Thomas Bangalter, one half of the legendary electronic music duo Daft Punk, has recently opened up about his feelings regarding the group’s decision to disband. The breakup, which took the music world by surprise, has led Bangalter to reflect on the past and express a sense of relief.
Listen to the interview here with BBC Radio 6 with Matt Everitt.
Bangalter explained that while the journey with Daft Punk had been undeniably transformative and groundbreaking, the dissolution of the duo has brought about a mix of emotions. On one hand, he acknowledged the immense success and impact that Daft Punk achieved during their years of collaboration. The duo’s innovative sound and iconic robot personas left an indelible mark on the music industry and pop culture as a whole.
“There’s a connection between fiction and reality, and everything we did was the different chapters in the story, and a story by definition has a beginning, a middle and an end,” Bangalter said. “The question I ask myself more than ‘why we did end it?’ [is] ‘how long could it last for so long?’
We were very critical, me and Guy-Man, on the history of rock ‘n’ roll – of all these bands that eventually start to be disconnected and age, and we didn’t think that we could get away with it either. When we started I was 18 and when we ended Daft Punk I was 46. It’s been a significant part of my life but I am relieved an happy to look back on it and say ‘OK, we didn’t mess it up too much…’ And I think it’s actually interesting to have this opportunity to start, have the middle and to end it.”
However, Bangalter also revealed that the breakup has allowed him to embrace a new chapter in his musical career. The end of Daft Punk has provided him with the space and freedom to explore different creative avenues that he might not have ventured into otherwise. This newfound artistic liberty has sparked a sense of liberation, giving him the chance to experiment with diverse styles and concepts that have been lingering in his mind.
It’s important to note that Bangalter’s sentiments do not diminish the significance of Daft Punk’s legacy. Instead, they highlight his personal evolution and growth as an artist. The decision to move forward individually was not taken lightly, but rather as an opportunity for both members to continue pushing their boundaries independently.
In a way, Bangalter’s relief stems from the bittersweet realization that while Daft Punk’s era has ended, the legacy they built will continue to inspire and influence musicians and fans alike. As he explores uncharted musical territories, he does so with gratitude for the past and excitement for the future.
An additional interview with Thomas from earlier this year discussing is recent orchestral records and life being part of Daft Punk is available below:
