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| | type = single | | type = single | ||
| | image = Step_By_Step_Braxe_+_Falcon_single_cover.jpg | | image = Step_By_Step_Braxe_+_Falcon_single_cover.jpg | ||
| | alt = LP cover of the single release of "Step by Step", by Braxe + Falcon feat. Panda Bear | |||
| | caption = | | caption = | ||
| | artist = ] {{nowrap|featuring ]}} | | artist = ] {{nowrap|featuring ]}} | ||
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| | next_title = Elevation | | next_title = Elevation | ||
| | next_year = 2022 | | next_year = 2022 | ||
| | misc |
| misc = | ||
| | type = single | |||
| ⚫ | | |
||
| {{External music video|type=single|header=Music video|1= | {{External music video|type=single|header=Music video|1= | ||
| {{YouTube|Q49qi5u2oU0|"Step by Step"}} }} | {{YouTube|Q49qi5u2oU0|"Step by Step"}} }} | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| "'''Step by Step'''" is a song by the ] duo ]. Produced by ] and ] and featuring ] member Noah "]" Lennox, it was released as a double A-side single with the duo's track "Creative Source" on 29 March 2022, and as part of the extended play of the same name released on 24 June that year. | "'''Step by Step'''" is a song by the ] duo ]. Produced by ] and ] and featuring ] member Noah "]" Lennox, it was released as a ] single with the duo's track "Creative Source" on 29 March 2022, and as part of the ] of the same name released on 24 June that year. | ||
| The cousins Braxe and Falcon each released music on ]'s label ] in their early careers, though they were unaware of each other's work. After they discovered this, they began work on music demos together around the same time Falcon produced the ] track "]" (2013). These demos were left untouched for years until Peter Bernard, the manager of ]'s US label, encouraged the duo to finish them. "Step by Step" was the first of their demos to be completed, with Braxe and Falcon sending the song's instrumental track to Lennox, who completed his lyrics and vocal tracks for the song in 48 hours. | The cousins Braxe and Falcon each released music on ]'s label ] in their early careers, though they were unaware of each other's work. After they discovered this, they began work on music demos together around the same time Falcon produced the ] track "]" (2013). These demos were left untouched for years until Peter Bernard, the manager of ]'s US label, encouraged the duo to finish them. "Step by Step" was the first of their demos to be completed, with Braxe and Falcon sending the song's instrumental track to Lennox, who completed his lyrics and vocal tracks for the song in 48 hours. | ||
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| In 2013, Falcon co-produced the ] track "]", at which point he and Braxe began recording demos together.<ref name="KCRWneverMusic" /> Prior to this, Braxe and Falcon had only met "maybe ten times at family parties", and had no knowledge of each other's careers in electronic music, something that brought them close, especially since they had each released their first music on the same label, Roulé.<ref name="Radar" /> The demos they made together were left untouched for years until the two spoke with ]'s US label manager Peter Berard around 2020, who convinced them to finish their work.<ref name="Radar" /> Braxe said he and Falcon were lucky to have met Berard, feeling that the kind of song that "Step by Step" would become would be viewed as fitting for inclusion on a ] and not an extended play, though unlike most labels Braxe said Berard did not care about releasing their music in the latter format.<ref name="Radar" /> | In 2013, Falcon co-produced the ] track "]", at which point he and Braxe began recording demos together.<ref name="KCRWneverMusic" /> Prior to this, Braxe and Falcon had only met "maybe ten times at family parties", and had no knowledge of each other's careers in electronic music, something that brought them close, especially since they had each released their first music on the same label, Roulé.<ref name="Radar" /> The demos they made together were left untouched for years until the two spoke with ]'s US label manager Peter Berard around 2020, who convinced them to finish their work.<ref name="Radar" /> Braxe said he and Falcon were lucky to have met Berard, feeling that the kind of song that "Step by Step" would become would be viewed as fitting for inclusion on a ] and not an extended play, though unlike most labels Braxe said Berard did not care about releasing their music in the latter format.<ref name="Radar" /> | ||
| ]" Lennox contributed lyrics and vocals to "Step by Step".]] | ]" Lennox contributed lyrics and vocals to "Step by Step".]] | ||
| "Step by Step" was the first of Braxe + Falcon's original demos to be completed, crucial to the duo since it was a "downtempo ballad |
