On July 3, London-based alt.-queer artist Ray Noir released “Dead Valentine,” a single that heralds his upcoming EP, Against the Machine. Co-written with Madeleine Wood, the track blends late ’90s and early ’00s industrial and rock vibes, depicting themes of revenge and obsession in a toxic romance. Noir describes it as a “venom-laced love letter” to those who’ve betrayed him. The song, produced by Jon Cass, features guitars by Maxine Cahell and backing vocals by Evan Mansell, and is accompanied by a visually striking video directed by Maximum Perou. Following his previous singles, Noir is set to perform with Pretty Addicted and Die Krupps in the coming months.
Given the intense emotional themes in “Dead Valentine,” how can artists effectively translate personal experiences of betrayal and desire into their music while still resonating with a broader audience?
