Latest news with #DaftPunk
West Australian
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
‘Show stopper': Huge 7m-tall Boonji Spaceman unveiled at Perth's Stirling Gardens
The long-awaited Boonji Spaceman was officially unveiled out the front of the Perth council house this morning, where it will remain for the next year. The 'show stopper' Spaceman was unveiled to the tune of Around the world by Daft Punk at it's temporary home at Perth's Stirling gardens. The 7m-tall blue spaceman, titled Lightning, is covered in graffitied words that former Lord mayor Basil Zempilas said reflected the city. 'Words like ambitious, friendly, beautiful, City of light, are represented.' he said. Mr Zempilas said that the spaceman was 'hugely impressive' and will be a drawing point for people in Perth. 'People are going to come and have their photos, Instagram this, talk about Perth and push Perth on their own channels,' he said. City of Perth Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said that the Spaceman pays homage to the Perth City of Light origin story. 'Perth became known as the City of Light following American astronaut John Glenn's historic triple orbit of Earth in 1962, during which Perth residents and businesses left on their lights, shone torches to the sky and lit lanterns to make the city visible in space,' he said. 'BOONJI Spaceman is a tribute to our unique story and will no doubt become another must-see piece in the City of Light,' Cr Reynolds said. Renowned contemporary artist Brendan Murphy, who's based in the United States, donated the sculpture to the city. 'Art is an essential, it's not a luxury its something that brings us together,' he said. 'It's not something that I normally do, I'm not in the business of giving my art away. 'However when Basil and I met I felt his passion for the city and the people of the city. 'It's one of the best things I've done in a long time.' Perth has now joined six other cities across the globe to own a personalised BOONJI sculpture with the others installed in New York, London, Washington D.C., Riyadh, Mallorca and Oslo. Although the artwork was donated, The City of Perth budgeted $250,000 for the transportation and installation of the Spaceman. The transportation process of the 1,365 kg carbon fibre and steel giant took 12 months and involved engineers to ensure a safe trip from Miami. Despite local outrage and on-going petitions, the installation still went ahead. Followers of the social media profile, 'savethekebab' shared their frustration and disappointment online. '$250k that could have supported a local artist to create something more relevant that is unique to us,' one follower said. The sculpture will live where the sculpture Ore Obelisk once stood, but was uninstalled in 2021 due to safety reasons. It is currently in city storage. 'It's standing where Ore Obelisk stood for 50 years - a work that actually meant something to this city.' another follower said. Mr Reynolds said that a notice of motion was put forward to the city to reassess what to do with the art pieces currently in storage. Mr Murphy will be displaying his other artworks at his 'blockbuster' Australian solo exhibition at the end of May at Gullotti Galleries in Cottesloe. The BOONJI Spaceman will stay at Stirling Gardens for 12 months and is anticipated to find its forever home in another location in the city, which is yet to be confirmed.
Hype Malaysia
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
From LEGO Ideas To Actual Product: LEGO Reviews Fanmade Daft Punk Stage Build For Production
Buying a LEGO set that comes with over 2000 brick pieces needs to come with a manual. Unless you're one of those Master Builders who create their own from scratch from the tons of LEGO blocks at their disposal. What started out as an idea born from the boredom of the Covid-19 lockdown might just come to life. Daft Punk fans may soon have an official LEGO Set as tribute to one of the DJ duo's most iconic stages. The 'Daft Punk Concert' LEGO Ideas build is the work of Patrick Harboun, an engineer, designer and devout dad, who decided to replicate the electronic music duo's 2007 Alive Pyramid Stage with his 8-year-old. Made with 2000+ pieces with over 10,000 supporters on the official LEGO Ideas site, this iconic LEGO set has progressed to the review stage for production consideration. Looking at the impressive build elements, the set consists of flashing lights, transparent elements, and a rotating central box powered by a small motor. Originally making waves in 2020 for winning the grand prize at the Lego and Universal Music's 'Music To Our Ears!' competition, the set was not meant for commercial production at that point. However, Harboun decided to resubmit the project to LEGO, saying, 'We're feeling inspired to try 'One More Time' after seeing Daft Punk making their LEGO debut in the upcoming film Piece By Piece, alongside Pharrell Williams'. Daft Punk fans are eagerly waiting for this to be an official set, hoping to add to their collection. The final decision will be known at the end of 2025, but what do you think about this build? Source: Lego Ideas Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
