M83’s galaxy-sized ambitions
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Today, The Times’ Calendar section has a long profile of Anthony Gonzalez, the sentimental synth-wrangler behind M83. Gonzalez relocated to Los Angeles two years ago. His new album, ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming,’ was released last year to his best reviews. It made him a live-show favorite (he plays the first of two sold-out nights at Club Nokia with like-minded locals Big Black Delta tonight).
His emphasis on clear vocals and big onstage productions might herald a turn toward pop ambitions.
“We certainly are looking towards the pop landscape as an arena where M83 can have success,” said Nicole Blonder, senior director of marketing and sales for M83’s label Mute Records. “There’s been a lot of very positive response from radio, sync licensing, media -- all necessary to make that transition.”
Still, Gonzalez has insecurities to shake. He admits that he doesn’t see himself as much of a singer and that he was depressed for months after completing his last album, the breezy and more rock-inspired “Saturdays = Youth.” “When I first listened to it after it was finished, I just cried and cried because I knew I could have done better,” he said. “There’s nothing you can do at that point. That album gave me so many great experiences, but I felt like I was so lazy in making it.”
No one can say that about the sprawl of ‘Hurry Up.’
Gonzalez’s show tonight (and his just-announced major Coachella slot) feels like a codification of a major new voice straddling electronica and rock. Read the full profile here.
-- August Brown
