So Long Dancing Robots
For 8 years, music fans have been on the edge of their seats, waiting for the return of the two French robots. That comeback will never happen. A few weeks ago, the legendary French duo decided to part ways after 28 years of collaboration. Daft Punk changed the world of music not only with their unique electro beats, but also by the way they disclosed their art and their messages. An entire generation will only keep good memories of their rhythmic vibes that brighten up our days.
They collaborated with the biggest names in the industry, breaking barriers along the way. The two artists changed the way music needed to be explored and put into albums (the whole notion of art and how we deliver cues through sounds).
Their whole career of over two decades is a message of its own, a critic of Hollywood and society. Graciously attacking fame and the whole notion of celebrity in a way. On top of being one of the most acclaimed dance/electro groups on the planet, their elusiveness and this mysterious touch became their trademark until the last moment. It was bigger than music. It was, and still is, about defying norms and creating your own path, trying some weird and unexpected sounds along the way. They used synthesizers in the best way possible, while creating the sound of the future, as Giorgio Moroder articulated so well.
We know that the Daft Punk members’ names are Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. That’s pretty much all we know about them. Unquestionably, they helped put France on the music map and allowed for the exporting of this type of music around the globe.
The elusive musicians released four albums throughout their prolific career. It all started in 1993, in Paris, the city of love. The announcement of the break-up was done without making too many waves. Let’s say they decided on a strange time in history to externalize this final farewell. The world is going through chaos, as we are awaiting a new world. Until then, we are navigating on a raging ocean.
The group published a video called “Epilogue” on February 22, where the song Touch (from their most recent project Random Access Memories) accompanied the two robots on their final walk in the desert. All inspired by their 2006 film, Electroma. At the end of the video, it was clear that the journey came to an abrupt end with the years 1993 to 2021 showing. There has been no comments from the members or the representatives of the acclaimed duo.
When you have a passion for something, just do it and the success will come. It might take a while, but great and powerful innovations don’t happen overnight.
Everyone surely has a favourite Daft Punk song and album. My favourite jam has to be from their first album, Homework. I’ve never been a big fan of songs without lyrics. Personally, I find them dull, as if something is missing. Most songs that caught my ears must have the whole package: a unique beat, a great voice and a strong message. Most of the greatest hits in history, in my opinion, are R&B hits, maybe because of their strong remarks about the importance of love. That’s why it’s somewhat surprising that Revolution 909 was my favourite track. The beat brings out the best in you, but it doesn’t have all of its charm without the music video that is out of this world.
In the video, we see how simple coincidences led to an expected ending. Makes us wonder how life is only just the consequence of unplanned events that shape who we are, who’s around us, and what we yearn to become. A small gesture and action may decide the rest of your life, for the best most of the time. You then find joy in the unexpected and start enjoying life to its fullest without that much anxiety. Going with the flow, while growing through it all.
Daft Punk’s latest album, Random Access Memories, was the fruit of the talented musician and producer Pharrell Williams. It was very different than what they were used to. The album had lots of pop sounds to it, thanks to the features.
Pharrell even appear on the hit-single Get Lucky, which was recognized around the world for its feel-good vibes. We can now say it was their most successful song of their career. Everybody remembers hearing Around the World on the radio. Nevertheless, the whole package is what made us fall in love with this unfamiliar band. When the clubs reopen and the virus is behind us, you better ask the DJ to play a Daft Punk song so we can celebrate music and life together.
Merci Daft Punk pour cette richesse musicale!
