Leroy Sanchez Goes “Nuclear”

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Spanish singer-songwriter Leroy Sanchez has become known for his expressive voice and passion-fueled lyricism, with his recent single "Nuclear" marking yet another significant chapter in his career. In fact, since the song was released last month, "Nuclear" has quickly garnered nearly half a million streams, with listeners gravitating to the track’s vibrant energy and catchy rhythm — propelling its status as a rising pop hit.

Outside of its success on streaming platforms, the music video for "Nuclear" has also amassed over 250K views so far, resulting in a viral dance moment across social media. Through its emotive, untethered choreography, the song has dually sparked a TikTok challenge that implores fans to offer their own interpretations while contributing to the song’s viral spread.

Now, the talented singer-songwriter is opening up about the popularity behind “Nuclear,” artistry, and more.

Your latest single "Nuclear" has been gaining a lot of traction on social media and streaming platforms. Is there something you're most proud of accomplishing with this track? 

Leroy Sanchez: Honestly, there’s so much to be proud of with "Nuclear." Just being able to drop this track as an independent artist feels like a huge achievement for me. Plus, I managed to pull together an absolutely incredible team for what I think is my best music video yet! But what really, really makes me the proudest and most excited is seeing everyone online dancing to the song and recreating that iconic choreography from the music video. Watching so many people smiling so hard and having fun while doing those “silly” dance moves is seriously my favorite part, especially in a time when there’s so much negativity and division around us. 

When the song was initially conceived, what did it represent to you both personally and artistically? 

Leroy Sanchez: When we first wrote "Nuclear," everyone in the room knew it was something special right away. I couldn't get it out of my head. No matter how many times I played it, it never got old, which is pretty rare. A whole year went by, and I still felt just as excited about it. There was something deeper resonating with me, and after a lot of thinking, I realized this song captured an essence I’d been searching for. It reminded me of the tracks I used to hear on the radio back in Spain that made me fall in love with pop music. That’s when it hit me: I’d finally created something that inspired me like those songs did when I was younger. It felt like a full-circle moment and a big achievement as a songwriter.

How do you think the themes and visuals in the "Nuclear" music video have contributed to its success?

Leroy Sanchez: The visuals in the “Nuclear” music video are a perfect extension of the song. They really help create a bigger, more exciting world around it. I love the contrast between the concept of the song being so grandiose combined with the everyday act of grocery shopping. It makes the characters feel extraordinary but so human and relatable at the same time, and I think a lot of people see themselves in them. 

You also have a remix of “Nuclear” coming out soon. How would you say this version adds a new dimension to the original track?  

Leroy Sanchez: The original version of "Nuclear" will always be the one! But when I was planning the party release, I realized I needed a remix that would really work in a club setting. I wanted something with a higher tempo and more rhythm to get everyone up and dancing. When the remix came together, I absolutely fell in love with it! It had this energetic vibe that made me think of taking a spinning class while jamming out to the track! It definitely adds a whole new dimension to the original. 

You first gained mainstream recognition by posting covers on YouTube, and now you’ve amassed over 800 million views and 4 million subscribers. How has your approach to music evolved since those early days?  

Leroy Sanchez: I’ve been on YouTube since 2007, so I’ve definitely seen it all! My journey has evolved alongside the platform and my music. I started with covers, which I really enjoyed, but once I entered the music industry, I jumped headfirst into writing my own songs. Honestly, my approach hasn’t changed much since then—I’m all about pushing myself to create better work! Growing as an artist is a never-ending journey, and I’m always excited to push my boundaries. Whether it’s writing better songs, producing higher quality content, or improving my singing and performance skills, I’m constantly striving to become the best version of myself. 

Up until this point in your career, what has been the most rewarding experience for you as an artist?  

Leroy Sanchez: The most rewarding experience for me as an artist has definitely been seeing people connect with my music. It’s incredible when fans, or friends and family even, come up to me and share how a song has helped them through tough times or how they really relate to a particular track. I often hear that my songs make people cry, which is such an honor—it means a lot to me that my music can evoke such strong feelings. But at the same time, I feel terrible… I don’t want to make you cry! [Laughs]. 

Finally, what can fans look forward to in the coming months in terms of new music or projects?  

Leroy Sanchez: Next year is going to be a big one for me because I’m finally releasing my debut album, and I can’t tell you how excited and emotional I am about it! It’s been quite the journey, and as an independent artist who hasn’t had the chance to put out a full album after 14 years in the industry, I’m really proud of this moment. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!