Watch Maryze’s Twisted Body-Horror Video for ‘False Icon’- A Synth-Soaked, Cinematic Critique of Celebrity Culture
Queer Canadian-French alt-pop provocateur Maryze unveils the electrifying video for their new single ‘False Icon’ — a visceral plunge into 80s synth-soaked soundscapes and campy, grotesque body-horror. The track pulses with retro-pop defiance, but it’s the video that truly embodies Maryze’s bold artistic vision: surreal, subversive, and impossible to look away from.
Maryze crashes into the UK alt-pop scene with their debut single ‘False Icon’ — out now via Hot Tramp Distribution. Produced by NYC’s Skyler Cocco, the track is a neon-drenched fever dream: think Eurythmics drama meets Lady Gaga decadence, all wrapped in the grotesque glamour of cult body-horror cinema. The single’s polaroid artwork, shot by Italian director Andrea Calvetti, teases the twisted mythology behind the music.
Inspired by the 1986 cult classic Society, ‘False Icon’ is a glittering takedown of Hollywood’s hollow idols — a synth-soaked anthem that seduces and slashes in equal measure. Maryze and Skyler, both artists who’ve danced with the illusion and felt the sting, wrote the track as both confession and confrontation. It’s a mirrorball smashed to pieces.
“When I moved to Los Angeles, I noticed some artists surrounding themselves with fans rather than friends, using people for clout under the guise of community. That’s where the lyric ‘Your friends, your fans, your captives’ came from. Skyler and I commiserated over having noticed this same trend, and wrote the track to call out manipulators in the industry who create the illusion of connection to lift themselves up without regard for those around them. We drew from the drama and camp of both 80s synthpop and body horror films of the era. In the visualizer, we built a character of this ‘False Icon’ (played by Sadie Scheufler) who lures people in with glamour, only to reveal the emptiness and ugliness beneath. Sadie and I developed the creative concept together and I’m blown away by how she brought it to life – she was terrifying on set.” MARYZE
With stormy-sweet alt-pop that blends bilingual lyricism and electronic fire, Maryze is no stranger to shaking things up. After touring Australia and New Zealand with Alex Cameron and going viral with ‘Langue’, they spent 2025 in LA artist residencies including SOCAN House. Their latest EP Versed dropped earlier this year, followed by a SXSW set and support slots for Boy Harsher, Princess Superstar, and Desire — cementing Maryze as one of alt-pop’s most fearless new voices.
WATCH THE FULL ‘FALSE ICON’ VIDEO HERE:
