The project of French producer
Thibaut Berland and vocalist
Irfane,
Breakbot combines funk, disco, house, French touch, and more into an ultra-stylish blend.
Berland first made a name for himself in 2006 with a remix of
Justice's "Let There Be Light" that was included on the Waters of Nazareth EP released in Japan. The following year,
Berland issued the Happy Rabbit EP, his debut release as
Breakbot, on the Klee label. He also established himself as an in-demand remixer, working on tracks by
Digitalism,
Sébastien Tellier,
Röyksopp, and many others.
Breakbot made his Ed Banger debut in 2010 with
Baby I'm Yours, which featured vocals by
Irfane and remixes by
Siriusmo and La Funk Mob. 2011's
Fantasy and the following year's One Out of Two -- both of which featured guest vocals by
Ruckazoid -- paved the way for
Breakbot's 2012 debut album,
By Your Side. The album arrived in the States in April 2013.
Breakbot spent the next few years touring and remixing tracks by
Birdy Nam Nam,
Phoenix, and
Busy P while working on new music on the road.
Berland and
Irfane -- now a full-fledged member of
Breakbot -- entered the studio of
Berland's brother
David in 2015. Taking inspiration from
Curtis Mayfield,
Michael Jackson, and
Prince, the act's first new music in three years arrived with the "Get Lost" single. The full-length
Still Waters was released in early 2016. ~ Jason Birchmeier