M83 is an electronic music band formed in 2001 in Antibes, Alpes-Martimes, France. It was originally founded by Anthony Gonzalez and Nicolas Fromageau, however, the two parted ways in 2006 and M83 is now mainly fronted by Gonzalez and his brother Yann Gonzalez. M83 has released a total of 11 studio albums since inception. Their most recent release, Hurry Up We’re Dreaming, which features Midnight City, is their most critically acclaimed work to date, reaching as high as the #10 Rock Album of 2012.
Although M83 do use guitars, their sound is more electronically based and they use a wide range of synthesizers and special effects. Samplers that they use include a Boss SP-202 Dr. Sample and a Roland JS-30 sampling workstation. Guitars used in M83 include a 1962 American Fender Jaguar guitar, a Mexican Jazz Bass, and a Japanese Telecaster guitar. Synthesizers include a Clavia Nord Rack 2 synth, a Crumar Multiman synth, and a Yamaha CS-5 and Motif 6 keyboards with a TX-7 FM synth module. Amplification includes a 1965 Fender Deluxe Reverb guitar amp.
Special effects that M83 use includes a Boss PS-2 digital pitch shifter delay, an Ibanez TS9DX Tuber Tube Screamer pedal, a Roger Mayer Octavia pedal, an MT-2 Metal Zone, and RC-50 Loop Station pedals. M83 also uses an MCI console with a Mackie 12-channel mic/line mixer.
The vocal sound of M83 is relatively simple, with tenor voices, also used with a lot of effects. To sound like M83, one will need a strong knowledge of effects, synthesizers, and mixers, as well as being able to efficiently play the guitar and bass.
Keep Rockin’!!!
M83 by Peta Calvert taken on February 4, 2012
M83 by missionlessdays taken on November 20, 2008
M83 by Wexner Center taken on July 18, 2009
