi' wins silver medal at Global Music Awards". Malay Mail. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ "'Velvet Alibi' Earns Malaysian Violinist Martin Looi Silver Honour at Global Music Awards - Wilayah.com.my". Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ "Martin and friends". Prestige Online. Retrieved 2026-08-02.
- ↑ Azizan, Afiqah (2026-04-26). "Martin Looi Discusses Music And His New Album Velvet Alibi". The Peak Malaysia. Retrieved 2026-08-02.