Thomas Bangalter is a highly influential French musician, record producer, singer, songwriter, DJ, and composer. He gained international fame as one half of the electronic music duo Daft Punk, alongside Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo. Their innovative and genre-bending music has had a profound impact on electronic music and beyond. Besides Daft Punk, Bangalter has also been involved in other musical projects, including the groups Stardust and Together, further showcasing his versatility and creativity. He has also released music as a solo artist. His contributions to music have earned him widespread recognition and solidified his place as a prominent figure in the industry.
January 1975: Birth and Early Life of Thomas Bangalter
Thomas Bangalter was born on 3 January 1975 in Paris, France. His early exposure to music began at the age of 6 when he started taking piano lessons. His father, Daniel Vangarde, was a noted songwriter and producer.
1987: Formation of Darlin' and Meeting Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo
In 1987, Thomas Bangalter met Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo at Lycée Carnot school. They shared interests in films and music, leading them to form an indie rock trio called Darlin'. This was a significant step towards the formation of Daft Punk.
1993: Daft Punk's First Single and Industry Insights
In 1993, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo's duo, Daft Punk, released their first single, 'The New Wave.' This marked the beginning of their career in electronic music, with guidance from Bangalter's father, Daniel Vangarde.
1995: Release of Trax on da Rocks EP
In 1995, Thomas Bangalter released the first of his 'Trax on da Rocks' EPs. These works were a part of his solo career, showcasing his talents beyond Daft Punk.
1996: Da Mongoloids and Solo Works
In 1996, Thomas Bangalter was part of the group Da Mongoloids and released his solo work 'Trax on da Rocks.' His contributions to electronic music were expanding beyond Daft Punk.
1997: Release of Homework
In 1997, Thomas Bangalter released the album 'Homework' with Daft Punk. The album was partially recorded in Bangalter's bedroom, showing his dedication to music production. It marked the beginning of his focus on his label, Roulé.
1998: Release of 'Music Sounds Better with You'
In 1998, Thomas Bangalter released the hit 'Music Sounds Better with You' with Stardust, highlighting his influence in the club music scene. The single was recorded in Bangalter's home studio.
2002: Birth of Tara-Jay and Tinnitus Diagnosis
In 2002, Thomas Bangalter and Élodie Bouchez's first son, Tara-Jay, was born. Bangalter also reportedly developed tinnitus and stopped DJing in clubs to protect his hearing.
2002: Score for Irréversible and Music Video Appearance
In 2002, Thomas Bangalter produced the score for the film 'Irréversible' and released a soundtrack album. He was also featured in the music video for '113 Fout La Merde,' wearing his Daft Punk helmet.
2002: Tinnitus Diagnosis
In 2002, Thomas Bangalter reportedly developed tinnitus, leading him to quit DJing in clubs. However, Orde Meikle later stated that Bangalter had recovered from the condition.
2003: Release of 'So Much Love to Give'
In 2003, Thomas Bangalter, as part of Together, released the single 'So Much Love to Give.' This was a notable moment in his collaboration with DJ Falcon.
2004: Relocation to Beverly Hills
In 2004, Thomas Bangalter and his family moved to Beverly Hills, California, influenced by Bouchez's acting career and Bangalter's interest in filmmaking.
2005: Release of Human After All
In 2005, Daft Punk released their third studio album, 'Human After All.' The album was deeply personal for Thomas Bangalter, reflecting his life experiences at the time.
2008: Birth of Roxan
Thomas Bangalter and Élodie Bouchez's second son, Roxan, was born in 2008.
2009: Sound Effects Director for Enter the Void
In 2009, Thomas Bangalter served as the sound effects director for the film 'Enter the Void.' He collaborated with filmmaker Gaspar Noé, contributing ambient sounds and drones.
2011: Directing and Choreography for Fashion Line Co.
In 2011, Thomas Bangalter directed and choreographed a short film for the fashion line Co., starring Élodie Bouchez. This project highlighted his diverse talents in directing and choreography.
