The most famous electro group on the planet, Daft Punk, separated for two years, unveiled this Thursday, May 11 in front of thousands of fans a new title in world preview. It was at the Center Pompidou, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the album “Random access memories”. The title and the clip are officially released tomorrow, May 12 at 6 a.m.
The French duo Daft Punk, separated in February 2021, will always amaze. While they remain rare, the helmeted heads have decided for the tenth anniversary of their last cult album Random access memories, to mark the occasion by exclusively unveiling, Thursday, May 11, a new title and its clip in the Center Pompidou, where it all began. It was in Beaubourg that electro caught up with them more than thirty years ago, precisely on November 10, 1992, during a founding rave party. Thomas Bangalter was soon to be 18 years old, his accomplice Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo had been this age for a few months. They formed in 1993 under the name Daft Punk.
A “demo”
Three decades later, thousands of fans wait in front of the Parisian museum, creating an endless queue, to discover an unreleased piece of the French group. This title is a “demo”, the first draft of a piece originally composed for Random access memories, awarded with five Grammys. Infinity repeating is one of nine tracks laid on tape in 2013 and never released.
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When it is time to enter the museum, visitors rush to watch the video clip broadcast in the various projection locations: a giant screen in the large hall, a cinema room and a gallery for a listening experience in very high definition.
It is at 6:40 p.m. that the title resounds and the clip shines in the enclosure of the Center Pompidou. The many spectators are concentrated and obsessed with what they hear and see, taken out of their characteristic universe. We can hear the singer Julian Casablancas and The Voidz, in music that is both repetitive and catchy instrumental. 4 minutes and 15 seconds later, the applause resounds and the smiles appear in large on the faces. Fans of all ages seem conquered and happy to have come for this unique event, despite the absence of the two artists.
“Absolute fan”
Laura, 16, is charmed and still has stars in her eyes: “I came quickly after class, I couldn’t miss it! It was exceptional. I’m an absolute fan of Daft Punk, they manage to surprise us even after all these years and after their separation. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow to listen to the title on repeat” . Being there was also a must for Nicolas, 23, an unconditional fan of the group since the release of Random access memories, just ten years ago.
For him, this event in Beaubourg was a logical continuation : “It’s a continuation of what they have been offering since their separation: archiving their work and reminding the public that their music is there and will remain there for a long time. The clip is well done but what pleasantly surprised me was the music, honestly the sound is incredible even though it’s only a demo. It’s a nice conclusion to this adventure. Random access memories,” he recounts.Plus, doing it at the Center Pompidou is a great idea. It’s a nod to the first Parisian fans and especially at their beginning, it’s a beautiful symbolism thirty years later, it’s very successful“.
Intergenerational
The helmeted duo is definitely timeless and cross-generational. After thirty years, their mysterious universe and their image of robots from elsewhere still fascinate the crowds, from the youngest to the oldest. More than two years ago, their separation, so unexpected, will have marked the spirits. It was a shock for many fans but a new step for the French duo who seemed to have achieved everything they wanted together.
Since 2021, Thomas Bangalter, one of the two Daft Punk, has composed his first piece for orchestra for a ballet by choreographer Angelin Preljocaj Mythologies.