It’s been awhile since we’ve heard anything new from the french ambient artist, M83, but that’s about to change. Next month he will digitally release an album of songs that he recorded in 2006 and he is currently in the studio working on a full length studio album that will be released some time next year. The studio album is being recorded with Ken Thomas (Sigur Ros, Sugar Cubes, Cocteau Twins, Suede) and Ewan Pearson (Tracey Thorn, The Rapture, Ladytron) and has not been named yet. Meanwhile, we have the chance to listen to Digital Shades Vol. 1 which begins a series of “textured richness” which will weave a “lunar and dream-like path.”

According to the press release:

Recorded primarily at his home studio with the assistance of Antoine Gaillet, (who also worked on “Before the Dawn Heals Us”), Gonzalez was able to work without pressure, working on the record at his own time and pace. Inspired by Eno and Krautrock in its many forms, M83 focused heavily on subtleties and atmospherics during the writing process. The idea of digital, relevant during all the process (from creating the music to sharing it), gave him the idea to call the project “Digital Shades Vol.1″, and to make the album part of an ongoing series.

The best part is that we don’t have to wait until its release on September 4th. There will be a sneak preview in the form of an interactive online listening party which will also feature a Q&A session with M83 himself (aka Anthony Gonzales). The online listening party takes place on Monday (Aug. 27th) at 2pm EST. If you plan on attending, you should register as soon as possible at this website:
http://www.ilovem83.com

M83 Links

You can also listen to M83 music right now on his music$pace page.
You can also read an interview with M83 (from 2005 but still good) on USOUNDS

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