"Step by Step" was the first of Braxe + Falcon's original demos to be completed, crucial to the duo since it was a "downtempo ballad" set to acoustic drums, a departure from the traditional French house 125 ] format. Of the choice to diverge, Braxe said that since they had already produced that style of music, they were no longer interested in it.<ref name="Radar" /> After the initial demos were recorded in ], the second recording and final ] were recorded at Braxe's studio in ], Haute-Garonne, with file and parts exchange from Falcon's studio in ], French Basque Country.<ref name="Radar" /> As they began finishing their work during the ], Braxe said their "whole state of mind" was altered, which allowed them to take time to "lay back" and focus on making music they liked, which ended up being divergent of typical club music.<ref name="Radar" /> | ||
| The demo that became "Step by Step" was an instrumental,<ref name="KCRWneverMusic" /> which they described as a "] variation" of the club tracks released during the Roulé era.<ref name="KCRWguestMix" /> The song makes use of ]ing, an element typical of French house music,<ref name="ForkRev" /> and Braxe + Falcon used newer instruments such as ]s in the production, which they felt helped them "reconnect with the punk spirit of the early days" and released them from convention.<ref name="RAsomething" /> Falcon favoured the use of modular synthesisers because they cause "happy accidents", and navigating this in the production process was something he considered satisfying and stimulating.<ref name="Radar" /> | |||
| ⚫ | As they were working on the song, Braxe + Falcon decided to send the instrumental to Noah "]" Lennox.<ref name="KCRWneverMusic" /> The duo provided Lennox with references of his own material that they liked, but otherwise gave him creative freedom.<ref name="KCRWneverMusic" /> Falcon believes it took Lennox 48 hours to send back his work on the track.<ref name="KCRWneverMusic" /> Lennox came up with the title while he was cooking, and remarked the song is a reflection of how much he had been inspired by the duo's sampling work; he said the repetition of the title phrase in the verses, ], ], and ] reinforces it as a "hopeful mantra".<ref name="ForkMar'22" /> The duo said that the repetition and loops were expressive of the song's content of melancholy and hope, an element of their music they said was continuous from their early work.<ref name="LesMar'2022" /> | ||
| {{Listen | |||
| == Music video == | |||
| ⚫ | | filename = Step-by-step-braxe+falcon-song-sample.ogg | ||
| The music video for "Step by Step" was written, directed, and produced by Toru Tokikawa, and stars the then-12-year-old professional ] ]. Filmed in ], the video features footage from Onodera practicing as a child, as well as footage of him winning awards and performing tricks. Tokikawa suggested the idea for the music video to show a child growing up and learning to skateboard, which the duo instantly accepted since they had skateboarded in their youth. The video was released on 25 August 2022.<ref name="ForkAug'22" /> '']'' observed Onodera's performance was "delicate" for a "bright and catchy" track, feeling it aligned with the song's lyrics.<ref name="LesAug'2022" /> | |||
| | title = "Step by Step" | |||
| | description = "Step by Step" is a ]<ref name="ForkRev" /> and ]<ref name="Guardian" /> song that uses ]s and features acoustic ], with ] vocals by Panda Bear.<ref name="ForkYear" /> | |||
| }} | |||
| ⚫ | As they were working on the song, Braxe + Falcon decided to send the instrumental to Noah "]" Lennox.<ref name="KCRWneverMusic" /> The duo provided Lennox with references of his own material that they liked, but otherwise gave him creative freedom.<ref name="KCRWneverMusic" /> Falcon believes it took Lennox 48 hours to send back his work on the track.<ref name="KCRWneverMusic" /> Lennox came up with the title while he was cooking, and remarked the song is a reflection of how much he had been inspired by the duo's sampling work; he said the repetition of the title phrase in the verses, ], ], and ] reinforces it as a "hopeful mantra".<ref name="ForkMar'22" /> The duo said that the repetition and loops were expressive of the song's content of melancholy and hope, an element of their music they said was continuous from their early work.<ref name="LesMar'2022" /> The song was ] by ].<ref name="notes" /> | ||
| == Release and |
== Release and publicity == | ||
| "Step by Step" was released as a ] single with "Creative Source" on 29 March 2022.<ref name="ForkMar'22" /> It was digitally released as part of the duo's ''Step by Step'' ] on 24 June, and in ] format on 26 August on ]'s Smugglers Way label.<ref name="ForkMay'22" /> Swedish DJ ] released a remix of the song in January 2023.<ref name="BowmanStep" /> Panda Bear and Braxe + Falcon debuted "Step by Step" live during a show at ] in ], New York, on 21 July 2023.<ref name="LennoxShows" /><ref name="liveDebut" /> Falcon played the song at the ] closing ceremony during the ''Journey of the Wave'' set.<ref name="OlympicGames" /> | "Step by Step" was released as a ] single with "Creative Source" on 29 March 2022.<ref name="ForkMar'22" /> It was digitally released as part of the duo's ''Step by Step'' ] on 24 June, and in ] format on 26 August on ]'s Smugglers Way label.<ref name="ForkMay'22" /> The music video for "Step by Step", released on 25 August 2022, was written, directed, and produced by Toru Tokikawa, and stars the then-12-year-old professional ] ]. Filmed in ], the video features footage from Onodera practicing as a child, as well as footage of him winning awards and performing tricks. Tokikawa suggested the idea for the music video to show a child growing up and learning to skateboard, which the duo instantly accepted since they had skateboarded in their youth.<ref name="ForkAug'22" /> '']'' observed that Onodera's performance was "delicate" for a "bright and catchy" track, feeling it aligned with the song's lyrics.<ref name="LesAug'2022" /> Swedish DJ ] released a remix of the song in January 2023.<ref name="BowmanStep" /> Panda Bear and Braxe + Falcon debuted "Step by Step" live during a show at ] in ], New York, on 21 July 2023.<ref name="LennoxShows" /><ref name="liveDebut" /> Falcon played the song at the ] closing ceremony during the ''Journey of the Wave'' set.<ref name="OlympicGames" /> | ||
