Thomas Bangalter : "J'avais la volonté de mettre les machines de côté" (english subtitles)

Summary

In this insightful interview, Thomas Bangalter, former member of Daft Punk, discusses his transition from electronic music to classical composition with his new solo album *Mythology*. He reflects on his creative evolution, the challenges of composing for orchestra, and his relationship with technology. Bangalter also delves into the end of Daft Punk, exploring themes of identity, fame, and detachment. The conversation touches on contemporary concerns, such as artificial intelligence and its ethical implications, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a musical innovator.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thomas Bangalter, former member of Daft Punk, gave a rare interview without his iconic helmet, discussing his first solo project since Daft Punk's breakup.
• 😀 Bangalter's new album 'Mythology' is a symphonic, classical composition, a departure from his electronic roots with Daft Punk.
• 😀 The album was created for a ballet by Angelin Preljocaj, and features a live orchestra, marking Bangalter's first time composing for such a setup.
• 😀 Bangalter purposely avoided using electronic elements in this album, seeking a completely different creative process and distancing himself from technology.
• 😀 He believes the increasing prevalence of AI, especially in music, requires ethical regulation to prevent technological overreach.
• 😀 In his approach to creating the album, Bangalter leaned into a beginner's mindset, constantly challenging himself to step outside his comfort zone.
• 😀 Bangalter's musical journey has been deeply influenced by classical music, with personal ties to ballet and orchestral traditions through his family background.
• 😀 The album features themes from mythology, such as the Minotaur and Icarus, exploring ancient and modern stories through music.
• 😀 Bangalter relates to the myth of Perseus, connecting it to his experience with fame and the protective barrier his Daft Punk persona created.
• 😀 Despite Daft Punk's immense global success, Bangalter feels detached from the fame, often focusing on the creative process rather than the public attention it garnered.

Q & A

What inspired Thomas Bangalter to step out of his comfort zone and create a symphonic album after Daft Punk's breakup?

Thomas Bangalter was driven by a desire to experiment with orchestration and step away from electronic music. He was looking for a fresh challenge and an opportunity to explore the classical music world, which he had been fascinated by for a long time.

Why did Thomas Bangalter decide to completely exclude electronic elements from his new album, 'Mythology'?

Bangalter felt that, at the time, he wanted to distance himself from technology to focus solely on the orchestra. He was questioning his relationship with technology and wanted to create a pure orchestral experience without any additional mechanical or digital components.

How did Thomas Bangalter learn to compose for an orchestra, given his background in electronic music?

Bangalter had a deep connection to classical music and dance from an early age. He studied orchestration on his own and worked with orchestral music during his time with Daft Punk. His early piano lessons with a coach at the opera also contributed to his foundation in music theory and composition.

What role did Angelin Preljocaj's ballet play in the creation of 'Mythology'?

Angelin Preljocaj invited Bangalter to compose the music for his ballet, which was a significant factor in the creation of 'Mythology.' This opportunity allowed Bangalter to dive into orchestral music while also exploring the themes of mythology through the ballet's narrative.

How did Bangalter view the relationship between technology and creativity, especially with the rise of AI in music?

Bangalter expressed concern over the unregulated growth of technology, particularly AI in music. He likened it to the myth of Icarus, warning that while technology can be powerful, it must be handled responsibly and ethically. He also discussed the potential dangers of being consumed by technology.

What personal connection does Thomas Bangalter have to the themes explored in his album, particularly the mythology of Icarus and Perseus?

Bangalter finds resonance in the myths of Icarus and Perseus, especially in relation to his experience with fame. He compared his protective helmet to Perseus' shield, using it as a way to shield himself from the pressures of fame and success.

Did Thomas Bangalter ever feel overwhelmed by his fame as part of Daft Punk?

Bangalter maintained a sense of detachment from the fame that came with Daft Punk. He described their robotic personas as a way to protect themselves from the overwhelming visibility, often feeling like they were performing behind a mask and shield, both literally and metaphorically.

What does Bangalter think about the legacy of Daft Punk and their impact on French music?

Bangalter expressed satisfaction with the legacy of Daft Punk, acknowledging the band's role as an ambassador of French music. While he didn’t claim pride in the traditional sense, he appreciated the unique contribution they made to the global music scene over 28 years.

Why does Thomas Bangalter feel like a 'beginner' despite his extensive career in music?

Bangalter feels motivated by the challenge of continuing to push himself and get out of his comfort zone. Even with decades of experience, he sees each project as an opportunity to start fresh and learn something new, embracing a mindset of perpetual growth.

What kind of personal and creative freedom did Thomas Bangalter experience after Daft Punk's breakup?

After Daft Punk's breakup, Bangalter found freedom to explore new creative paths without the constraints of the electronic genre. His first solo album, 'Mythology,' marked a shift towards orchestral music, allowing him to experiment more deeply with classical compositions and themes.