Ralph Lawson has shared a mix that dates back to early 1997, shortly after the release of Daft Punk’s debut album, ‘Homework’. The mix, which runs for approximately an hour, captures the duo’s early French house sound and was initially sent to Lawson during his time hosting the radio show Trans Europe Express.
Preservation of a Historic Tape
The mix’s survival was nearly jeopardized due to extensive damage from years of storage, including rips and mold. To preserve this significant piece of musical history, Lawson enlisted the expertise of Adrian from Great Bear Digitising in Bristol. Adrian successfully removed the mold and repaired the tape, allowing it to be digitized for sharing.
Fan Response and Legacy
Upon its upload, the mix rapidly gained thousands of plays, providing fans with a rare glimpse into the beginnings of Daft Punk. This release comes at a pivotal time for the duo’s legacy, as they have recently surpassed 18 billion Spotify streams, five years post their breakup. Additionally, Daft Punk has entered into a partnership with LEGO, centered around their iconic Alive pyramid performance.
Bangalter's Recent Activity
In addition to this nostalgic release, Thomas Bangalter has been making waves on his own. He recently delivered a surprise set at a DJ Mehdi ‘Lucky Boy’ celebration in Paris, demonstrating that both members of Daft Punk continue to maintain a presence in the music scene.
Where to Listen
Fans can access the full 1997 mix on Lawson’s SoundCloud page. For more updates and information about Daft Punk, followers can visit the duo’s official Instagram account.
More electronic music news on BEATMAG TV.
