Analysis of an Electronic Performer: Daft Punk.

Daft Punk Performing Live

During Daft Punk’s live set they use an array of equipment including midi controllers, synths, and controllers for visual effects. The main HUB of their set up is a custom built PC, this contains the majority of the samples and tracks. I’m more of a Mac person but as it is easier to customize a PC. their choice is validated. On the PC they run Ableton, which is perfect for Daft Punk’s live set’s as its primary function is launching loops, which French House music is based upon. To control Ableton and their VST’s Daft Punk use three main controllers: 

Behringer BCR2000

• Behringer BCR2000, it comes with 24 encoders with LED rings which make it ideal for use in dark conditions, all the encoders are midi assignable so they can be assigned to control anything in your DAW, including soft synths, effects and triggering loops in Ableton. 

JazzMutant Lemur

• Jazzmutant Lemur, This is a more high tech version of the Behringer controller but with a touch screen. Along with assignable midi control, the look can also be customized by setting it up on a computer and loading the pre packaged software ‘Jazzeditor’ with this software you can customize the colours on screen and what you want the different interfaces to control. Personally I would not use a touch screen for live music as I feel it doesn’t give you the response or feel of a physical controller e.g Akai’s APC40. 

MiniMoog Voyager

• And finally the Mini Moog Voyager, based on the original Minimoog which was released in the 1970’s. This synth is one of the most famous hardware synths and is still used a lot by professional producers. I would probably use a soft synth for my live set but this is because I don’t have enough money for a hardware version. The benefit of using a modular synth is that they can easily add to there set up by sending midi to addiotional units. As well as using the Moog for its primary use as a synth, Daft Punk use the Mini Moog’s to mix, shuffle, trigger loops, filter, distort samples.

With this live set up there are endless possibilities with everything running through Ableton they have a streamlined set up in which they can produce, remix and perform on the fly. This give them the perfect way of taking their very structured, well produced tracks and deconstructing them and enhancing them for live performance. for a close up look of Daft Punk's set up click on the following link: Daft Punk's Live Set up

Ableton’s key feature is session view, Session view looks like many other DAW’s mixers but with the added ability to trigger and launch loops. This gives Ableton’s feel of being able to create music live and then edit it later. This was probably the main selling point for Daft Punk their music is based on loops and samples from 70’s disco music. Before Ableton they probably used a sequencer/sample possibly an MPC. Although MPC’s are still widely used by a number of musicians and producers and across a wide variety of music genres. Ableton is more beneficial for electronic artists as they can layer drums and synths and can control more effects. In Daft Punk’s live set they probably use pre existing midi sequences and is primarily loop based, but with the Moog’s also connected to their set up they can also create new synth leads and add new effects to a pre existing set list.

Ableton's Session View

To enhance their live set, Daft Punk use a lot of visual elements. The main visual focus of their live set being a huge, luminous, pyramid shaped rig. This turns a quite simple, Ableton controlled DJ set, into a visual spectacular. The pyramid’s lighting is controlled by midi controllers in the main HUB, so that Daft Punk can change the lighting and the atmosphere when they choose, to accompany the music. An extra technician controls the additional stage and spotlights. To add to the sci-fi esque show, Daft Punk also wear robot helmets. The helmets have become trademarks of the band and music icons. The helmets additionally have lights in which only add to the mystique around the band. The main image of Daft Punk has been such a huge inspiration for me due to my love of sci-fi and my passion for music, Their outfits even inspired my graphics course in which I created a full robot suit. 

Daft Punk during live performance.

Since the rise of Daft Punk and their live performances many artists have been inspired by them, the main culprit being Deadmau5. His electro inspired, Ableton based music has become popular in recent years and his live shows have evolved to emulate Daft Punk’s shows. As well as playing in a light up cheese slice, he also wears a mouse helmet. Which is plain to see that it’s heavily inspired by Daft Punk. Daft Punk could also be accused of copying the live performance style of Kraftwerk, even though the style of music is slightly different, Kraftwerk had a sci-fi appeal to their live shows, and wore the all in one leather suits Daft Punk now wear. Overall Daft Punk's live set up is near perfect for their use, They have revolutionized electronic music by exploiting Ableton, so that they do not have to use turntables. This has in turn created a new method of Djing, Digital Djing. This new way of looking at performing dance music has made it easier for novices to create and explore this musical technique.