The name of this project kinda made me laugh as Dark Minimal Project are three combined words that I would use to describe a band but not something I would think to actually name the band. But, hey, here we are and we have Dark Minimal Band. And I don’t think there’s any questioning what the project actually does or what kind of music they make. Obviously, we would hope that there’s more to their story and there absolutely is. Check out everything you need to know about Dark Minimal Project in this edition of INTRODUCING.
Give us a brief about your band. Who are you and what do you do?
We are Dark Minimal Project: Dark-Electro Band from France composed by Guillaume VDR (Composer, Keyboards & Lead Vocals) and Ange Vesper (Keyboards Vocals and Pad) signed under the german label “Infacted Recordings” managed by Torben Schmidt. On 26 th September third LP will be released.
When did you first launch the project and how has it come along since?
We started in 2022. At first it was a song, then we made an album to finish and then we got a taste for performing, the concerts led to a 2nd album, then a third supported by a label.
What bands and artists influenced you the most and why?
Guillaume: Of course Depeche Mode, John foxx and Front242 are my greatest influences. DM: Their story is well-known. They are among my favorite heroes for their creations, their sounds, their studio work, and their ability to always reinvent themselves like a phoenix.John Foxx: He appeasl to me with his versatility, always blending old and new sounds to create something “modern,” and it transports me.Front 242 for their always breathtaking stage performances, for their entire career, and for the professionalism of Patrick Codenys, with whom I’ve been able to collaborate.
Ange: The Cure (that I like guys who wear makeup ! lol) more seriously because during my adolescence in the north of France, I was immersed in English, Belgian and German musical culture, The Cure is the first foreign group on which I really got hooked as much in terms of the compositions as in terms of the instruments as in terms of the look and being able to identify with something new and different (a sort of rebellion in the middle of an adolescent crisis). David Bowie Also, since I was little, I’ve always been drawn to people who are different, who stand out, and who have a strong artistic personality. Then Gary Numan, for the sound, the synths, his unique character, and his ability to adapt and evolve throughout his musical journey (with breathtaking stage performances).
If you could pick a single song from your discography to explain your music, which song would you pick and why?
Guillaume: From the single “Staring Away”, I entered a new musical phase especially in terms of sounds that I wanted “harder and more slamming”, a sort of transition between the
Synthpop phase and the hardness half EBM half Dark of the current German scene, a turning for my way to write songs.
Ange: “Perversion”. Approaching such a subject (which can have several meanings) was a daring choice. We wanted to talk about it but in a broad way so that everyone could make their own interpretation. We also wondered if we should release it or not… and finally we said to ourselves “let’s do it!” … and we did well because we were lucky enough to have this title remixed by Patrick Codenys from Front242. (anecdote: it’s really Ange Vesper who makes the sordid sounds on the track and it was very funny in the studio during the recording!)
What is your most recent release and what is it about?
Single (19/09/25): Schlafen ! It was a gamble at the start, singing in German for a French band is not common! But we did it! We fell in love with Germany by playing there since 2023, it’s a little gift for The German public. The story comes from our label manager (Infacted Recordings) in Germany who often writes on his Facebook page late at night “Are you asleep?” (Schlafen ? lol)
LP (26/09/25): “Pleasure is A Sin”: It’s a concept album where everything is linked. The cover already says a lot (if you look closely at the small details). The relationship between the fallen angel and the other who tries to hold him back in his fall but who wants to fall with him. Temptation being the common thread of the album.
Take us through your creative process. How do you compose a song from start to finish? Where do the ideas come from?
It’s practically me (Guillaume) who writes the songs, it comes from a block… I then present them to Ange and we shape them together, on the color to give or the meaning of the words. Sometimes in rehearsals, we go into improvisation and we record ourselves, this gives interesting pieces that we rework later, and sometimes a real album title or single is born from it.
What’s your current favorite song, band, or album within your scene? And vice versa, what do you enjoy the most that’s completely opposite of what you make?
Guillaume: VNV Nation “Construct” is one of the last albums that touched me. I’m always blown away by Ronan’s vocal power!
Ange:The album is not out yet but the title of the moment for me is “Lazarus” by Das Ich. More than 10 years after the last album they are making a flamboyant comeback because the title is truly exceptional in the composition, in the arrangement and in the singing. I am impatiently waiting for the album.
Ange & Guillaume: For the second part of the question, it’s impossible to answer in one sentence. We are so curious about music that it can range from metal to classical music, to film music composer, etc.
What is on the horizon for your project? Upcoming gigs, tours, merch, videos, etc. Name it, link it, show it off.
“Pleasure is A Sin” will be released on 09/26/25 by Infacted Recordings (on digital, CD and vinyl) and we will start a tour which will begin on October 4 in Belgium (with Patrick Codenys from Front242 in DJ Set) then the tour will go to the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and then back to France for around 8 dates. A lot of things will also happen in 2026 but we can’t say anything for the moment! Stay connected.
Thank you for these very interesting questions! A pleasure to have been able to answer them! Thank you, Brutal Resonance!