Miami Herald
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Nu Deco Ensemble celebrates 10 years of its innovative sound with concert
Not all orchestras sound the same—and few sound quite like Nu Deco Ensemble. Since its debut in 2015, the Miami-based group has transformed the city's music scene with a vibrant, genre-blurring concept that's both versatile and visionary: a fusion of classical tradition with popular styles such as pop, jazz, funk, and electronica. The idea, conceived by conductor Jacomo Bairos and composer-arranger Sam Hyken was to create a 21st-century orchestra: agile, experimental, and deeply connected to its community and culture. A Nu Deco performance offers a musical experience where the sophistication of a chamber ensemble meets the raw energy of contemporary music. Called a 'chamber orchestra for the 21st century' by The New York Times, its repertoire features collaborations with artists such as Macy Gray, Ben Folds, Jacob Collier, Stephen Marley, and Danay Suárez, alongside bold reimaginings of music by Daft Punk, Rosalía, and The Weeknd. 'I always look back on our concert with Wyclef Jean with great emotion,' recalls Bairos, a Portuguese-American conductor, producer, and host of the Nu Deco 'Unfiltered' podcast. About the collaborative performance in 2022, he says: 'It wasn't just an electrifying show—it made me feel that everything we had dreamed of with this orchestra was becoming reality: collaboration, energy, diversity, and a powerful connection with the audience. It's also been incredible to see how we've grown within our community, impacting young musicians and audiences who hadn't previously engaged with orchestral music.' On Saturday Nu Deco Ensemble will mark its 10th anniversary with a concert at the Knight Concert Hall at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. The program features 40 musicians on stage, guest artists, an original anniversary suite, new musical collaborations, and, as the organizers say, several surprises. 'This program represents the best of who we are. It has every element we aspire to express,' says Bairos, a graduate of both The Juilliard School and the Peabody Institute, who has performed and toured internationally with the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops. 'We'll start with our anniversary suite—a kind of 'greatest hits' collection that includes orchestral interpretations of songs by The Police, Daft Punk, Bill Withers, and Outkast. It's a tribute to the artists who've become part of our musical DNA.' Also in the program is the 'Symphonic Dances of 'West Side Story' ' by Leonard Bernstein, which Bairos describes as 'a 20th-century masterpiece that blends musical genres and perfectly embodies our philosophy of performing works by 20th- and 21st-century composers.' The evening also includes the world premiere of a commissioned piece by Grammy-winning artist PJ Morton, composed specifically for Nu Deco. 'This work is a great example of our commitment to commissioning new music from artists who don't typically write for orchestras,' explains Bairos. A piece with composer and multi-instrumentalist Kishi Bashi was built 'through a uniquely collaborative process—just like a legendary band would. It reflects our willingness to break traditional molds,' he adds. One of the ensemble's earliest collaborators, Bashi says he was invited by Nu Deco where he worked with members of the ensemble to craft a composition, which he adds, taps into jazz, fusion and contemporary composition. 'You can hear the result,' says Bashi. It was an honor to be one of their first artists in this type of collaboration. I worked with Sam Hyken to finish the piece, and we are extremely excited to share the resulting work, 'The Calling,' ' says Bashi. The grand finale will feature Puerto Rican Luis Fonsi—winner of four Latin Grammy Awards, seven Billboard Latin Music Awards, and three Grammy nominations—performing live with the ensemble. 'Fonsi is a global icon,' says Bairos. 'Our goal is to elevate his music and offer a new perspective through the full spectrum of colors that only an orchestra can provide.' One of Nu Deco's most notable accomplishments is its foundation in local talent. 'Most of our musicians are freelancers based in Miami,' says Bairos. 'While we occasionally bring in players from out of town for specific needs, our core is built from musicians who've forged careers playing in orchestras, opera pits, chamber groups, and teaching here in the city. In fact, we still have six or seven musicians who were with us from our very first season.' In recent years, Nu Deco has launched open auditions for substitute players, expanding access and helping to discover fresh talent in the area. 'A lot of musicians wanted to play with us but didn't know how. These auditions have allowed us to find emerging artists and musicians new to Miami. If they meet our standards, we invite them to join us. It's been a fantastic way to strengthen Miami's artistic ecosystem.' Operating in a landscape where public funding for the arts continues to shrink, Nu Deco has had to be both adaptive and inventive. While the ensemble enjoys support from private donors and philanthropic programs, the reduction in state funding poses serious challenges. 