French music duo Daft Punk announced that they would be splitting up after 28 years of making music together. On February 22nd, 2021, they uploaded a video to their YouTube channel titled “Epilogue.” The video shows the two walking slowly in the desert, then their bodies explode, and it cuts to a shot of their hands with “1993 – 2021” underneath.
The group was formed by Guy-Manual de Homem–Christo and Thomas Bangalter. The two first began working together in 1987 as an indie rock band called Darling. After becoming fascinated with the French house music scene, they then formed Daft Punk in 1993.
Daft Punk released their debut album “Homework” in 1997 and went on to receive two Grammy nominations for singles “Da Funk” and “Around the World.” Since then, they have been nominated for 12 Grammys and won six.
Their second album, Discovery, was released in 2001, and featured singles “One More Time” and “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.” “One More Time” topped charts in France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia and became their first track to sell one million copies. “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” was sampled by Kanye West for his song “Stonger” and the three performed together at the 2008 Grammy’s.
The groups fourth and last album, “Random Access Memories” featured worldwide hit “Get Lucky,” which won them Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group at the 2014 Grammys. This era also included collaborations with The Weeknd’s, “I Feel it Coming” and “Starboy” which were extremely popular when they came out.
Aside from their music, the duo has had a large impact on pop culture. They are featured in the movie Tron: Legacy, for which they composed the score for. They also have several collaborations with large brands like Coca-Cola, The Gap, and raced in specially branded cars on behalf of the Lotus F1 Team at the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix.
Their impact on electronic dance music is undeniable, and music critics acknowledge them as one of the most influential acts in in dance music history. They have influenced acts such as LCD Soundsystem and have been sampled by Busta Rymes, Janet Jackson, and Wiley.
“I’m honestly a rap and hip hop and R&B type pf girl, but I liked their song with the Weeknd, and they’re very creative,” said Karma Griggs (‘23).
Daft Punk has had a long and extremely successful career, and while its heartbreaking to see them go, their music and impact will still live on in the hearts of many, even in those who are not their fans.
Here’s a playlist with some of their best songs:
