Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Breakbot

Breakbot is the stage name of Thibaut Jean-Marie Michel Berland (born October 5, 1981), a producer, DJ, songwriter, and former known for his retro-futuristic , funktronica, and sound. Signed to since 2009, he rose to prominence with his 2010 debut single "" featuring vocalist Irfane, which blended sugary with influences and earned nominations for Music Video Awards. Berland initially trained as a animator at the Supinfocom school in Arles, France, where he co-directed the award-winning short film (2005) with Oury Atlan and Damien Ferrié, securing accolades including Best Graduate Film at the 2005 Ottawa International Animation Festival and Young Animation Award at the 2006 Stuttgart Festival. Transitioning to music in the mid-2000s, he began as a remixer for acts like ("" in 2007), Metronomy, and Digitalism, before focusing on original productions that drew from , , and influences. His partnership with singer Irfane, starting with "," has defined much of his vocal-driven work, evolving into a collaborative duo dynamic. Breakbot's debut studio album, By Your Side (2012), featured 13 tracks including hits like "Fantasy" and "One Out of Two," and was supported by a global tour spanning nearly two years. This was followed by the sophomore album Still Waters (2016), which continued his polished, nostalgic aesthetic with contributions from Irfane on five tracks. Subsequent releases include the EP Another You (2018) with features from Ruckazoid and Delafleur, and the Remedy EP (2022) with Irfane, exploring themes of healing through groovy, upbeat electronic compositions. As of 2025, Breakbot remains active in live performances and studio work, maintaining his signature visual style in music videos and artwork.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Thibaut Jean-Marie Michel Berland, professionally known as Breakbot, was born on October 5, 1981, in , a department in the region near , . He grew up in this suburban area surrounding the capital, immersed in a household that fostered an early appreciation for music. Berland's family background played a key role in his initial exposure to music, with older brothers sharing their collection of records from artists such as , , , and . These 1980s pop and influences sparked his childhood fascination with the era's sounds, including synth-driven tracks and melodic pop structures that would later define his nostalgic aesthetic. Additionally, a small in his parents' living room provided hands-on access to music-making from a young age, encouraging experimentation without formal training. This creative environment in Yvelines laid the groundwork for Berland's artistic inclinations, though broader opportunities in Paris became accessible as he entered his late teens and pursued studies in graphic design.

Education and initial artistic pursuits

Thibaut Berland, known professionally as Breakbot, pursued formal education in graphic design and animation at Supinfocom (now part of Rubika) in Valenciennes, France, during the late 1990s and early 2000s. This specialized computer graphics institution provided him with foundational training in 3D animation and visual storytelling, shaping his early creative skills. During his studies, Berland began creating short animated films, often collaborating with fellow students Oury Atlan and Damien Ferrié. Their joint project Overtime (2004), a blend of animation and integrated audio elements, exemplified his initial experiments with sound design to enhance visual narratives. This work was featured in the anthology 5 histoires... fantastiques (2006) and earned recognition, including the Best Graduation Film at the 2005 Ottawa International Animation Festival, the Best Student Film and International Promotion Award at the 2006 Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film, and the Grand Prize for Student Film at the Annecy International Animation Festival. These projects marked a pivotal bridge toward his later music production, as Berland incorporated musical elements into his visuals from an early stage. Following his graduation, Berland transitioned to freelance work in , contributing to projects for television and advertisements through various production companies. This professional phase honed his technical proficiency in animation software and reinforced his multidisciplinary approach, combining with emerging audio experimentation.

