Nile Rodgers

Lore & Background

Rodgers met Daft Punk at a listening party for Homework in New York City. After years of near misses, he joined the Random Access Memories sessions where his guitar work shaped the track. The song's title may have been different had Rodgers not contributed a specific guitar line that inspired it. He performed 'Get Lucky' live with Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, and Stevie Wonder at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.

In Their Own Story

Rodgers recalled listening to a rough demo of 'Get Lucky' centered on a Wurlitzer electronic piano. He requested the mix be stripped down to just drums so he could build his part. After he finished experimenting until Daft Punk were visibly pleased, Nathan East re-recorded the bass line to match Rodgers's rhythm. Mixer Mick Guzauski noted that no processing was needed for Rodgers's guitar because 'Nile just sounded great the way he is.'

Reader's Guide

Rodgers serves as a key collaborator on Random Access Memories, contributing lead guitar and helping shape the sound of 'Get Lucky' and 'Lose Yourself to Dance'. His involvement was announced after television advertisements aired during Saturday Night Live. He stated that footage for 'Lose Yourself to Dance' was shot simultaneously with 'Get Lucky'. The song peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks, marking Daft Punk's first top-10 hit in the United States.

Did You Know?

• Rodgers asked that all elements except the drum track be muted so he could create his guitar part.
• After Rodgers finished, bassist Nathan East re-recorded the bass line to fit the new rhythm.
• The song's title might have been different if Rodgers had not contributed a specific guitar line.
• Rodgers performed 'Get Lucky' live at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards alongside Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, and Stevie Wonder.