'We're a small organization. When a $90,000 state grant disappears due to political shifts, it has a serious impact on our operations,' says Bairos. 'Our budget is limited, so any cut is felt deeply.' Nonetheless, the ensemble has embraced an entrepreneurial mindset, diversifying its revenue streams through performances, corporate sponsorships, membership programs, and robust educational outreach. 'Foundations are still out there, but their priorities are shifting. That's why we're evolving the way we serve our community,' adds Bairos. 'We all want this city to thrive, and we believe art, culture, and education are essential to that goal.' Still, sustainable growth is key to the future. 'To keep producing full seasons every year, we need to secure more funding, and that means growing our staff,' says Bairos. Ten years in, Nu Deco Ensemble's founders believe they represent far more than an innovative musical concept. They want to show what a bold redefinition of what a modern orchestra can be—one that's inclusive, forward-thinking, and deeply rooted in its community. Bairos and Hyken have proven that symphonic music can be vibrant, relevant, and unafraid to evolve. 'Music unites us all—and that's what we want to keep doing: unite,' says Bairos. If you go: WHAT: Nu Deco Ensemble Anniversary Concert with Special Guest Luis Fonsi, Kishi Bashi, and music by PJ Morton. WHEN: 8 p.m., Saturday WHERE: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami COST: $75-$250. INFO: 305-702-0116 and is a nonprofit source of theater, dance, visual arts, music and performing arts news. Sign up for our newsletter and never miss a story.
Forbes
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Daft Punk Charts A Brand New Hit Album, Though Fans Already Love The Music
Daft Punk's Tron Legacy soundtrack returns to the U.K. charts as a renamed version, earning spots on ... More the Official Dance and Soundtrack Albums rankings. INDIO, CA - APRIL 20: Guests dressed as Daft Punk performs with Arcadw Fire at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at The Empire Polo Club on April 20, 2014 in Indio, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage) Daft Punk may have disbanded years ago, but that hasn't stopped the French electronic duo from continuing to land wins on the charts. While the musicians behind the name have gone their separate ways, the brand lives on through a mix of remastered projects, remixes, and re-releases that keep the music they made alive. This week in the United Kingdom, a slightly updated take on one of the duo's most beloved works launches on a pair of rankings, giving the act yet another hit. This frame, Tron: Legacy — a project Daft Punk originally dropped more than a decade ago — makes a comeback on two U.K.-based charts. Technically, it's not a brand new release, but rather a slightly altered edition that appears to have been labeled just differently enough to be counted as a distinct charting entity. The collection has already spent time on both of the rankings it now appears on, but the new version, titled Tron: Legacy OST (for "original soundtrack"), is being treated separately by the Official Charts Company. That minor name tweak likely played a role in its eligibility this week, and it works out in Daft Punk's favor. Among the two U.K. rankings on which Tron: Legacy debuts, it performs best on the Official Dance Albums chart. The set starts at No. 21, which is a solid showing for a project that isn't technically new. The debut gives Daft Punk its twelfth appearance on the dance-only tally. In addition to performing well on the dance-specific ranking, Tron: Legacy also appears on the Official Soundtrack Albums chart this week, which is fitting. Daft Punk has now scored three appearances on that tally, and all of them are tied to Tron: Legacy in one form or another. The original Tron: Legacy soundtrack was a sizable hit in the U.K., spending seven weeks at No. 1 on this list. A companion remix project, Tron: Legacy: Reconfigured, also performed well, missing out on becoming a second leader by just one space. Even though it was tied to a blockbuster film, Tron: Legacy never earned quite the level of critical acclaim or awards recognition that some fans felt it deserved. Still, the album has become a cult favorite — not just among Daft Punk devotees, but also within the modern film score space. The soundtrack is often cited as one of the more inventive uses of electronic music for a movie. There's more to come in the Tron universe, but not from Daft Punk. A follow-up film, Tron: Ares, is on the way. The upcoming installment stars Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges to front the movie. This time around, the score is being handled by Nine Inch Nails — specifically Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who have already claimed the Best Original Score Academy Award in the past.