| == Reception == | == Reception == | ||
| '']''{{'}}s Evan Minsker said that Lennox gave the duo's "glow" production a "narrative framework", and that "the synths suddenly come alive", and praised the acoustic drums. He felt Lennox's performance was his finest of 2022, and said that his multi-tracked vocals in "copious" repetition transformed "an old ] chestnut into a life-changing ]".<ref name="ForkYear" /> '']'' said the duo's work was futuristic and "breezy", calling it "a comforting reminder that change can be a positive thing — and if you're feeling overwhelmed, just break it down into little pieces".<ref name="StereoWeek" /> '']''{{'}}s Franck Vergeade said the single was "highly addictive" upon a first listen, and compared it to the music of the band ].<ref name="LesMar'2022" /> | |||
| ]'s |
Critics praised Braxe + Falcon's production. '']''{{'}}s Evan Minsker felt their production "glowed" and remarked that the synths were lively, praising the acoustic drums.<ref name="ForkYear" /> '']'' said the duo's work was futuristic and "breezy", calling it "a comforting reminder" of change's positive aspects, and to take things in "little pieces".<ref name="StereoWeek" /> '']''{{'}}s Franck Vergeade said the single was "highly addictive" upon a first listen, and compared it to the music of the band ].<ref name="LesMar'2022" /> ]'s Travis Holcombe said Braxe and Falcon's instrumental "emanates warmth and is almost like a slowed-down version" of the four-on-the-floor tracks that originally brought them acclaim.<ref name="KCRWyear" /> Another ''Pitchfork'' editor, Philip Sherburne said that the rest of the EP "pales in comparison", hailing it as "a languid yacht-rock-disco number" and praising its ].<ref name="ForkRev" /> | ||
| Critics considered Lennox's vocals and lyrics, along with his message, a highlight. Minsker said Lennox gave the song a "narrative framework", hailing the musician's performance as his best of the year, saying that his multi-tracked vocals in "copious" repetition transformed "an old ] chestnut into a life-changing ]".<ref name="ForkYear" /> Holcombe said Lennox's talent with the melody and his optimistic lyrics were a perfect complement to the production, which created an "all-time great track".<ref name="KCRWyear" /> Sherburne felt the song's best part was Lennox's, who "delivers one of his most stirring performances", praising the relatability of his part, which he found uncommon in most dance music.<ref name="ForkRev" /> | |||
| The staff of KCRW listed "Step by Step" among the best songs of 2022,<ref name="KCRWyear" /> '']'' ranked it 18th on their 20 best songs of 2022 list,<ref name="Guardian" /> whilst ''Pitchfork'' considered it to be one of the best electronic songs of that year.<ref name="ForkYear" /> In August 2022, readers of ''Stereogum'' ranked the album at number six on the site's "2022 Song Of The Summer" poll;<ref name="Summer" /> at the end of the year, they ranked it at number seven on the site's list of the "Top 10 Songs Of 2022" as part of the site's annual Gummy Awards readers' poll;<ref name="Gummy" /> on his ten-song contribution to ''Stereogum''{{'}}s "50 Favorite Songs Of 2022" list, ''Stereogum'' staff writer Scott Lapatine ranked "Step by Step" at number 3.<ref name="50 list" /> | The staff of KCRW listed "Step by Step" among the best songs of 2022,<ref name="KCRWyear" /> '']'' ranked it 18th on their 20 best songs of 2022 list,<ref name="Guardian" /> whilst ''Pitchfork'' considered it to be one of the best electronic songs of that year.<ref name="ForkYear" /> In August 2022, readers of ''Stereogum'' ranked the album at number six on the site's "2022 Song Of The Summer" poll;<ref name="Summer" /> at the end of the year, they ranked it at number seven on the site's list of the "Top 10 Songs Of 2022" as part of the site's annual Gummy Awards readers' poll;<ref name="Gummy" /> on his ten-song contribution to ''Stereogum''{{'}}s "50 Favorite Songs Of 2022" list, ''Stereogum'' staff writer Scott Lapatine ranked "Step by Step" at number 3.<ref name="50 list" /> | ||
| == Personnel == | == Personnel == | ||
| Credits adapted from the ''Step by Step'' extended play liner notes:<ref>{{Cite AV media notes |author=Braxe + Falcon |author-link=Braxe + Falcon |date=2022 |title=Step by Step |type=liner notes |publisher=] |id=192152050214 }}</ref> | Credits adapted from the ''Step by Step'' extended play liner notes:<ref name="notes">{{Cite AV media notes |author=Braxe + Falcon |author-link=Braxe + Falcon |date=2022 |title=Step by Step |type=liner notes |publisher=] |id=192152050214 }}</ref> | ||