Music career

Beginnings in video and transition to music

After graduating from with a in , Thibaut Berland, known professionally as Breakbot, pursued freelance work in during the mid-2000s, creating short films and commercials for various companies in . This background provided a foundation for his later synergy between animation and music, but his exposure to electronic sounds through freelance projects involving music visuals began to shift his creative focus. Around 2006, Berland began experimenting with music production in his spare time, teaching himself on his computer amid the vibrant French electro scene. Influenced by pioneers like Daft Punk, Air, Étienne de Crécy, and Alex Gopher from the 1990s French touch movement, as well as contemporaries such as Justice and Surkin, he started crafting remixes that captured retro-futuristic vibes. His initial foray gained traction with a remix of Justice's "Let There Be Light," which highlighted his emerging style blending disco, funk, and house elements. This remix was independently produced and subsequently included on the Japanese edition of Justice's Waters of Nazareth EP, earning underground recognition within electronic circles via platforms like . The track's inclusion on an release marked an early breakthrough, drawing attention from the scene. Berland's networking in venues like those hosting events led to connections with key figures, including Ed Banger founder Busy P (), fostering his entry into the broader community before formal label involvement.

Signing with Ed Banger Records and early releases

In 2009, Thibaut Berland, known professionally as Breakbot, signed with the Paris-based after catching the attention of label founder Busy P (), joining a roster that featured established acts like and . Prior to this, Breakbot had been producing music independently, releasing tracks such as the Happy Rabbit EP in late 2007, which showcased his initial forays into and indietronica sounds. Breakbot's first output on Ed Banger arrived the following year with the Baby I'm Yours EP, released in February and featuring vocals from collaborator Irfane on the title track. The EP's lead single, "Baby I'm Yours," embodied Breakbot's signature funky style, blending smooth French pop with disco grooves and modern electronic production reminiscent of Discovery-era . Drawing influences from late-1970s rock acts like , the track incorporated retro synth elements and upbeat rhythms that evoked 1980s while layering contemporary beats. "Baby I'm Yours" quickly gained viral traction online, with its animated music video—depicting a whimsical road trip—amassing over 68 million views on YouTube as of November 2025 and helping propel Breakbot's visibility within the electronic music scene. The single's infectious energy and nostalgic vibe marked a pivotal moment, solidifying his place in Ed Banger's lineage of innovative French house producers. Following its release, Breakbot embarked on early live DJ sets across Europe, honing his performance style amid the label's burgeoning club circuit.

Debut album and breakthrough

Breakbot's debut studio album, By Your Side, was released on September 17, 2012, through under exclusive license to . The album comprises 13 tracks, blending , , and elements, with frequent vocal contributions from collaborator Irfane on songs such as "One Out of Two," "," "Close to You," and "Programme en 6 Parties." Building on his earlier singles like "" and "Fantasy" under , the album marked a culmination of Breakbot's evolving sound within the label's roster. Key singles from By Your Side included "Fantasy," featuring Ruckazoid, which peaked at No. 38 on the French Singles Chart, and the title track "By Your Side," which contributed to the album's promotion alongside U.S. tastemakers such as , for whom Breakbot opened on their 2011-2012 "Night Falls" tour, providing early American exposure. These releases helped propel the project internationally, with "Fantasy" gaining traction through remixes and radio play. The album itself achieved commercial success in , peaking at No. 19 on the Albums Chart. Breakbot's breakthrough came through high-profile inclusions in ' global tours and major festival slots, amplifying the album's reach. In 2013, he performed at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival across both weekends on the Mojave Stage and headlined sets at the in . These appearances solidified his presence in the electronic music scene, drawing diverse audiences and showcasing live renditions of album tracks like "One Out of Two" with Irfane. Additionally, the 2010 single from the album experienced a resurgence in 2018, becoming a synced to Paul Bremer's "Ladies and gentlemen, we got him" speech, which boosted streams and renewed interest in Breakbot's early work.

