“You’re following some random communities
Who are faking it, never making it
You are scrolling random images
Photoshopped bodies, made-up memories
Your eyes just see what they wanna see”
French darkwave project Minuit Machine has recently launched a stunning and timely music video for their latest single, “Follower,” a song featured in their highly acclaimed album 24. The video is truly mesmerizing and beautiful and, ultimately a captivating short film in its own right.
The lyrics of this powerful song reflect upon the psychological impacts of living in a digital, highly interconnected society. The narrator feels overwhelmed and disillusioned by the constant exposure to curated online personas, fuelling the sense of a distorted reality where success and happiness are skewed by social media’s manipulated images and staged moments. Digital consumption, as a result, becomes alienating with its obsession and envy, which inhibits personal growth and self-esteem through a constant need for validation.
The video for “Follower,” directed by Andres Komatsu, is a cinematic masterpiece showcasing the thrilling beats of the track. For nearly seven minutes, we bear witness to the story of Poyo and Amandine. In the dim, pulsating atmosphere of a midnight bar, their paths intertwine, sparking a shared aspiration for rebellion. Their whispered vows of defiance are interrupted by the arrival of a convertible screaming into the night at breakneck speed. The vehicle’s inhabitants are Demetrius and Sweetie, a pair of wild souls whose night is far from over.
With little hesitation, Poyo (played by Paolo Gatabase) and Amandine (played by Amandine Stioui) surrender to the thrill of spontaneity, joining the unruly pair in a spontaneous road trip of unpredictable consequences. As the night deepens, they ignite one chaotic situation after another, cultivating an atmosphere thick with disruption and unease. As they push the limits of lawlessness, it becomes clear: nothing can stop their wild, rebellious joyride into the break of dawn. The film is a beautiful metaphor for the recklessness of social media and the advancement of technology without regard to any consequence.
Born out of the dynamic Parisian music scene in 2013, Minuit Machine is the potent synergy of Hélène de Thoury’s instrumental mastery and Amandine Stioui’s vocal finesse. Their musical craft navigates the tumultuous sea of human emotion, amalgamating raw vocal power, transcendental synthetic melodies, and relentless techno rhythms.
Minuit Machine’s musicality is a chilling, visceral exploration that magnetizes listeners to the dance floor while triggering an emotional monsoon. The pair’s output is a sonic time machine, echoing with nostalgia yet pulsating with the heartbeat of the contemporary, reflecting their personal tales, fears, and anxieties.
The duo’s sound—dark, melancholic, yet hypnotically engaging—creates an unexpected equilibrium of dance-inducing intensity and haunting depth. Over time, Minuit Machine has evolved, channeling various electronic influences to construct a distinctive, multilayered musical persona.
24 is out now. Order Here
The early phase, between 2013 and 2015, yielded two albums. After a three-year respite, the duo recommenced their journey, their third album ‘INFRAROUGE.’
Their groundbreaking EP “Don’t Run From The Fire” marked a turning point, demonstrating their deft blend of EBM, dark wave, and techno. Released during lockdown alongside a viral livestream, it played a pivotal role in catapulting their career. Subsequently, they unveiled “Basic Needs” under Rebeka Warrior’s WARRIORECORDS, which, aside from bolstering their international repute, etched their presence in the French music sphere. Recently, Amandine and Hélène released their album, “24“, shedding their darkwave skin to explore a medley of electro-pop and high-energy tech influences, marked by daring compositions, compelling instrumental layers, catchy beats, and unforgettable vocal lines.
In December 2022, Hélène, due to health concerns, decided to take a step back. Amandine, joined by a new synth player, continues to keep the essence of Minuit Machine alive on stage, preserving the duo’s legacy through electrifying performances.
Follow Minuit Machine:
Or via: