M83 Releases Surprise “Chapter 1” EP

French multi-instrumentalist Anthony Gonzalez, also known as M83, has announced the surprise release of his EP, Chapter 1, ahead of his upcoming ninth studio album, Fantasy. The EP features the first six tracks of the highly anticipated record, which is due out on March 17th, 2023, via Mute Records.

In a recent statement, Gonzalez spoke about his intention for the album, stating that he wanted “to come back with something closer to the energy of “Before The Dawn Heals Us””. The album will feature a blend of guitars and synths, with Gonzalez seeking to be more present lyrically and vocally, making it his most personal album to date. “I wanted to be more present lyrically and vocally even if that was daunting at first,” he states. “I thought if I could achieve that, this album will be more personal than those that came before.”

Along with the release of Chapter 1, M83 has also dropped the music video for the first single, “Ocean’s Niagara,” directed by Yann Gonzalez. The visual experience only adds to the dreamy and ethereal atmosphere of the track, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the full album release.

Watch M83’s “Ocean’s Niagara” below

M83’s musical vision has garnered significant global success, with his album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming receiving a Grammy nomination as well as going platinum. He has also soundtracked films for the silver screen, including Gilles Marchand’s 2011 “Black Heaven”, Tom Cruise’s “Oblivion”, and his brother’s movie “Knife & Heart”.

Fans of M83 can look forward to catching him live, as he has announced a run of shows, which includes two headline performances in Phoenix, New York City, and San Francisco, as well as North American festival appearances.

M83 2023 North America Tour Dates

April 9th, 2023 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
April 10th, 2023 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
April 11th, 2023 – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theater
April 13th, 2023 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
April 14th, 2023 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater
April 15th, 2023 – Houston, TX – The Lawn at White Oak Music Hall
April 16th, 2023 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues
April 18th, 2023 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
April 19th, 2023 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern
April 21st, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
April 22nd, 2023 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
April 23rd, 2023 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner
April 25th, 2023 – New York, NY – Terminal 5
April 26th, 2023 – New York, NY – Terminal 5
April 28th, 2023 – Montreal, QC – MTELUS
April 29th, 2023 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY
April 30th, 2023 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
May 2nd, 2023 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre
May 3rd, 2023 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre
May 5th, 2023 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
May 6th, 2023 – Salt Lake City, UT – Ogden Amphitheater
May 8th, 2023 – Portland, OR – Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
May 9th, 2023 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
May 10th, 2023 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
May 11th, 2023 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
May 13th, 2023 – Pasadena, CA – Just Like Heaven Fest
May 14th, 2023 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre
May 16th, 2023 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
May 17th, 2023 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
May 20th, 2023 – Guadalajara, MX – Corona Capital Guadalajara

Fantasy and Chapter 1 mark a new chapter in the musical career of Anthony Gonzalez, promising to be a towering sensory delight that will leave listeners feeling heart-blazingly alive. The release of Chapter 1 only further increases the anticipation for the full album, set to be one of the biggest releases of the year.

For more information on M83, to order your copy of Fantasy, or get tickets to any of his upcoming tour dates, visit the website here.