Los Angeles Times
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Coachella's opening day is here. Follow along live
Happy Coachella! Meet your guides to the weekend After months of waiting, it's finally here. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicks off today and we have a team in the desert covering everything: the food, the fun, and, of course, the music. We'll give you updates all weekend long. If there's something you want to see, let us know. (And if you prefer to interact on Reddit, you can ask me over there at r/Coachella.) We asked our team of reporters in the field to tell us what they're most looking forward to this Coachella. 'Finding out what it means for Travis Scott to have 'designed the desert.'' — Mikael Wood, who first Coachella'd in 2005 'Seeing all the classic punks (Glenn Danzig, Keith Morris, Belinda Carlisle) mingling backstage in the hospitality suites next to all the lip filler influencers and crypto bros.' — August Brown, whose first Coachella was 2006, a.k.a. the Daft Punk pyramid year 'Finally crossing the Go-Go's off my concert bucket list.' — Vanessa Franko, whose first Coachella was the Rage Against the Machine reunion in 2007 and has covered every year since 'Reaching elder millennial nirvana at Missy Elliott's set.' — Danielle Dorsey, whose first Coachella was in 2010 and who says, 'I think I've been six or seven years, but what is time?' 'Though I may claim to be 'Brat'-fatigued, seeing Charli XCX command a crowd never gets old.' — Cerys Davies, who first attended Coachella in 2017 'Hearing Mother Monster perform 'Abracadabra' after practicing my 'amor-ooh-na-na's and 'morta-ooh-ga-ga's for two months.' — David Viramontes, who is attending his first Coachella Everything you need to know about this year's Coachella The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio April 11-13 and April 18-20. Festival season is upon us. As our team embarks on its annual trek to the desert to cover Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone, the art, the food and more at the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, we have some helpful information and tips. Want to know what to pack? What to eat? What Coachella-themed parties and events are open to the public? How to watch from the comfort of your couch? We got you. The artists you don't want to miss at Coachella on Friday Controversial Irish emcees Moglai Bap and Mo Chara and DJ Provai of Kneecap. Whether you're headed to the festival or watching from home, these are the artists playing Friday at Coachella you don't want to miss. 7 shops and restaurants that show why Indio is a must-see beyond Coachella Downtown Indio is attracting new restaurants and shops. Hundreds of thousands of people descend on Indio each year for Goldenvoice's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach, but few venture beyond the festival grounds. In the past, there wasn't much to do in the desert city besides grab chips and a decadent Tamale Boat from Arriola's Tortilleria or shop at Yellow Mart for western wear or a crossbow. Now, that's all changing. Thanks in part to a business-friendly city government that is investing in art and infrastructure, downtown Indio is growing at an unprecedented pace. New restaurants like Marcel Ramirez's Gabino's Creperie East, Roman Whittaker and Skip Paige's popular gastropub Indio Taphouse and elevated Italian speakeasy Italica are drawing more people to and around the single-street stripthan have been there in decades. Thrifters can shop for vintage goods at Daniel Mata's Urban Donkey, and those looking for an alternative nightlife scene can check out Adrian Romero's Rosemary HiFi to sip beer and natural wines while listening to records on high-end stereo equipment. Read more about where to eat and what to do in Indio outside of the festival. Pack these books for Coachella: Your music festival reading lineup 'Whether you're heading out to Indio, or enjoying the annual exodus of Angelenos, here are some books that give Coachella Valley vibes,' writes Meg Zukin. It's festival season. And no, I don't just mean The Times' Festival of Books happening at the end of the month ( see you at my panel…? ). I'm also talking about Coachella and, unfortunately, Stagecoach . Whether you're heading out to Indio, or enjoying the annual exodus of Angelenos, here are some books that give Coachella Valley vibes. As usual, you'll also find the latest in lit news below, plus, we hop on the phone with the Best Bookstore in Palm Springs . What do you want to know about the Coachella festival? Festivalgoers pose for photos at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Tell us what you want to know about the event. Our crew consists of veterans who have been covering the festival for decades as well as some first-time Coachella attendees. We've chronicled the food, the art, the fashion, the vibes — and, obviously, the music. We are privileged to have a unique vantage point into one of the world's biggest music festivals. So we want to know — what do you want to know? And what do you want to see from our live coverage at the festival?