Subsequent albums and recent projects

Following the success of his 2012 debut album By Your Side, which established Breakbot as a key figure in the scene, he released his second studio album Still Waters on February 5, 2016, via and . Co-produced with frequent collaborator Irfane (Christopher Irfane Khan-Acito), the album delves deeper into and elements, incorporating Motown-inspired grooves, analogue synths, and rhythms while maintaining Breakbot's signature disco-infused production. Tracks like "Get Lost" and "2 Hearts" showcase layered vocals and upbeat basslines, reflecting a collaborative evolution from improvisation sessions during tours. In the years after Still Waters, Breakbot shifted toward EPs that expanded his sound with live instrumentation and thematic depth. The 2018 EP Another You, also on Ed Banger Records, features Ruckazoid on the title track and emphasizes synth-pop and electro-dance elements, building on his retro-futuristic style. This was followed by the 2022 EP Remedy, a four-track release with Irfane via Ed Banger and Because Music, exploring motifs of healing and positivity through smooth synths, deep basslines, and uplifting funk grooves on songs like "Remedy" and "The Light." The EP marks a post-pandemic reflection, blending house with emotional resilience in its lyrics and arrangements. Breakbot has maintained an active presence through DJ residencies and tours across and the U.S., including performances at Defected in 2024, a live set at in in June 2025, and Glitterbox events earlier in 2025. These appearances highlight his role in global house circuits, often featuring extended sets of , , and alongside Irfane. As of November 2025, Breakbot continues studio work with Irfane on material expected later in the year, though no new full-length album has been confirmed.

Musical style and influences

Core stylistic elements

Breakbot's music is characterized by a fusion of and , featuring upbeat tempos often around 100 to 120 , groovy basslines, and chopped vocal samples that create an infectious, danceable energy. This blend draws on electronic funk elements, with squelchy synth bass driving the rhythm in tracks like "," evoking a playful yet polished groove. A hallmark of his production is the nostalgic 1980s synth aesthetics, achieved through analog-inspired synthesizers such as the and vocoders that impart a retro-futuristic vibe. Vocoders are prominently used in songs like "Make You Mine," adding robotic, filtered vocal textures that enhance the synth-pop leanings. These elements combine to produce shimmering, disco-infused soundscapes reminiscent of 1980s pop icons like . Breakbot's work emphasizes visual integration, with his music frequently paired with custom animations that underscore a multimedia synergy, as seen in videos like "Be Mine Tonight" where arcade-inspired visuals align with the track's funky pulse. This approach transforms listening into an immersive experience, blending audio and animation to amplify the nostalgic themes. Over time, Breakbot's style has evolved from sample-heavy early productions, relying on chopped elements from and records, to more organic arrangements in later albums like Still Waters, incorporating live-band instrumentation such as and for a fuller, less processed sound; this shift maintains his core groovy essence while allowing for greater emphasis on essential, unadorned musical elements and persists in subsequent releases like the Remedy EP (2022).

Key influences and inspirations

Breakbot's creative direction has been profoundly shaped by 1980s pop icons, particularly and , whose rhythmic precision and emotive performances informed his emphasis on infectious funk-disco grooves. He has explicitly named these artists as key inspirations, alongside 1970s funk ensembles like , which contributed to his appreciation for tight basslines and orchestral arrangements in . As a product of the French scene, Breakbot draws from the French touch movement pioneered by acts such as and Étienne de Crécy's Super Discount project, which demonstrated the possibilities of home-based production and sample-heavy disco revival in the 1990s. The Paris electro culture of the 2000s, exemplified by contemporaries like and Mr. Oizo, further influenced his transition from video work to music, fostering a playful yet polished approach to grooves. Genre-wise, Breakbot's inspirations extend to the broader renaissance of the late and , incorporating elements of and R&B from artists like , , and even hip-hop figures such as and , blending them into escapist, nostalgic soundscapes. This eclectic palette reflects his immersion in the vibrant scene, where French touch's global impact encouraged experimentation with retro-futuristic themes.

