Daft Punk Reveals the Reason Behind their Breakup

As we approach the 10th anniversary of “Random Access Memories” and reflect on the two-year mark since Daft Punk’s official breakup, Thomas Bangalter, one half of the iconic duo, has opened up about the reasons behind their decision. In an interview with BBC, he shared his growing unease with the intersection of music and technology.

Describing Daft Punk as an exploration that initially involved machines but eventually distanced itself from them, Bangalter expressed his love for technology as a tool. However, he admitted feeling a sense of apprehension regarding the relationship between machines and humans. Their intention was to use machines to convey deeply moving emotions that only humans can feel, firmly standing on the side of humanity rather than technology.

With the ever-increasing prominence of artificial intelligence and algorithmic advancements, Bangalter’s discomfort grew. In the context of the world we live in today, he expressed a desire not to be associated with being a mere robot.

While keeping the narrative intact during Daft Punk’s existence was crucial to the project, Bangalter now feels it is the right time to unveil a more human-centered aspect of their creative process, distinct from any algorithmic influence. He emphasized that Daft Punk blurred the line between reality and fiction through their robot personas, and it feels appropriate to share elements of the human-based creativity now that their story has concluded.

In light of the forthcoming anniversary, Daft Punk has announced a deluxe reissue of “Random Access Memories.” Notably, this release includes a demo recording where Bangalter collaborates with producer Todd Edwards on the song “Fragments of Time.” According to Bangalter, this recording can only be unveiled now that Daft Punk is no longer active.

Meanwhile, Thomas Bangalter is set to release his debut solo orchestral album, “Mythologies,” on April 7th, marking an exciting new chapter in his musical journey beyond Daft Punk.