The hype is getting overwhelming – we’ve all been smothered by this impending album that Daft Punk is about to drop on a label that can be described as nothing short of massive. Just to get something straight for all of the basement critics out there: the following comments are not meant to downplay the artists or release in any way.
In an industry known for prejudgement, everyone is always trying to be ahead of the curve, behind the red rope, and most importantly… backstage. But let’s be honest, no one is backstage for Daft Punk. No one knows what is to come of Random Access Memories’ looming drop. What has become the biggest publicity stunt of electronic music is every PR’s dream: All eyes (and ears), and not a clue. Incredible suspense…
The road to Daft Punk’s newest album has felt infinite for dedicated fans, but the end is near. Recently along the way, our cocky industry media has created quite a circus. No one is to blame, but no one is innocent. Every amateur Facebook dance connoisseur has fell victim to the trap we have come to know as Random Access Memories.
The Internet has become a breeding ground for rumor after rumor, a cesspool for erroneous stories that go viral in mere minutes. Finally official reports have come to light, and legitimate sources were cited. First in the form of a label, followed by a website, and recently a trickling of the ever-so-important revelation of artists involved. After checking out Nile Rogers’ collaborators preview, one quote really hit home:
“What do great artists do when you see a world around you that’s in turmoil? Some of the best artists… Make. You. Feel. Good… They look to the future.”
That’s what this album is supposed to be about, right? That’s what Daft Punk is supposed to be about, right? The future. The future of electronic dance, even the future of all music as we know it today. This is the step we have all been waiting for, just enough of the classic sounds we love from the past including the technology of the future. The French duo are legends indeed. Many credit them for much of what dance is today. Though this music community built by innovators who’s time has passed, our humble beginning are still well within reach.
Not to be pessimistic or derogatory, but can dance music’s future really be teetering on the shoulders of one album? They inspired a movement before, but will history repeat itself? Prior affiliation with the Daft Punk duo has become the cornerstone of today’s industry. Look at Pedro Winter. The impact that his Parisian network has left on youth culture goes far beyond the title of tastemaker. BPMs have affected more than just what comes out of headphones. DJ culture can be seen from head to toe – from haircuts to shoes – it’s based on what the most recent producer is rocking. Can this iconic duo influence the globe even more with their analog touch?
Only time will tell how big are the waves this upcoming “big one” from Columbia Records will be, and how far they’ll reach. Will Daft Punk once again influence dance music’s next steps? Though the big money minds behind their marketing were spot on with this campaign, will the product be the right one to sell? The impressionable global youth is slowly learning the roots of dance, but are they ready for this album? It has been a fun ride guessing when Daft Punk will come back down to Earth to share their sound; now let’s see what Random Access Memories will make of EDM.
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