by lilith jaime
photo by olav stubberud
For Alan Walker, what started as a bedroom project turned into an experience of a lifetime. Long before he was old enough to set foot in a nightclub, Walker was already making waves in the electronic and dance music scene. Now, with more than a decade of music production behind him, his journey is a testimony of continuous learning, experimentation, and a commitment to spreading unity and positivity. In fact, his dedicated community now exceeds 10 million followers on Instagram —impressive evidence to his global impact. Who would have thought electronic music could bring people together so powerfully? Alan Walker is living proof that it can.
With the release of his latest record, Walkerworld 2.0, the artist embarked on a world tour that will culminate in New York, where he is set to go on one last ride today, May 31st. In the midst of this global journey, we caught up with Walker to discuss this new chapter in his music career, upcoming and excited releases, and the importance of using his platform to inspire fans to keep creating.
What does Walkerworld 2.0 represent in your music career?
Alan: “Walkerworld 2.0 has been a creative playground and a project where I’ve truly worked through the entire spectrum of content in the Alan Walker universe. Musically, we’ve done a bit of everything— from the more traditional me with songs like ‘Hero’ and ‘Who I Am,’ to remakes like the legendary ‘Better Off Alone’ with ‘Better Off Alone Pt. II,’ and to ‘Thick of It All’ on the other end, which was written with Julia Michaels, Joe Jonas, and Jon Bellion. Conceptually, we’ve toured North America, Europe, and Asia, and created games in both UEFN/Fortnite, Rocket League, and PUBG Mobile. So yeah, a creative playground, a super fun project where I got to work with a lot of amazing people!”
When collaborating with other artists, what’s something you’ve come to realize about the teamwork involved in the creative process?
Alan: “For me, teamwork is everything. Ever since I started creating in my bedroom, I’ve loved working with people, getting inspired, brainstorming, being challenged, and creating something together. I truly believe the product gets better in creative collaborations, and I see how important that is with my fans too.”
You are about to take one last ride, referring to your performance at SummerStage in Central Park. So far, do you have any memorable live performance that stands out from this tour? If so, which one and why?
Alan: “Oh yes, so many! The biggest one was probably a drone show we did in Bengaluru, India. A pre-programmed audiovisual show that was one of the wildest things I’ve ever done.”
Why did you choose NYC to mark the grand finale of your Walkerworld Tour?
Alan: “I really love NYC, and being able to do this in Central Park just felt right!”
Now, when talking about touring, to what extent does it affect your approach to music when making new records?
Alan: “Both in good and bad ways! Touring obviously takes a lot of time, but the combination of us being good at squeezing in productive sessions between concerts, and me having a team I work really well with, makes me content with the situation. And touring inspires me a lot, so always fun to start working after visiting a new place!”
After travelling around the world, what’s a lesson that you take home with you?
Alan: “Family first!”
As one of the most streamed artists in the world, how do you handle fame and the pressure of meeting fans’ and the media’s expectations, if at all?
Alan: “Naturally, it affects you. I’ve actually been doing this professionally for ten years now, and everything goes in phases. I have a really, really great community around me, and the whole brand with the mask means I get to live a more normal day-to-day life than the streaming numbers suggest. But even though there are times when I feel a bit powerless, I’m left with the feeling that I’m incredibly lucky.”
With such a large audience both online and on tour, what’s a message or topic you like to share with your fans through your platforms — aside from music?
Alan: “Unity. Together we are stronger.”
The message behind the music video for “Story of a Bird” is clear: to keep creating art. What made you encourage your fans to do so? Did you realize about a lack of creative works in the modern world?
Alan: “It’s not necessarily that I think there’s too little creativity out there, but I feel a responsibility to use my platform and success to lift up other creators. For example, right now in NYC, we’ve recruited a Walker (someone from our community) to be one of the support acts. That’s how I gained the confidence to pursue this, and I want to pass that on.”
New talents are always so fun and interesting to listen and discover. What would you like to see happen in the electronic music scene in the coming years?
Alan: “EXCITING question. Would love to see a surprising (new) act bring something unexpected to the table.”
photo by olav stubberud
You were once a new act in the electronic music scene. However, it’s been ten years since your hit “Faded” — which catapulted you to stardom — was released. How do you feel about that song after all this time? Some artists grow tired of performing their biggest hits — has that been the case for you?
Alan: “You know what, I really love ‘Faded.’ Both because it has such a huge significance in where I am today, and because I have so many great memories tied to that song. A lot as recently as this year, with people sharing what the song has meant to them, and amazing moments when performing the song live.”
How has your perspective on music changed after all these years?
Alan: “[Laughs] Can I say; slightly more cynical? No, but you do experience and learn a lot. It’s a big industry with many players who aren’t always working toward what I think matters most: creating great experiences. On a more positive note, something that fascinates me is how fast the music industry actually changes, listening patterns, technology, and communication methods. Love how vibrant it is.”
What began as a bedroom project has now become a global success. If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would you say to DJ Walkzz?
Alan: “Be kind. And have fun!”
We heard you are announcing a new app. Can you tell us more about that and what led to you wanting to create this ecosystem for fans?
Alan: “Yes, and I’m really proud of it. As mentioned, since I started making beats in my bedroom, I’ve had a strong connection to an online community, and that’s grown into a large group called Walkers. In 2022, I went indie after seven years with Sony Music, and since then I’ve really felt how the industry works and how I connect with fans. This app is primarily a tool for me and the Walkers to meet, regardless of algorithms and technological barriers. It will be a safe zone for everyone who feels a connection to either my music or what we stand for in the community. It’ll include exclusive music, the full catalog of video and audio, the ability to connect with other Walkers, and of course a ton of activities and content. So why am I making it? Because I want both myself and the Walkers to be able to communicate and share.”
Can’t wait for you to launch it! Video games are also a powerful way to build communities, and we know for a fact you like playing them. So, to what extent does the gaming community influence your works?
Alan: “Quite a lot! It’s something very close to my heart, both creatively and in terms of how I like to communicate content. I'm a fan of easter eggs, gamification, and the ability to listen to music while gaming. ;)”
To finish this interview, a FUN QUESTION. If you could design your own video game, what would it be like?
Alan: “It would be something clean. Maybe inspired by 2010. Or super futuristic. Something unexpected and innovative.”