When they first came out with “Amour Plastique,” the French teen duo Videoclub seemed like a summer romance: beautiful, delicate, and impossible to avoid. Their nostalgic synth-pop has summed up Gen-Z’s need for real emotions in a digital world in recent years.
But their story suddenly changed on March 31, 2021. They sent the simple Instagram message “Sometimes it’s better to separate before it goes wrong” after putting out the lyrical farewell music video for “SMS.” The very moving statement marked the end of a relationship that had grown in public but had been slowly falling apart behind the scenes.
Videoclub at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Videoclub |
| Members | Adèle Castillon, Matthieu Reynaud |
| Origin | Nantes, France |
| Active Years | 2018 – 2021 |
| Breakout Single | “Amour Plastique” |
| Album | Euphories (2021) |
| Split Date | March 31, 2021 |
| Reason for Disbandment | Romantic relationship breakdown, alleged infidelity, emotional fatigue |
| Official Statement | Via “SMS” music video + Instagram |
| Current Endeavors | Adèle – solo music & acting; Matthieu – releasing as “Mattyeux” |
| Reference | Wikipedia – Videoclub |
Beginnings: Nostalgia and Chemistry
At first glance, they seemed like a perfect match, like honey and cream. Matthieu’s analog-flavored production and Adèle’s ethereal voice made for an emotional palette that was very different from anything else. Their music resonated with people outside of France, and they gained passionate fans all over the world.
However, even the strongest alliances can break up when the media is watching. As they became more famous, people started to pay attention to them. Dark songs and strange social media posts over time hinted that something was wrong, turning a close relationship into a warning.
Cracks in the Facade
People noticed that songs like “C’est Drôle” had a new, rough edge by 2020, and Reddit posts asked, “Did Matthieu cheat?” Fans began to put the pieces together. Adèle’s lyrics were very harsh and direct. For example, “Comme tu trompais / Mon coeur s’est endurci” (“You cheated / My heart has hardened”). “Together, they were magic,” one comment on Reddit said. They lost that spark when they were apart.
This emotional breakdown, which happened off-stage but was shown through song, showed how love and art can both get worse, especially when they are both living under the pressure of public expectations.
Love, Fame, and the Pressure Cooker
Videoclub’s breakup is not an isolated event; it is part of a long history of artistic and romantic partnerships that fell apart when they couldn’t work anymore. When things got tough, their once-harmonious work together turned into chaos, like a swarm of bees that had been overplucked from their hive. The band and the relationship ended quietly, almost gently, but the effects are still felt.
It’s a good lesson: letting go can help each artist do better. It looks like Adèle and Matthieu are also about to grow.
What Lies Ahead?
Since the breakup, both have made moves that look to the future. It’s surprising how well Adèle’s solo work turns pain into art, which is something that a lot of single artists do when they’re working on their own. Matthieu’s new stage name, Mattyeux, promises to bring dreamy, thoughtful pop music. It’s both the same and different.
Fans who want to hear more unique and in-depth points of view will really like their solo careers, which strike a good balance between creative ambition and honesty.
A Legacy Beyond the Breakup
The story of Videoclub and its end is a powerful story of love, tragedy, and the growth of art. They gave us songs that still make us feel the same way now as they did when we were kids. Some will be sad about what has been lost, but others will be happy about what has been saved.
This is a beautiful moment in the history of indie-pop that shows how personal problems can often lead to new creative ideas.
Their solo careers, which strike a balance between creative ambition and personal honesty, will be especially good for fans who want more in-depth, original points of view.
From Duo to Solo: How It Compares to Other Famous Breakups
Daft Punk
The French electronic giants also called their quits in 2021. Videoclub was like a younger, more sensitive version of French identity—suburban, emotive, and DIY—while their legacy is one of worldwide anthems and hidden mysteries. But both duos remind us how strong and fragile a shared vision can be.
The Civil Wars
Like Videoclub, The Civil Wars were known for the way their music and emotions worked together. Fans were sad about what “could have been” after they broke up. In both situations, the divide didn’t kill the art; it made it stronger. What they lost made their solo work more poignant.
Angus and Julia Stone
An Australian brother and sister team whose side ventures dealt with issues of independence, individuality, and trying new things. Adèle and Matthieu’s work is comparable in that they both create separate identities while still showing signs of their mutual backgrounds.
Why Their Breakup Is More Important Than We Thought
Videoclub stood out in a world where virality typically beats out art because it was so honest. Their music wasn’t made to work with algorithms; it came from chemistry, shared diaries, and long evenings in bedrooms that had been turned into studios.
Adèle and Matthieu are now reinventing what it means to evolve, both as artists and as people, by going their ways. Their journeys show us that endings can be surprisingly good beginnings.
They might not be a pair anymore in the world of indie music. Strangely, they’re still dancing with the same energy but to different beats.
