AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 15: Anthony Gonzalez of M83 performs onstage during weekend two, day three of Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park on October 15, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/WireImage)
M83, the brainchild of French musician Anthony Gonzalez, has been known for pushing boundaries within the electronic and alternative music scenes. Now, Gonzalez embarks on a new journey by launching his own record label named Other Suns. Set to release a variety of projects, the label will primarily focus on vinyl, embracing the physical, timeless quality of the medium in an era dominated by digital and transient consumption.
Introducing Other Suns
The inaugural release under Other Suns is Gonzalez’s cinematic soundtrack, “A Necessary Escape,” complementing the upcoming film “Dakar: Race Against The Desert.” This soundtrack embodies M83’s signature atmospheric style, blending lush soundscapes with evocative melodies that seamlessly tie into the film’s narrative. The movie, scheduled for release on May 9, promises a gripping tale of human endurance and grit, capturing the relentless pursuit of glory across uncharted terrains. It explores the Dakar Rally’s storied legacy, showcasing elite competitors like Sébastien Loeb, and fresh talents such as Mason Klein.
“A Necessary Escape” will not only highlight Gonzalez’s ability to craft immersive musical experiences but also sets the tone for what listeners can expect from Other Suns. The label champions new artists as well, with Gonzalez revealing plans to launch albums from other promising talents. Among them, Kaela’s debut album “Supraliminal” scheduled for May 16, followed by Villeneuve with “Soul Tuning” on May 30.
Focus on Vinyl
This new venture pays homage to the enduring appeal of vinyl records, a sentiment embedded in Other Suns’ mission to create music that resonates with authenticity and longevity. The resurgence of vinyl in recent years has highlighted the tangible connection it offers fans, something Gonzalez intends to leverage fully with the releases under his label. In a rapidly changing world, the label aims to preserve the art of music as a physical, timeless entity.
M83’s Legacy and New Horizons
M83’s past works, including the recently released album “Fantasy” in 2023, have consistently blurred the lines between genres, weaving elements of shoegaze, synthpop, and ambient music. “Fantasy” was celebrated for embracing the ‘80s shoegaze influences that defined Gonzalez’s early musical explorations. Despite diverting from mainstream appeal, the album garnered praise for its immersive, dreamlike quality and reaffirmed his standing as a cult figure in the music world.
With Other Suns, Gonzalez not only cements his legacy as a visionary artist but also as a mentor for emerging musicians. By providing a platform for artists to explore and produce meaningful work, Other Suns seeks to foster a diverse musical community, built on creativity and collaboration.
As the anticipation builds for “A Necessary Escape” and the subsequent releases from Other Suns, Gonzalez’s efforts spotlight the dynamic intersection between music, film, and storytelling. The journey ahead is one of innovation, promising new sounds that will captivate audiences while honoring the nostalgic charm of music’s tangible formats. It’s a bold declaration of the enduring power of music to transcend time and trend, inviting fans old and new into the vibrant world of M83 and Other Suns.
