Discovering electronica at a very young age, James Haidak looks to French electronica duo Daft Punk as an inspiration. Known for their robotic helmets to conceal their faces, Daft Punk announced their breakup by posting a YouTube video titled “Epilogue” on February 22, 2021. Though no reasons were given, the split was later confirmed by their longtime publicist Katherine Frazier. Many were stunned. Another prominent group disbanding in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Starting out in the early ‘90s as a punk band named Darlin, Thomas Bangalter realized that their guitar-based music was “pretty average.” Darlin consisted of Bangalter on bass, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo on guitar, and another guitarist Laurent Brancowitz. They released two singles for a multi-track EP under Duophonic Records, a music label owned by UK band Stereolab. Darlin soon disbanded and Bangalter and de Homem-Christo parted ways with Brancowitz, who would later join Phoenix.
Dave Jennings of Melody Maker had previously dubbed Darlin as “a daft punky thrash.” This negative review would later inspire Bangalter and de Homem-Christo to christen their experimentation with synthesizers and drum machines as they craft a newfound sound for their next project as Daft Punk.
It was in 1997 when Daft Punk released their debut studio album Homework. The Village Voice praised the album for having “revived house music and departed from the Eurodance formula.” Since then, Daft Punk has released 3 major albums – 2001’s Discovery, 2005’s Human After All, and 2013’s Random Access Memories. Other major releases include a soundtrack to 2010’s Tron: Legacy, and 2 live albums – Alive 1997 & Alive 2007. They have already won major awards including Billboard Music Awards, Brit Awards, and the Grammys.
James Haidak is an up-and-coming DJ and music producer born in Washington DC. He is greatly influenced by late ‘90s techno, house, & electronica. For more on James and his music, you may visit this website.
James Haidak 