artificial intelligence, saying he is “not really interested” in using AI as part of the creative process. Bangalter discussed the technology during a conversation with Chanel’s President of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Yana Peel, at Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland. The interview took place in June and was subsequently published by Chanel on YouTube on July 29.
Asked about his relationship with new technologies and artificial intelligence, Bangalter explained that AI’s reliance on verbal prompts does not align with the way he understands creativity. “My relationship to creation and my relationship to art is mostly happening at a deeper level, which does not express itself through words,” he said.
He went on to argue that prompting an AI system places too much emphasis on intellectual or verbal expression, whereas the most meaningful aspects of creating art come from a more instinctive understanding of one’s emotions. “The most interesting part of the creative process is happening not at all on an intellectual level,” Bangalter said, describing creativity as a process of “understanding your feelings.”
The musician’s scepticism towards AI is particularly notable given his history with technology. As one half of Daft Punk, alongside Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, Bangalter spent decades exploring the relationship between humans and machines through electronic music, visual art and performance.
Since Daft Punk announced their split in 2021, however, Bangalter has increasingly pursued projects rooted in orchestral composition, dance and visual art. His post-Daft Punk work has included the orchestral ballet score Mythologies, as well as collaborations with artists including JR. He has also remained active within electronic music. Earlier this summer, Bangalter made a surprise appearance at a no-phones event during Art Basel, performing on a custom modular setup featuring drum machines and analogue synthesisers.
