Machine Girl
About Machine Girl
Machine Girl is an American electronic music project created in 2012 by Matt Stephenson on Long Island, New York. In 2015, the project became a duo, with Stephenson recruiting percussionist Sean Kelly to play live drums. The project derives its name from the 2008 Japanese film The Machine Girl and has occasionally incorporated samples from the film into their work, notably in their 2014 debut studio album, WLFGRL.
Machine Girl, as described by its creator, is a genre-defying musical project characterized as "fucked-up electronic punk". Stephenson rejected the label of "industrial", deeming it too gothic and monochromatic, preferring to view the project as more colorful. Kerrang! recognized Machine Girl as a band pushing the boundaries of hardcore, noting their punk-infused and intense version of breakcore. Pitchfork defined their style as a relentless fusion of punk, grindcore, rave, industrial, and other influences, marked by unpredictability, animalistic rage, and uncontrollable energy.
Their music often features lyrics and samples criticising capitalism and exploring mental health, gender identity, and sexuality. This can particularly be seen in their albums ...Because I'm Young Arrogant and Hate Everything You Stand For, The Ugly Art and U-Void Synthesizer.