M83 producer Anthony Gonzalez has spoken about the band’s forthcoming new album.
Blending ethereal shoegaze influences with electronica, M83 have produced some of the finest music of the past decade. 2008’s ‘Saturdays=Youth’ was an incredible experience, topping critical polls and winning new fans.
Since then, the band have toured heavily while Anthony Gonzalez contributed to the soundtrack of a French film. Focussing on new material, sessions with M83 began in earnest earlier this year.
Speaking to Pitchfork, Anthony Gonzalez seemed confident that the new album can match the acclaim afforded to previous releases.
“For now, the direction of the album is very, very, very epic. Very orchestrated” he explained. “I feel like it’s a mix of all my albums, actually. I’m singing much more on this album too, and I’m very happy with my voice right now. We have like 22 tracks right now.”
“It’s silly to say, but I feel like this is going to be my best album – my most complete album. I’m turning 30 in December and I feel like I finally know what I’m doing” he continued.
“I’m a bit scared because Saturdays was a bit bright, and maybe people are expecting me to go even brighter on this. But I’m going darker.”
Famed for their orchestral approach, M83 have a lush, widescreen sound. The cinematic parallels are obvious, with the French group continually pushing their material into further dimensions.
“I’m just doing what I want to do. I don’t even care what people are going to say. Before the release of the previous albums, I would be sick and depressed and scared of getting bad reviews or that people don’t like me. But now I’m just like, “Fuck off.” This is going to be my sixth album; I have to stop worrying one day. I know that a lot of people are going to hate this and say it’s so over-the-top and over-produced, but it’s what I like to do.”
M83 are set to release their new album next year.