| * ] – songwriter, producer, ] | * ] – songwriter, producer, ] | ||
| * ] – songwriter, producer, mixing | * ] – songwriter, producer, mixing | ||
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| <ref name="KCRWguestMix">{{Cite web |last=Holcombe |first=Travis |date=30 June 2024 |title=Guest Mix: House legends Braxe + Falcon flex their French Touch |url=https://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/travis-holcombe/braxe-falcon-step-by-step-daft-punk-guest-mix |publisher=] |access-date=20 August 2024 |archive-date=14 September 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240914024753/https://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/travis-holcombe/braxe-falcon-step-by-step-daft-punk-guest-mix |url-status=live }}</ref> | <ref name="KCRWguestMix">{{Cite web |last=Holcombe |first=Travis |date=30 June 2024 |title=Guest Mix: House legends Braxe + Falcon flex their French Touch |url=https://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/travis-holcombe/braxe-falcon-step-by-step-daft-punk-guest-mix |publisher=] |access-date=20 August 2024 |archive-date=14 September 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240914024753/https://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/travis-holcombe/braxe-falcon-step-by-step-daft-punk-guest-mix |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| <ref name="KCRWneverMusic">{{Cite web |last=Holcombe |first=Travis |date=10 November 2022 |title=Daft Punk pals Braxe + Falcon on 'Step By Step' and loving Dinosaur Jr. |url=https://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/travis-holcombe/braxe-falcon-step-by-step-interview-debut-ep |access-date=28 October 2024 |publisher=] |archive-date=18 April 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240418045321/https://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/travis-holcombe/braxe-falcon-step-by-step-interview-debut-ep |url-status=live }}</ref> | <ref name="KCRWneverMusic">{{Cite web |last=Holcombe |first=Travis |date=10 November 2022 |title=Daft Punk pals Braxe + Falcon on ''Step By Step'' and loving Dinosaur Jr. |url=https://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/travis-holcombe/braxe-falcon-step-by-step-interview-debut-ep |access-date=28 October 2024 |publisher=] |archive-date=18 April 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240418045321/https://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/travis-holcombe/braxe-falcon-step-by-step-interview-debut-ep |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| <ref name="RAsomething">{{Cite web |last=Shopmaker |first=Zoey |date=29 March 2022 |title=Alan Braxe and DJ Falcon join forces as Braxe + Falcon on new EP, Step By Step |url=https://ra.co/news/77042 |website=] |access-date=December 9, 2024 |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220401022223/https://ra.co/news/77042 |url-status=live }}</ref> | <ref name="RAsomething">{{Cite web |last=Shopmaker |first=Zoey |date=29 March 2022 |title=Alan Braxe and DJ Falcon join forces as Braxe + Falcon on new EP, ''Step By Step'' |url=https://ra.co/news/77042 |website=] |access-date=December 9, 2024 |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220401022223/https://ra.co/news/77042 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| <ref name="Radar">{{Cite web |last=Turner |first=Danny |date=1 September 2022 |title=Braxe + Falcon: "These days, most kids just crack tons of plugins and don't really cherish what they have" |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/braxe-falcon-interview |website=] |access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240222012834/https://www.musicradar.com/news/braxe-falcon-interview |url-status=live }}</ref> | <ref name="Radar">{{Cite web |last=Turner |first=Danny |date=1 September 2022 |title=Braxe + Falcon: "These days, most kids just crack tons of plugins and don't really cherish what they have" |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/braxe-falcon-interview |website=] |access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240222012834/https://www.musicradar.com/news/braxe-falcon-interview |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
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| <ref name="ForkAug'22">{{Cite web |last=Bloom |first=Madison |date=25 August 2022 |title=Braxe + Falcon Announce U.S. Shows, Share New "Step by Step" Video: Watch |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/braxe-and-falcon-announce-us-shows-share-new-step-by-step-video-watch/ |website=] |access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240123123742/https://pitchfork.com/news/braxe-and-falcon-announce-us-shows-share-new-step-by-step-video-watch/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | <ref name="ForkAug'22">{{Cite web |last=Bloom |first=Madison |date=25 August 2022 |title=Braxe + Falcon Announce U.S. Shows, Share New "Step by Step" Video: Watch |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/braxe-and-falcon-announce-us-shows-share-new-step-by-step-video-watch/ |website=] |access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240123123742/https://pitchfork.com/news/braxe-and-falcon-announce-us-shows-share-new-step-by-step-video-watch/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| <ref name="LesAug'2022">{{Cite magazine |last=Coridian |first=Samuel |date=25 August 2022 |title=Braxe + Falcon font l'apprentissage du skate dans le nouveau clip du single "Step By Step" |url=https://www.lesinrocks.com/musique/braxe-falcon-font-lapprentissage-du-skate-sur-le-nouveau-clip-du-single-step-by-step-493826-25-08-2022/ |magazine=] |language=fr |issn=0298-3788 |access-date=December 31, 2024 |archive-date=11 July 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240711042027/https://www.lesinrocks.com/musique/braxe-falcon-font-lapprentissage-du-skate-sur-le-nouveau-clip-du-single-step-by-step-493826-25-08-2022/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | <ref name="LesAug'2022">{{Cite magazine |last=Coridian |first=Samuel |date=25 August 2022 |title=Braxe + Falcon font l'apprentissage du skate dans le nouveau clip du single "Step By Step" |trans-title=Braxe + Falcon Learn to Skate in New Music Video for Single "Step By Step" |url=https://www.lesinrocks.com/musique/braxe-falcon-font-lapprentissage-du-skate-sur-le-nouveau-clip-du-single-step-by-step-493826-25-08-2022/ |magazine=] |language=fr |issn=0298-3788 |access-date=December 31, 2024 |archive-date=11 July 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240711042027/https://www.lesinrocks.com/musique/braxe-falcon-font-lapprentissage-du-skate-sur-le-nouveau-clip-du-single-step-by-step-493826-25-08-2022/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
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| <ref name="ForkMay'22">{{Cite web |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |date=18 May 2022 |title=Braxe + Falcon Detail EP, Share New Song "Elevation": Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/alan-braxe-dj-falcon-detail-ep-share-new-song-elevation-listen/ |website=] |access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240123150858/https://pitchfork.com/news/alan-braxe-dj-falcon-detail-ep-share-new-song-elevation-listen/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | <ref name="ForkMay'22">{{Cite web |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |date=18 May 2022 |title=Braxe + Falcon Detail EP, Share New Song "Elevation": Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/alan-braxe-dj-falcon-detail-ep-share-new-song-elevation-listen/ |website=] |access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240123150858/https://pitchfork.com/news/alan-braxe-dj-falcon-detail-ep-share-new-song-elevation-listen/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| <ref name="BowmanStep">{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Ted |date=27 January 2023 |title=Braxe + Falcon - Step By Step feat. Panda Bear (Axel Boman's In The Air Version) |url=https://ra.co/reviews/35274 |website=] |access-date=30 November 2024 |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230130185556/https://ra.co/reviews/35274 |url-status=live }}</ref> | <ref name="BowmanStep">{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Ted |date=27 January 2023 |title=Braxe + Falcon - "Step By Step" feat. Panda Bear (Axel Boman's In The Air Version) |url=https://ra.co/reviews/35274 |website=] |access-date=30 November 2024 |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230130185556/https://ra.co/reviews/35274 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| <ref name="LennoxShows">{{Cite web |last=Minsker |first=Evan |date=20 March 2023 |title=Panda Bear and Sonic Boom Announce U.S. Tour {{!}} Including an appearance at Pitchfork Music Festival, plus dates with Braxe + Falcon |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/panda-bear-and-sonic-boom-announce-us-tour/ |website=] |access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240123045955/https://pitchfork.com/news/panda-bear-and-sonic-boom-announce-us-tour/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | <ref name="LennoxShows">{{Cite web |last=Minsker |first=Evan |date=20 March 2023 |title=Panda Bear and Sonic Boom Announce U.S. Tour {{!}} Including an appearance at Pitchfork Music Festival, plus dates with Braxe + Falcon |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/panda-bear-and-sonic-boom-announce-us-tour/ |website=] |access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240123045955/https://pitchfork.com/news/panda-bear-and-sonic-boom-announce-us-tour/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
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| <ref name="LesMar'2022">{{Cite magazine |last=Vergeade |first=Franck |date=29 March 2022 |title=Alan Braxe et DJ Falcon en pleine French Touch |url=https://www.lesinrocks.com/musique/alan-braxe-et-dj-falcon-en-pleine-french-touch-457838-29-03-2022/ |magazine=] |language=fr |issn=0298-3788 |access-date=December 31, 2024 |archive-date=26 December 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241226075335/https://www.lesinrocks.com/musique/alan-braxe-et-dj-falcon-en-pleine-french-touch-457838-29-03-2022/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | <ref name="LesMar'2022">{{Cite magazine |last=Vergeade |first=Franck |date=29 March 2022 |title=Alan Braxe et DJ Falcon en pleine French Touch |trans-title=Alan Braxe and DJ Falcon in full French Touch |url=https://www.lesinrocks.com/musique/alan-braxe-et-dj-falcon-en-pleine-french-touch-457838-29-03-2022/ |magazine=] |language=fr |issn=0298-3788 |access-date=December 31, 2024 |archive-date=26 December 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241226075335/https://www.lesinrocks.com/musique/alan-braxe-et-dj-falcon-en-pleine-french-touch-457838-29-03-2022/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| <ref name="ForkRev">{{Cite web |last=Sherburne |first=Philip |date=6 July 2022 |title=Step by Step EP: Alan Braxe / DJ Falcon review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/alan-braxe-dj-falcon-step-by-step/ |website=] |access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240123063429/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/alan-braxe-dj-falcon-step-by-step/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | <ref name="ForkRev">{{Cite web |last=Sherburne |first=Philip |date=6 July 2022 |title=''Step by Step'' EP: Alan Braxe / DJ Falcon review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/alan-braxe-dj-falcon-step-by-step/ |website=] |access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240123063429/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/alan-braxe-dj-falcon-step-by-step/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
| <ref name="StereoWeek">{{Cite web |date=1 April 2022 |title=The 5 Best Songs Of The Week |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2181786/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week-427/lists/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week/ |website=] |oclc=1142733705 |access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230722193546/https://www.stereogum.com/2181786/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week-427/lists/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | <ref name="StereoWeek">{{Cite web |date=1 April 2022 |title=The 5 Best Songs Of The Week |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2181786/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week-427/lists/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week/ |website=] |oclc=1142733705 |access-date=28 October 2024 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230722193546/https://www.stereogum.com/2181786/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week-427/lists/the-5-best-songs-of-the-week/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Latest revision as of 22:44, 1 January 2025
2022 single by Braxe + Falcon
| "Step by Step" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Braxe + Falcon featuring Panda Bear | ||||
| from the EP Step by Step | ||||
| A-side | "Creative Source" | |||
| Released | 29 March 2022 (2022-03-29) | |||
| Recorded | 2014; 2020 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Label | Domino | |||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) |
| |||
| Braxe + Falcon singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Step by Step" on YouTube | ||||
"Step by Step" is a song by the French touch duo Braxe + Falcon. Produced by Alan Braxe and DJ Falcon and featuring Animal Collective member Noah "Panda Bear" Lennox, it was released as a double A-side single with the duo's track "Creative Source" on 29 March 2022, and as part of the extended play of the same name released on 24 June that year.
The cousins Braxe and Falcon each released music on Thomas Bangalter's label Roulé in their early careers, though they were unaware of each other's work. After they discovered this, they began work on music demos together around the same time Falcon produced the Daft Punk track "Contact" (2013). These demos were left untouched for years until Peter Bernard, the manager of Domino Recording Company's US label, encouraged the duo to finish them. "Step by Step" was the first of their demos to be completed, with Braxe and Falcon sending the song's instrumental track to Lennox, who completed his lyrics and vocal tracks for the song in 48 hours.
Critics praised "Step by Step" for Lennox's vocals and lyrics, Braxe and Falcon's production, and its message. The song appeared on several year-end best lists by numerous publications. A music video directed by Toru Tokikawa and starring skater Ginwoo Onodera was released on 25 August 2022. A remix by Axel Boman was released in January 2023, and Braxe + Falcon performed the song live for the first time with Lennox that July at Knockdown Center in Queens.
Background and recording
The producers Alan Braxe and DJ Falcon, who are cousins, each worked on electronic music in the late 1990s and 2000s on Thomas Bangalter's label Roulé. Braxe released the single "Vertigo" (1997) and with Stardust, produced "Music Sounds Better with You" (1998); Falcon produced the extended play Hello My Name is DJ Falcon (1999) and created two tracks with Bangalter as Together, the namesake track in 2000 and "So Much Love to Give" in 2002. From then on, Falcon remained largely inactive with music production, taking up hobbies like surfing and DJing, while Braxe continued to produce music.
