Like millions of people, I really loved Daft Punk. Like millions, I was disappointed when I watched their Epilogue video. One thing I discussed with friends this summer was: what if they would have embraced their brand instead, and just find a pair of new people to replace Guy-Manuel and Thomas in their helmets? Imagine that scenario, imagine the potential.
Which reminded me a concert of the Buena Vista Social Club in Singapore back in 2013. While the group was still the same 'thing', many musicians were different from the original members.
I just listened to Ian Rogers on Tetragrammaton and he also mentioned that missed opportunity; drawing a kinda perfect analogy with long lasting brands like Walt Disney or Christian Dior. James Bond too. The character continues to live on despite the many different actors personating him over the decades. He said something that stuck in my mind then: storytelling + time = value.
Here's a rare interview of Thomas Bangalter -at the french radio- with english subtitles on. I recommend his solo album.