Thomas Bangalter (born 3 January 1975) is a French musician and record producer. He is best known as one half of the French house music duo Daft Punk, alongside Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo. In addition to his work with the duo, he has recorded and released music as a member of the trio Stardust, the duo Together, and as a solo artist. His work has influenced a range of artists across multiple genres.
Bangalter founded and owned the record label Roulé until its liquidation in 2018. Following the disbandment of Daft Punk in 2021, he has released music through his solo label Alberts & Gothmaan, an anagram of his name. He has also composed music for films and stage productions, including the soundtrack to "Irréversible" and the ballet "Mythologies". His activities extend beyond music production to include work as a film director and cinematographer. He is the son of French composer and producer Daniel Vangarde.
Bangalter was born in Paris and began playing the piano at the age of six, studying with a member of the Paris Opera staff. His mother, Thérèse Thoreux, was a dancer and choreographer, and his father, Daniel Vangarde, was known for his work with acts such as the Gibson Brothers, Ottawan and Sheila B. Devotion. Although his father had a career in music, Bangalter has stated that he did not initially intend to follow the same path.
In 1987, Bangalter met Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo while attending the Lycée Carnot. The two shared an interest in films and music from the 1960s and 1970s and formed the indie rock band Darlin' with Laurent Brancowitz. After receiving a negative review describing their music as "a daft punky thrash", Bangalter and de Homem-Christo adopted the name Daft Punk. Around this time, they shifted their focus to electronic music, leading Brancowitz to leave the group.
In 1993, Bangalter presented a demo to Stuart Macmillan of Slam, resulting in the release of the single "The New Wave". The duo's debut album "Homework" (1997) was largely recorded in Bangalter’s bedroom. During this period, Bangalter also developed his label Roulé, which released music by artists including Romanthony and Roy Davis Jr., as well as his own solo material such as the EPs "Trax on da Rocks" (1995 and 1998). Tracks from these releases later appeared in the video game "Midnight Club II". He was also involved in the group Da Mongoloids, which released the track "Spark da Meth".
In 1998, Bangalter collaborated with Alan Braxe and Benjamin Diamond to release "Music Sounds Better with You" under the name Stardust. He also co-produced "Gym Tonic" with Bob Sinclar, which led to a dispute over unauthorised sampling. Around the same time, he worked with DJ Falcon as Together, releasing a self-titled single in 2000. He also contributed to Phoenix’s album "United" (2000).
Bangalter composed the score for "Irréversible" (2002), with a soundtrack album featuring both his work and pieces by composers such as Gustav Mahler and Ludwig van Beethoven. He later collaborated again with director Gaspar Noé on "Enter the Void" (2009), serving as sound effects director. In 2005, Daft Punk released the album "Human After All", followed by "Random Access Memories" in 2013.
In 2010, Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo were appointed Chevaliers of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Bangalter has also directed and scored short films, including "First Point" (2012), and contributed to projects by artists such as Arcade Fire and Matthieu Chedid. He worked again with Gaspar Noé on "Climax" (2018), contributing previously unreleased material.
Daft Punk announced their disbandment in February 2021. Following this, Bangalter focused on solo work, including composing for the ballet "Mythologies", which premiered in 2022. The project marked a shift towards orchestral composition, although he has stated that he does not intend to abandon electronic music entirely.
In subsequent years, Bangalter has contributed to a variety of artistic projects, including film scores such as "Daaaaaalí!", collaborations with visual artists and choreographers on performances such as "Chiroptera", and music for fashion presentations. He has also worked with contemporary musicians, including Lil Nas X on the single "Light Again!". Reports of his involvement in Wolfgang Flür’s album "Times" were later shown to be based on a case of impersonation.
Bangalter has continued to participate in live performances, including DJ appearances and multidisciplinary art events. He has also appeared in a film role in "Chien 51". His later work includes collaborations with artists such as JR and contributions to installations and performances, including "La Caverne du Pont Neuf", scheduled for 2026.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Bangalter
EPs and singles
Trax on da Rocks (1995)
Spinal Scratch (1996)
Trax on da Rocks Vol. 2 (1998)
Outrage (2003)
Soundtracks and scores
Irréversible (2002)
Riga (Take 5) (2017)
Sangria (2018)
That Night in Brazil (2022) (with Hofesh Shechter)
Mythologies (2022)
Daaaaaalí! (2023)
Chiroptera (2024)
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