Super DJ Alan Walker Talks Electric Zoo and More
Alan Walker is quickly gaining popularity in the EDM world. His most popular hits include ‘Fade,’ ‘Alone,’ and his more recent ‘Darkness.’ With no formal training, Alan turned to the Internet for help. He watched YouTube videos and asked other DJs for advice on producing.
Not thinking anything would come of it, Alan posted his first song called ‘Fade’ to YouTube. After going viral, this song catapulted his DJ career in 2015. Fast-forward 3 years to present time. Alan now has 3.8 million followers on Instagram and 16 million subscribers on YouTube.
Not bad for a self-taught, self-made 21-year old, right? Keep your eye on Alan, as he will be dropping a new album soon.
How does a superstar DJ celebrate his 21st birthday?
Alan: Well what I did for my birthday this year was actually hosted a birthday party for myself back home. I invited people from all over the world for a public event that anyone can enjoy… there were 3500 people there… including other artists and DJs.
What was that sparked your interest in producing music?
Alan: In 2012 I was first interested in graphic design… I realized that I was kind of tired of pop music and mainstream music so I started looking up on YouTube when I discovered DJ Ness… I instantly became a fan of him and listened to his music for a year and then I asked him how he made his music and he responded to me that he was using this program… and that’s how it all started.
Did you ever think when you posted your song on YouTube that it was going to go viral and start your DJ career?
Alan: Never. It’s been so unexpected. I just sat in my room and started making music for fun… even growing up my mom tried to make me play the piano but I was like nah that’s not for me. But shockingly later I realized that I had a huge interest in music and I really enjoyed making music because I felt like I could use my creativity in art. I started building a fan base that got bigger and bigger and then I put out ‘Fade’ and it just blew up.
If you weren’t traveling the world as a DJ, what would you be doing?
Alan: I would have either been studying or working in a grocery store. That was actually what I was considering applying to before I blew up – I had my application ready to turn in. I was also one step away from being accepted to North Carolina. Had I been accepted… I would have had a completely different life.
Obviously you have a hard work ethic, being as young as you were when you started and how far you have come. Where does it come from?
Alan: I have always had the spirit that if you work as hard as you can then you can achieve anything. When I put out ‘Fade’ it was a perfectly timed song. I felt like in 2014 the industry was looking for a new sound.
If you can collaborate with any artists, who would it be?
Alan: When it comes to female vocalists, Ellie Goulding or Rihanna. Male vocalist, I’m really feeling Bruno Mars. He has a unique vibe and it would be a very cool crossover. When it comes to DJs and producers… Tiësto and Kygo.
What advice do you have for up-and-coming DJs in the business?
Alan: Never ever give up whether you feel like it or not because you never know when success is coming for you… it’s all about working as hard as possible.
What do you want your fans to know about you?
Alan: Wow that’s a hard question! If I were to describe myself I would say that I am a very humble and nice guy. I care for the better of each and every one around me… I want peace in the world and I want people to be happy and I’ll try my best to make the world a better place.
Follow Alan Walker on Social Media:
For more information about Electric Zoo, click here.
Words by Mai Nguyen
Photos by Mike Banuelos
For more photos, please follow Mike Banuelos on Instagram @Mikeb_S550 and at Occlusionmedia.com
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