In 2013, Falcon co-produced the Daft Punk track "Contact", at which point he and Braxe began recording demos together. Prior to this, Braxe and Falcon had only met "maybe ten times at family parties", and had no knowledge of each other's careers in electronic music, something that brought them close, especially since they had each released their first music on the same label, Roulé. The demos they made together were left untouched for years until the two spoke with Domino Recording Company's US label manager Peter Berard around 2020, who convinced them to finish their work. Braxe said he and Falcon were lucky to have met Berard, feeling that the kind of song that "Step by Step" would become would be viewed as fitting for inclusion on a studio album and not an extended play, though unlike most labels Braxe said Berard did not care about releasing their music in the latter format.
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"Step by Step" was the first of Braxe + Falcon's original demos to be completed, crucial to the duo since it was a "downtempo ballad" set to acoustic drums, a departure from the traditional French house 125 beats per minute format. Of the choice to diverge, Braxe said that since they had already produced that style of music, they were no longer interested in it. After the initial demos were recorded in Paris, the second recording and final mix were recorded at Braxe's studio in Toulouse, Haute-Garonne, with file and parts exchange from Falcon's studio in Biarritz, French Basque Country. As they began finishing their work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Braxe said their "whole state of mind" was altered, which allowed them to take time to "lay back" and focus on making music they liked, which ended up being divergent of typical club music.
The demo that became "Step by Step" was an instrumental, which they described as a "downtempo variation" of the club tracks released during the Roulé era. The song makes use of audio filtering, an element typical of French house music, and Braxe + Falcon used newer instruments such as modular synthesisers in the production, which they felt helped them "reconnect with the punk spirit of the early days" and released them from convention. Falcon favoured the use of modular synthesisers because they cause "happy accidents", and navigating this in the production process was something he considered satisfying and stimulating.
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As they were working on the song, Braxe + Falcon decided to send the instrumental to Noah "Panda Bear" Lennox. The duo provided Lennox with references of his own material that they liked, but otherwise gave him creative freedom. Falcon believes it took Lennox 48 hours to send back his work on the track. Lennox came up with the title while he was cooking, and remarked the song is a reflection of how much he had been inspired by the duo's sampling work; he said the repetition of the title phrase in the verses, chorus, bridge, and coda reinforces it as a "hopeful mantra". The duo said that the repetition and loops were expressive of the song's content of melancholy and hope, an element of their music they said was continuous from their early work. The song was mastered by Chris Athens.
Release and publicity
"Step by Step" was released as a double A-side single with "Creative Source" on 29 March 2022. It was digitally released as part of the duo's Step by Step extended play on 24 June, and in vinyl record format on 26 August on Domino Recording Company's Smugglers Way label. The music video for "Step by Step", released on 25 August 2022, was written, directed, and produced by Toru Tokikawa, and stars the then-12-year-old professional skateboarder Ginwoo Onodera. Filmed in Tokyo, the video features footage from Onodera practicing as a child, as well as footage of him winning awards and performing tricks. Tokikawa suggested the idea for the music video to show a child growing up and learning to skateboard, which the duo instantly accepted since they had skateboarded in their youth. Les Inrockuptibles observed that Onodera's performance was "delicate" for a "bright and catchy" track, feeling it aligned with the song's lyrics. Swedish DJ Axel Boman released a remix of the song in January 2023. Panda Bear and Braxe + Falcon debuted "Step by Step" live during a show at Knockdown Center in Queens, New York, on 21 July 2023. Falcon played the song at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games closing ceremony during the Journey of the Wave set.
Reception
Critics praised Braxe + Falcon's production. Pitchfork's Evan Minsker felt their production "glowed" and remarked that the synths were lively, praising the acoustic drums. Stereogum said the duo's work was futuristic and "breezy", calling it "a comforting reminder" of change's positive aspects, and to take things in "little pieces". Les Inrockuptibles's Franck Vergeade said the single was "highly addictive" upon a first listen, and compared it to the music of the band Phoenix. KCRW's Travis Holcombe said Braxe and Falcon's instrumental "emanates warmth and is almost like a slowed-down version" of the four-on-the-floor tracks that originally brought them acclaim. Another Pitchfork editor, Philip Sherburne said that the rest of the EP "pales in comparison", hailing it as "a languid yacht-rock-disco number" and praising its chord progression.
Critics considered Lennox's vocals and lyrics, along with his message, a highlight. Minsker said Lennox gave the song a "narrative framework", hailing the musician's performance as his best of the year, saying that his multi-tracked vocals in "copious" repetition transformed "an old self-help chestnut into a life-changing belief system". Holcombe said Lennox's talent with the melody and his optimistic lyrics were a perfect complement to the production, which created an "all-time great track". Sherburne felt the song's best part was Lennox's, who "delivers one of his most stirring performances", praising the relatability of his part, which he found uncommon in most dance music.