2013: Release of Random Access Memories
In 2013, Thomas Bangalter and Daft Punk released their fourth studio album, 'Random Access Memories.' The album featured meticulous production and collaborations, including with Giorgio Moroder.
2013: Return to Paris
In 2013, Thomas Bangalter and his family moved back to Paris, while maintaining Daft Punk's creative offices in Los Angeles.
2016: Collaboration with The Weeknd
In 2016, Daft Punk collaborated with The Weeknd, producing and co-writing 'Starboy' and 'I Feel It Coming.' 'Starboy' became the duo's first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
June 2017: Final Production with Parcels
In June 2017, Daft Punk produced and co-wrote a single for the band Parcels. This was their last released production before their eventual disbandment.
July 2017: Production on Arcade Fire's Everything Now
In July 2017, Thomas Bangalter contributed as a producer on Arcade Fire's album, Everything Now.
2018: Collaboration with Gaspar Noé and Matthieu Chedid
In 2018, Thomas Bangalter worked with Gaspar Noé, providing two tracks for the film Climax, including the unreleased track "Sangria." He also co-produced and co-wrote two tracks for Matthieu Chedid's 2019 album Lettre infinie, and mastered the album.
2018: Liquidation of Roulé
In 2018, Thomas Bangalter's music label, Roulé, was liquidated. This marked the end of his business venture with the label known for its significant contributions to the electronic music scene.
2018: Work on Remastered Version and Liquidation of Roulé
In 2018, Thomas Bangalter, along with Alan Braxe and Benjamin Diamond, returned to the studio to work on a remastered version of "Music Sounds Better With You." In the same year, Bangalter's record label, Roulé, was liquidated.
June 2019: Remaster of "Music Sounds Better with You"
On June 28, 2019, a remastered version of "Music Sounds Better with You" was released by Stardust, the group consisting of Thomas Bangalter, Alan Braxe, and Benjamin Diamond, in celebration of the song's twentieth anniversary.
2019: Co-production and Mastering of Lettre infinie
In 2019, Thomas Bangalter co-produced and mastered Matthieu Chedid's album Lettre infinie.
February 2021: Daft Punk's Breakup Announcement
On February 22, 2021, Daft Punk officially announced their breakup through a video. Thomas Bangalter responded to inquiries about the split with a handwritten note quoting the Daft Punk song "Touch" and a clip from the 1936 film Modern Times.
July 2021: Announcement of Mythologies Ballet Score
In July 2021, it was announced that Thomas Bangalter would compose the score for the ballet Mythologies, presented by Ballet Preljocaj.
July 2022: Premiere of Mythologies Ballet
The ballet Mythologies, with music composed by Thomas Bangalter, premiered at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux in July 2022.
2022: Contribution to En Corps Score
In 2022, Thomas Bangalter made a brief contribution to the score of the film En Corps, directed by Cédric Klapisch, with the main score composed by Hofesh Shechter.
April 2023: Release of Mythologies Score Album
The album version of the score for the ballet Mythologies was released on vinyl and CD in April 2023 by Erato Records.
October 2023: Performance at "La Grande Veillée"
In October 2023, Thomas Bangalter participated in the 25-hour event "La Grande Veillée" at the Théâtre de la Ville in Paris. He performed an original composition alongside 32 dancers choreographed by Saïdo Lehlouh.
November 2023: Chiroptera Art Project
In November 2023, Thomas Bangalter collaborated with artist JR and choreographer Damien Jalet on the art project Chiroptera, presented at the Place de l'Opera in Paris. Bangalter composed the music for the project, which featured over 150 dancers choreographed by Jalet.
2023: Bangalter Discusses Solo Work and Daft Punk
During 2023, while promoting Mythologies, Thomas Bangalter engaged with the press, discussing his solo project, Daft Punk's anniversary releases, and the duo's split. He expressed his concerns about AI and technology and indicated a preference to move beyond his robotic persona. He clarified that while Daft Punk was in the past, he wouldn't abandon electronic music entirely.