Alan Walker is a name that needs no introduction in the electronic dance music scene. With chart-topping hits like “Faded,” “Alone,” and “All Falls Down,” the Norwegian-British DJ and producer has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world.
Walker has been head-first into music since he picked up the piano at just two years old. It wasn’t long after that Walker discovered electronic music on the internet and was immediately hooked. He plunged deep into the Youtube realm using the resources he had at his fingertips to become a self-taught music producer.
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Walker in Miami during Music Week at the Spinnin’ Records pool party. There Walker talked about his journey in music, his creative process, and his plans for the future.
EDM Maniac: What is up Alan! This is an absolute pleasure, thank you for taking this time during this busy week to chat with us for a bit, How is Miami treating you so far?
Alan Walker: Oh absolutely! Thank you for meeting up to sit down for a bit. It’s great to be back for Maimi Music Week, getting to see a lot of colleagues and friends and just be engulfed within the industry. The weather is beautiful. Not too hot outside, even in the hoodie, [laughs].
EDM Maniac: Right, the magic in the chaos is what we like to say about MMW. How do you feel about the influence Miami has on the electronic music world?
Alan Walker: I just love how it brings people together in the name of dance music. Everyone has the same energy when you are down here during this time. It doesn’t happen often. We make magic happen in Miami. It feels like a safe place for electronic music.
EDM Maniac: Right! It has become a safe haven for people to be creative in the US. As we soak up all the energy this community has to offer, can you tell us about your start with electronic music?
Alan Walker: When I got into music I found a YouTuber who made music from his computer, I just reached out to him asking him how he makes this kind of music and he told me about fruity loops studios.
I was around 14 then. It took me about two or three years to really get the groove of it. After faded broke out in 2016 when I was 16, it’s just been a steady uphill journey since then. Of course, some down moments but that’s what makes it art.
EDM Maniac: You have been so engulfed in this world for most of your life and seem to be able to keep your feet firmly on the ground. One would say your music is emotion-driven, could you describe your thought process on the emotions you like to portray?
Alan Walker: Really when I think of emotions and my music the goal is to be able to find something within it no matter what emotion you are feeling at the time. Something you can cherish in whatever mood you’re in.
EDM Maniac: Your music is a great example of a safe place for people. Where do you source inspiration?
Alan Walker: Really anything, I pull a lot of inspiration from classical music, I find inspiration in the melodies and the strings. But overall, I listen to everything, my Spotify playlist is called “Anything.”
EDM Maniac: That is interesting you find inspiration within classical music because, within your music, you can find a unique blend of electronic and acoustic sounds. How do you approach combining these different elements in your productions?
Alan Walker: One thing that is really important to me is melodies. Then I love to focus on vocals. Anything catchy, nice and silky.
The biggest thing, though, is having simple melodies that get stuck in everyone’s head and leaves an imprint. Classical music has a big play in my love for sourcing true acoustic drums and keys to form the foundation of my melodies.
EDM Maniac: With that being said, we know you have some new music coming out can you tell us a little bit about the journey you went on to bring these new projects to life?
Alan Walker: Yeah, so lately I have been focusing on going back to my core roots, which is really important to me because even though my sound is developing I always want to stay true to myself.
With all the songs we have been working on lately, they really do reflect the old and new Alan Walker, like a mix of nostalgia with an exotic sound.
EDM Maniac: Being able to grow while staying true to yourself is so important and we are happy you can go through that within your music journey. We can’t wait to hear what you have cooking up! Alan, it was a true pleasure, thank you so much for all the insight on your project and for taking this time with us today. We hope you enjoy the rest of your week in Florida.
Alan Walker: You guys are amazing and love what you do within the community so it was a pleasure as well. Thank you for sharing my journey and story. Stay safe out there!
Photos courtesy of Alan Walker
