Ōtautahi-based dark-pop artist Michèle Ducray has dropped her enchanting new single ‘Madame’, alongside an equally mesmerising music video. Known for her unique blend of the mystical and the real, Michèle’s new track further solidifies her place in Aotearoa’s vibrant music scene.
Building on the success of her debut EP 'Throne Of Mine', released just last year, Michèle has enjoyed widespread acclaim from top radio stations and playlists, including The Edge, ZM, Spotify, MTV, and Rolling Stone. Her energetic live performances have captivated audiences at major festivals like Bay Dreams and Electric Avenue, making her a prominent figure in the Aotearoa music landscape.
‘Madame’ is an eerie yet playful track inspired by Michèle’s personal experiences with untrustworthy men. “This is the story of a philandering traveller that is lured into the trap of a forest-witch, who punishes him for his unruly behaviour,” Michèle explains.
The song serves as a powerful anthem for those who have faced betrayal in relationships. “I was in an extremely toxic and abusive relationship,” Michèle shares, “so this song is for anyone who has had experience with cheating partners or straying situationships. I want them to feel their strength in this song - to get them dancing and embracing their bad side.”
The single, written in Michèle’s bedroom in Ōtautahi, was recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered with long-time collaborator Liam Quinn (Peaches PRC, Rita Ora) in Sydney, Australia. The accompanying music video, shot in Bottle Lake Forest, Ōtautahi, was a collaborative effort with Hester Roa Photography and features Smokey Divine as the wandering traveller. Edited by Reta Films, the video portrays a vengeful Michèle as a forest-witch, delivering a potent visual narrative that complements the song’s theme. "It’s very much a vengeful anthem," says Michèle.
Michèle’s dark-pop sound is characterised by her intoxicating vocals, deep drum and bass, and lucid pop melodies, creating a melancholic yet energetically upbeat experience. A self-confessed ‘fan of the peculiar’, her enigmatic ‘Peter Pan’ style on stage further enhances her allure. Michèle has collaborated with industry heavyweights like Simon Gooding (Dua Lipa, Pink), Pacific Heights (Drax Project, Shapeshifter), and Liam Quinn (Delta Goodrem, Rita Ora).
With more fantastical storytelling and captivating music on the horizon, Michèle Ducray’s ‘Madame’ casts a new spell on listeners across Aotearoa, marking the dawn of an exciting chapter for the rising star.
Connect with Michèle Ducray,
