M83
Biography
M83 is the musical project of French multi-instrumentalist Anthony Gonzalez. Formed in Antibes in 1999, it was initially a duo with Nicolas Fromageau. The project is named after the spiral galaxy Messier 83. M83's sound is characterized by its extensive use of reverb, softly spoken lyrics over loud instrumentation, and a blend of shoegaze, synth-pop, and ambient styles.
History
Formation and Early Albums (1999–2005)
Anthony Gonzalez and Nicolas Fromageau formed M83 after the end of their post-rock project, My Violent Wish. M83 released their self-titled debut album in the spring of 2001. Their second album, Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts, was released in 2003 to widespread critical acclaim. Following the tour for this album, Fromageau left the project. Gonzalez then recorded M83's third album, Before the Dawn Heals Us, which was released in 2005.
Commercial Breakthrough (2008–2011)
The fifth studio album, Saturdays = Youth, released in 2008, brought M83 to a wider audience with a sound heavily influenced by 1980s synth-pop. This led to supporting slots on tours with prominent bands like The Killers and Depeche Mode. However, it was the sixth album, Hurry Up, We're Dreaming (2011), that propelled M83 to international success. The double album, conceived as a soundtrack to an imaginary movie, featured the hit single "Midnight City" and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Alternative Music Album.
Soundtracks and Later Work (2013–Present)
Following the success of Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, Gonzalez ventured into film scoring, composing the soundtrack for the 2013 blockbuster Oblivion. M83 released the album Junk in 2016, which was described by Gonzalez as an "organized mess" of songs not necessarily meant to coexist. In 2019, M83 released DSVII, the second installment in the ambient Digital Shades series. The ninth studio album, Fantasy, was released in March 2023, with Gonzalez stating it returns to the sound of earlier M83 albums. In May 2025, M83 is set to release a new soundtrack album titled A Necessary Escape for the documentary film Dakar Chronicles.