Thomas Bangalter, one half of the legendary electronic duo Daft Punk, is set to unveil his latest studio effort, Mirage – Ballet For 16 Dancers, on June 5.
The composition was meticulously crafted as the sonic backbone for Mirage, a touring ballet production hosted by Geneva’s Grand Théâtre de Genève. A collaborative masterwork by choreographer Damien Jalet and visual artist Kōhei Nawa, the project features a score of experimental electronic textures commissioned specifically for the stage. Fans won’t have to wait long to get a preview, as the lead track, “Mirage: part. II,” arrives on streaming platforms this Friday, April 24.
This upcoming release follows a remarkably prolific streak for Bangalter since the dissolution of Daft Punk. His recent ventures into the avant-garde include 2024’s Chiroptera Matiere Premiere—the atmospheric accompaniment to a Paris Opera House performance—and his 2023 orchestral suite, Mythologies, which similarly drew inspiration from the world of contemporary ballet.
The album’s release coincides with an ambitious public art installation in Paris. Bangalter has teamed up with renowned multidisciplinary artist JR to provide an immersive soundscape for La Caverne du Pont Neuf. This installation will temporarily transform the historic Pont Neuf into a massive, cavernous art space from June 6 through June 28, serving as a poignant tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s iconic “The Pont Neuf Wrapped,” which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Bangalter has also made rare, electrifying returns to the DJ booth. In late February, he joined Fred again.. for a special back-to-back set, marking the grand finale of the producer’s USB002 tour. This followed a high-profile, surprise appearance at the Centre Pompidou last October, where he performed alongside Fred again.., Erol Alkan, and Busy P—his first live performance in over a decade and a half.
