Daft Punk

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Daft Punk wear bespoke Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane masks, Le Smoking suits and gloves

soundscape

interview and portrait by OLIVIER ZAHM

 

I met Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk at the Chateau Marmont the day before the worldwide release of “Random Access Memories.” They say it’s their most ambitious and complex project, and their first time recording everything live and using prominent musicians like Nile Rodgers and Pharrell Williams.

As much as these talented and prolific musicians like to hide behind their masks, they’re honest and direct about what it takes to create an album that is both highly experimental and internationally mainstream. How is that possible in a world of calculated industrial conformism?

OLIVIER ZAHM — It’s already been 20 years of Daft Punk! I guess this is an important record for you.
THOMAS BANGALTER — We’ve been at this…