Other creative works

Remixes and production credits

Breakbot has established himself as a prolific remixer within the electronic music scene, often infusing tracks with his signature funk-inflected and elements. His remix of Kavinsky's "Nightcall" in 2010 transformed the original track into a more upbeat, groovy version that highlighted Breakbot's production flair for retro-futuristic vibes. Similarly, his 2008 rework of PNAU's "Baby" added pulsating basslines and rhythms, earning inclusion on the Gran Turismo 5 soundtrack and underscoring his early impact in gaming and electronic circles. Other notable remixes include his contributions to tracks by established artists, such as Air's "So Light Is Her Footfall" in 2010, where he layered ethereal synths with driving beats to support Oxfam's relief efforts, and Metronomy's "A Thing for Me" in 2008, which amplified the original with infectious hooks and French touch aesthetics. In 2019, Breakbot delivered a vibrant of Lizzo's "," enhancing the pop-R&B hit with funky guitar riffs and upbeat percussion during her rising mainstream phase. These works demonstrate his versatility in elevating diverse genres while maintaining a cohesive stylistic thread. In terms of production credits, Breakbot co-wrote and produced several of his own tracks, including "Get Lost" featuring Irfane in 2012, a collaborative effort that blended soulful vocals with electro-funk grooves and became a staple in his live sets. He has also contributed original productions to compilations, such as the exclusive track "Mystery" on the label's Ed Rec 100 in 2017, which celebrated the imprint's milestone with a hazy, atmospheric sound. Additionally, Breakbot provided a remix for Justice's "Let There Be Light" in 2006, released as part of the remixes for the "Waters of Nazareth" single and showcasing his early ties to the Ed Banger collective through intricate electronic layering. Breakbot's ongoing partnership with vocalist Irfane, formalized as a duo around 2012, has yielded numerous production credits on shared releases up to 2024, including remixes like their 2021 take on Purple Disco Machine's "Fireworks" featuring Moss Kena and , which infused the track with boogie-infused energy and deep bass. Their collaborations emphasize live and studio work, with appearances at events like the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games closing ceremony, where they performed reworked versions of their catalog. As of 2025, Breakbot and Irfane continue their collaboration, working on a new album expected that year.

Filmography and visual projects

Breakbot, whose real name is Thibaut Berland, began his creative career in , studying 3D at Supinfocom before transitioning to music production. His early work in film and includes co-directing the Over Time in 2005 alongside Oury Atlan and Damien Ferrié, a poignant animated piece about a group of marionette-like puppets coping with their creator's death, which earned the Best Graduate Film award at the 2005 Ottawa International Animation Festival. Berland also contributed to the 2006 animated feature Arthur and the Invisibles, directed by , where he helped craft the film's fantastical digital environments and character animations as part of the production team. Additionally, Over Time was featured as a segment in the 2006 anthology 5 histoires... fantastiques, further showcasing Berland's directorial talents in short-form . This foundation in visual storytelling influenced Breakbot's approach to music promotion, where his releases frequently incorporate elaborate animated that blend retro with modern digital techniques. For instance, the 2010 video for "" (featuring Irfane), directed by Irina Dakeva, utilized over 2,000 hand-drawn watercolor frames to create a vibrant, nostalgic evoking 1970s visuals, aligning with Breakbot's signature disco-infused sound. Similarly, the 2018 video for "," directed by Olivier Lescot, drew from retro sci-fi and styles through 2D animation and hand-drawn effects, produced by Eddy Productions to complement the track's upbeat electronic vibe. Breakbot's visual collaborations extend to album artwork and branding within the Ed Banger Records collective. For his 2016 album Still Waters, he partnered with art director Philippe Jarrigeon to develop a cohesive visual identity, introducing a recurring character in pastel-hued, cocktail-inspired attire that evoked a playful "Florida prince" persona across promotional materials and live show aesthetics. More recently, the 2022 EP Remedy (with Irfane) featured an official music video directed by Victor Haegelin, presenting a futuristic animated journey of cartoon versions of the artists navigating cosmic landscapes, produced by WIZZ and Quad Group to enhance the EP's themes of healing and escapism. These projects highlight Breakbot's ongoing integration of animation and visual design, bridging his pre-music background with his electronic music output.

