Daft Punk are smart. Their past albums have shaped modern dance music, they've kept fans drooling and anxiously waiting in the dark for their return, and now have created an interview series offering previews and insight into their upcoming album, Random Access Memories. They know not only how to appease their fans, but also how to work them, how to get every last drop of their unconditional love and obsession.
The first installment of the interview series featured producer Giorgio Moroder, who worked closely with the French electro pop synth duo on the new album. This time around, it's Todd Edwards' turn to enter the spotlight. Edwards points out that he made some serious sacrifices to work on the album, uprooting his life in New Jersey and relocating to Los Angeles.
"They were saying [they wanted to go] back to the time of Fleetwood Mac, the Doobie Brothers, picking up the West Coast vibes," Edwards said. "We would drive down from Thomas [Bangalter's] house with the top down. The weather was gorgeous. It sounds like something in a movie."
This isn't the first time Edwards has worked with Daft Punk. He also produced, co-wrote and sung their song "Face to Face" from their 2001 album Discovery. He had a hand in several tracks on Random Access Memories, which he called "future classics." He's featured as the lead vocalist on the eleventh track, clocking in at four minutes and 39 seconds. As we know, Daft Punk has yet to release the track names. Hmph.
However, tracks names should be the least of our worries. The album's finally here. There's no need or space for complaint. It's set for release May 21 and fans couldn't be more thrilled. Daft Punk have always been known for their ability to inject their own sound and influence into trending electronic music and mold the modern industry. This time around should be no exception.
"They reversed gears and went back to a time that no one's really focused on," Edwards said. "They're fulfilling their vision on all levels."