The staff of KCRW listed "Step by Step" among the best songs of 2022, The Guardian ranked it 18th on their 20 best songs of 2022 list, whilst Pitchfork considered it to be one of the best electronic songs of that year. In August 2022, readers of Stereogum ranked the album at number six on the site's "2022 Song Of The Summer" poll; at the end of the year, they ranked it at number seven on the site's list of the "Top 10 Songs Of 2022" as part of the site's annual Gummy Awards readers' poll; on his ten-song contribution to Stereogum's "50 Favorite Songs Of 2022" list, Stereogum staff writer Scott Lapatine ranked "Step by Step" at number 3.
Personnel
Credits adapted from the Step by Step extended play liner notes:
- Alan Braxe – songwriter, producer, mixing
- DJ Falcon – songwriter, producer, mixing
- Panda Bear – vocals, songwriter, lyrics
- Chris Athens – mastering
References
- ^ Holcombe, Travis (30 June 2024). "Guest Mix: House legends Braxe + Falcon flex their French Touch". KCRW. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ Sherburne, Philip (6 July 2022). "Step by Step EP: Alan Braxe / DJ Falcon review". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ "The 20 best songs of 2022". The Guardian. 5 December 2022. ISSN 1756-3224. OCLC 60623878. Archived from the original on 1 February 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
- ^ Szatan, Gabriel (29 March 2022). "The Return of French House Pioneers Alan Braxe and DJ Falcon". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
- ^ Holcombe, Travis (10 November 2022). "Daft Punk pals Braxe + Falcon on Step By Step and loving Dinosaur Jr". KCRW. Archived from the original on 18 April 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ Turner, Danny (1 September 2022). "Braxe + Falcon: "These days, most kids just crack tons of plugins and don't really cherish what they have"". MusicRadar. Archived from the original on 22 February 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- Shopmaker, Zoey (29 March 2022). "Alan Braxe and DJ Falcon join forces as Braxe + Falcon on new EP, Step By Step". Resident Advisor. Archived from the original on 1 April 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
- ^ "The Best Electronic Music of 2022". Pitchfork. 8 December 2022. Archived from the original on 22 January 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ Vergeade, Franck (29 March 2022). "Alan Braxe et DJ Falcon en pleine French Touch" [Alan Braxe and DJ Falcon in full French Touch]. Les Inrockuptibles (in French). ISSN 0298-3788. Archived from the original on 26 December 2024. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
- ^ Braxe + Falcon (2022). Step by Step (liner notes). Domino Recording Company. 192152050214.
- Strauss, Matthew (18 May 2022). "Braxe + Falcon Detail EP, Share New Song "Elevation": Listen". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- Bloom, Madison (25 August 2022). "Braxe + Falcon Announce U.S. Shows, Share New "Step by Step" Video: Watch". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- Coridian, Samuel (25 August 2022). "Braxe + Falcon font l'apprentissage du skate dans le nouveau clip du single "Step By Step"" [Braxe + Falcon Learn to Skate in New Music Video for Single "Step By Step"]. Les Inrockuptibles (in French). ISSN 0298-3788. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
- Davis, Ted (27 January 2023). "Braxe + Falcon - "Step By Step" feat. Panda Bear (Axel Boman's In The Air Version)". Resident Advisor. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2024.
- Minsker, Evan (20 March 2023). "Panda Bear and Sonic Boom Announce U.S. Tour | Including an appearance at Pitchfork Music Festival, plus dates with Braxe + Falcon". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- Brodsky, Rachel (22 July 2023). "Watch Braxe + Falcon & Panda Bear Perform "Step By Step" Live For The First Time". Stereogum. OCLC 1142733705. Archived from the original on 21 July 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- Chaplain, Idriss (8 September 2024). "Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony: Full Playlist". Olympic Games. Archived from the original on 3 October 2024. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
- "The 5 Best Songs Of The Week". Stereogum. 1 April 2022. OCLC 1142733705. Archived from the original on 22 July 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ "KCRW's Favorite Songs of 2022". KCRW. 14 December 2022. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- DeVille, Chris (10 August 2022). "Here Is Your Song Of The Summer 2022". Stereogum. OCLC 1142733705. Archived from the original on 30 April 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- DeVille, Chris (19 December 2022). "The Gummy Awards: Your Top 10 Albums And Songs Of 2022". Stereogum. OCLC 1142733705. Archived from the original on 18 July 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- "Stereogum's 50 Favorite Songs Of 2022". Stereogum. 13 December 2022. OCLC 1142733705. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.