Discography

Studio albums

Breakbot's debut studio album, By Your Side, was released on September 14, 2012, through and . The album comprises 14 tracks and was primarily produced by Thibaut Berland (under his Breakbot moniker) in collaboration with vocalist Christopher Irfane Khan-Acito, who also features on several songs. Key highlights include the lead single "," a track featuring Irfane that became a standout for its funky basslines and nostalgic vibe, alongside "Fantasy" and "One Out of Two." The album peaked at number 19 on the French Albums Chart. His second studio album, Still Waters, followed on February 5, 2016, again via and . This 13-track release continued the collaboration with Irfane as co-producer and frequent guest vocalist, with additional features from artists like Julietta on "Joy" and Sarah Ydoux on "Back for More." The album explores a broader sonic palette within Breakbot's disco-infused style, emphasizing adventurous arrangements and live instrumentation elements. Notable tracks include "Get Lost" and "2Good4Me," which highlight the project's blend of upbeat grooves and melodic hooks. It reached number 41 on the French Albums Chart.

Extended plays and singles

Breakbot began his recording career with the independent EP Happy Rabbit in 2007, marking his initial foray into nu-disco and funk-infused electronic music. The breakthrough single "Baby I'm Yours", featuring Irfane, arrived in 2010 as a non-album release and served as a precursor to his debut album, achieving significant chart success in Europe and amassing over 400 million streams on Spotify as of 2025. It was distributed in digital, CD, and 12-inch vinyl editions, blending disco influences with Irfane's soulful vocals. "One Out of Two", featuring Irfane, was released June 15, 2012, as a single from By Your Side, emphasizing upbeat funk rhythms. Breakbot released the EP Another You on September 28, 2018, with features from Ruckazoid on the title track and Irfane on "Devotion," alongside contributions from Delafleur. Breakbot collaborated with Irfane on the EP Remedy, released on March 18, 2022, via Ed Banger Records as a four-track collection delving into themes of healing and emotional recovery through shimmering synths and introspective lyrics; tracks include "Remedy," "The Light," "The Less I Know," and "Disease," available digitally and on limited-edition white vinyl.

Collaborations and features

Breakbot has maintained a longstanding creative partnership with vocalist Christopher Irfane Khan-Acito, known professionally as Irfane, who has provided vocals and co-writing contributions on multiple releases. Their collaboration began prominently with Irfane's appearance on the 2010 single "Baby I'm Yours," the title track from Breakbot's debut EP, blending nu-disco rhythms with soulful lyrics. This was followed by Irfane's vocals on "One Out of Two" from the 2012 album By Your Side, a track that highlights their shared affinity for funky, retro-infused electronic pop. Additional joint efforts include "Devotion" from the 2018 EP Another You, where Irfane's performance adds emotional depth to the production. The duo's most dedicated project to date is the 2022 EP Remedy, released on , which features four original tracks fully co-produced and co-written by Breakbot and Irfane, including the lead single "Remedy" and "The Light." This release underscores their evolution toward more collaborative songwriting, drawing on influences from , , and R&B, as evidenced by their joint DJ mixes such as the 2022 KEXP session Midnight . Within the Ed Banger Records collective, Breakbot has contributed to label compilations alongside peers like SebastiAn, fostering a shared ecosystem of French electronic talent. He provided the exclusive track "Mystery" for the 2017 compilation ED Rec 100, a milestone release celebrating the label's catalog that also included contributions from SebastiAn and remixes tied to Justice's 2016 album Woman, such as Boys Noize's take on "Randy." Earlier, Breakbot remixed Justice's "Let There Be Light" in 2006, incorporating his signature groovy elements into the duo's electro-house sound for the Japanese edition of their Waters of Nazareth EP. Breakbot has extended his reach through remixes and production support for other artists, including a 2011 rework of Chromeo's "When the Night Falls" (featuring ), which infused the track with lush synths and upbeat funk to align with his style. Similarly, his 2010 remix of Kavinsky's "Nightcall" amplified the original's cinematic vibe, earning widespread play in electronic circles. These efforts reflect Breakbot's role as a versatile contributor in the electro-funk scene. In recent years, Breakbot and Irfane have ventured into territories via , delivering a 2024 DJ set and mix for the label's series that curated , , and soul selections, performed live at events like Defected Croatia. Their joint appearances continued into 2025, including a shared bill with at Mexico City's Auditorio Blackberry in March, blending their retro-electronic aesthetics in live settings.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception and awards

