As you’re likely aware, the duo that basically created the French house genre have split. Pioneering, Grammy-winning electronic music outfit Daft Punk is no more. And so, in memory of their contribution to DJ and dance music culture, here’s a brief history of Daft Punk’s wide arc across our musical skies.
Early years
Daft Punk was formed by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter in 1993. In 1997, their debut studio album Homework was released, with singles ‘Around The World’ and ‘Da Funk’ leading their charge. In 2001, their second album ‘Discovery’ pushed them even further upwards with classics like ‘One More Time’ and ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’, both featuring the by-now trademark vocoder sound.
Later years
The duo toured from 2006-2007 and won a Grammy Award for Best Electronic/Dance Album in 2007. In 2010, their space-age appearance and futuristic sound made them a perfect match as the soundtrack composers for the film Tron: Legacy. In 2013, their fourth album ‘Random Access Memories’ went on to win 5 Grammys, including Album of the Year. All while setting the bar on how to DJ way high.
Interstella 5555
If there’s one enduring legacy that Daft Punk have left us with other than their music and aesthetic, it’s a rather unknown animated musical film called Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem. The film was a collaboration with Japanese director Kazuhisa Takenouchi and had a budget of $4 million. Interstella 5555 enjoys a cult following, and is worth a watch for fans of Daft Punk’s crystal clear trademark style.
Daft Punk have no doubt set the bar high for any future generations of music that feels like it was given to us by an advanced alien civilization built on the principles of EDM. Their departure from our hearts (and charts) is major loss to electronic music. But don’t let that stop you from pushing onwards in your own DJ career. Check out the Ableton Live DJing course by DJ Courses Online today.