Wanaka-based dark-pop artist Michèle Ducray has released her hook-laden, relatable new single, ‘Ace of Spades’, out today. With today’s release comes the announcement of her debut EP, set for release on October 6.
Listen to ‘Ace Of Spades’ HERE
Lighter in tone to Michèle’s recognisable dark-pop vibe, ‘Ace of Spades’ is a fun, quirky and carefree way of exploring “what you will and won’t take in a relationship”. The track’s satisfying half time feel rhythm section creates the perfect bed for Michèle’s outstanding pop vocals to take center stage; stacked with catchy ad libs and backing vocals to support the hook-laden melody.
“The song was inspired by a rejection I felt from a guy a while ago, and more generally about the difficulties I have had in maintaining relationships,” explains Michèle. “I’ve clearly been more into the person, than they have me! It relatedly reflects the intensities and rejections of romantic relationships and compares it to a ‘poker game’ in which the highest card of the deck is pulled, so the ‘player’ will leave the game (i.e. the relationship).”
Produced, mixed and mastered at Liam Quinn’s studio in Sydney, Australia, ‘Ace of Spades’ brings a lighter pop feel to Michèle’s music, showcasing the versatility, skill, and the many sides to this talented writer.
“This song treads a bit differently to my more dark stuff out there,” says Michèle. ”It’s my song for the people out there that have simply had enough and want to find someone that meets their well-deserved high standards. It’s still on par with my more magician, carny-loving vibes however; I love alluding to the relationship as a sort of poker theme.”
Today’s release comes after a string of singles from the typically dark-pop artist, recently releasing her slick single ‘Psycho’, which received widespread local support from the likes of The Edge, ZM, and The Project. Previous to this piece of pop goodness was the brilliantly crafted single and video ‘Monster’.
Based in Wanaka, Michèle was raised in South Africa, China and Christchurch. She has worked with Simon Gooding (Dua Lipa, Pink), Pacific Heights (Drax Project, Shapeshifter), Liam Quinn (Delta Goodrem, Rita Ora), and DJ RUEBIK. Signed to Antipodes Records, her music has been featured on some of NZ’s biggest radio stations and recently performed at 2023’s Bay Dreams and ZM’s Electric Avenue. A self-confessed "fan of the peculiar", Michèle is inspired by mysterious and sinister themes such as horror and the colourful characteristics of circus life. Her sound is characterised by a mix of intoxicating vocals, deep drum & bass, and lucid pop melodies for a melancholic yet energetically upbeat immersion of seductive tones.
Get ready for her debut EP out on October 6, and in the meantime, feel the validation of today’s release ‘Ace of Spades’. As Michèle says, “if you ever feel played or like you’re not being treated as how you deserve in a relationship, time to move on! There’s someone out there that wishes they had someone like you and would do way more than the bare minimum. We need to raise that bar again!”
Listen to ‘Ace Of Spades’ HERE