Breakbot's music has been acclaimed for its contribution to the revival of , fusing retro influences from 1970s funk and disco with contemporary production techniques. Critics have highlighted his ability to craft polished, groove-oriented tracks that evoke the shimmer of classic acts like and while maintaining a modern electronic edge. His debut album By Your Side (2012) earned widespread praise for its infectious hooks and seamless blend of disco-pop elements. DIY awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, commending the "irresistible" choruses in tracks like "Baby I'm Yours" and the album's sophisticated, dancefloor-ready sophistication. The record's glossy production and nostalgic yet fresh sound positioned it as a standout in the Ed Banger catalog. Still Waters (2016), Breakbot's sophomore effort, received more mixed responses, with reviewers critiquing its repetitiveness stemming from an overreliance on collaborator Irfane's vocals across several tracks. Clash Music rated it 6 out of 10, appreciating the funky basslines and neo-soul inflections but noting the album's summery vibe felt mismatched for its winter release and lacked the debut's instrumental variety. Despite these reservations, standout cuts like "My Toy" were lauded for their Michael Jackson-esque flair. The music video for "Baby I'm Yours" (2010) garnered nominations for Best Budget Pop/Dance/Urban Video and Best Animation in a Video at the UK Music Video Awards. Additionally, By Your Side was nominated for Best Electronic or Dance Album at the 2013 , though it did not win. More recent work, such as the 2022 EP Remedy with Irfane, has generated positive buzz for its effervescent grooves and polished funk-disco fusion. Dancing Astronaut praised the release for showcasing the duo's enduring chemistry through tracks like "The Less I Know," emphasizing its discotheque-ready rhythms. While Breakbot has not secured major awards, his consistent festival appearances, including bookings for Glitterbox events in 2025 and 2026, reflect ongoing industry esteem.

Impact in popular culture

Breakbot's track "Baby I'm Yours" (featuring Irfane), originally released in 2010, experienced a significant resurgence in 2018 as part of the viral "Ladies and Gentlemen, We Got Him" meme. The meme pairs a distorted clip of the song's intro with footage of surprise captures or revelations, originating from a 2003 press conference quote by , and quickly spread across platforms like for humorous "gotcha" moments. By late 2018, it had evolved into one of the year's standout phenomena, later migrating to where it fueled nostalgic edits and reaction videos. The artist's music has also permeated visual media and gaming. His remix of Kavinsky's "Nightcall" aligns closely with the 2011 film Drive, where the original track serves as a signature element of the soundtrack, amplifying Breakbot's ties to the French electro scene showcased in the movie. In gaming, Breakbot's remix of Pnau's "Baby" and his original track "Penelope Pitstop" feature in the 2010 racing game Gran Turismo 5, integrating his funky, retro sound into interactive entertainment. As a key figure on , Breakbot played a pivotal role in the mid-2000s French electro revival, blending , , and influences that revitalized the genre alongside labelmates like and . This scene has inspired subsequent generations of producers; for instance, Breakbot and Irfane remixed Purple Disco Machine's 2021 hit "" (featuring Moss Kena and ), bridging his foundational style with modern acts and underscoring ongoing cross-generational dialogue in electronic music. In recent years, Breakbot's output has contributed to a renewed interest in and sounds. Collaborations and performances, such as his 2021 remix work and live sets with Irfane, align with broader trends in retro-infused electronic music during 2024-2025. Notably, Breakbot & Irfane's appearance at the 2024 Closing Ceremony at highlighted their enduring groove-oriented aesthetic. His distinctive visual style—characterized by hand-drawn animations and 1970s-inspired aesthetics in videos like ""—has influenced contemporary music video production, emphasizing playful, nostalgic visuals in the electronic genre.