When Did Instant Crush Come Out? Release Date & Facts

The Story Behind “Instant Crush”: When Did It Come Out?

If you have ever found yourself hypnotized by the moody, melancholic synths and distinct vocals of “Instant Crush,” you are definitely not alone. This iconic track is a masterpiece born from an unexpected collaboration between the legendary French electronic duo Daft Punk and Julian Casablancas, the frontman of rock band The Strokes.

So, when exactly did it come out?

• Album Release: “Instant Crush” first dropped on May 17, 2013, as part of Daft Punk’s critically acclaimed fourth studio album, Random Access Memories.
• Single Release: It was later officially released to radio stations as the album’s fourth single on November 22, 2013.

How the Magic Happened

The track came together during recording sessions that spanned from 2010 to 2012. Daft Punk (Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo) were longtime fans of The Strokes. After crossing paths in a New York recording studio, they played a rough instrumental track for Casablancas.

Immediatly inspired, Casablancas improvised the vocal melodies and wrote the lyrics. The result was a seamless blend of electronic synth-pop, disco-funk grooves, and indie-rock melancholy that felt completely ahead of its time.

The Unforgettable Music Video

The song’s release as a single in late 2013 was accompanied by a tragically romantic music video directed by Warren Fu. Released in December 2013, the video tells the heartbreaking story of two wax figures—a military soldier modeled after Julian Casablancas and a museum mannequin—who fall in love before a museum fire melts them together.