Machine Girl

Machine Girl

Machine Girl is an American electronic music project formed in 2012 by Matt Stephenson on Long Island, New York. In 2015, it becomes a duo when Stephenson brings in percussionist Sean Kelly to play live drums, and in 2024 Lucy Caputi joins as a guitarist.

Name and style

The project takes its name from the 2008 Japanese film The Machine Girl, and it sometimes uses samples from that film in its work. Stephenson describes the music as “fucked-up electronic punk” and rejects the industrial label, saying it feels too gothic and monochrome for the project. Its sound is associated with breakcore, digital hardcore, footwork, electronic music and IDM, and it is also described as crossing punk, grindcore, rave and industrial influences.

Musical themes and releases

Machine Girl’s lyrics and samples often address capitalism, mental health, gender identity and sexuality. This is especially apparent on the albums WLFGRL, the 2014 debut studio album that includes film samples, ...Because I’m Young Arrogant and Hate Everything You Stand For, The Ugly Art and U-Void Synthesizer.

Critical description

The project is noted for its unpredictable, intense and high-energy style. It is described as pushing the boundaries of hardcore, with a punk-infused approach to breakcore.