Norwegian EDM producer and DJ, Alan Walker will be one of the biggest things to hit the Enchanted Valley Carnival stage this year. His single “Faded” is one of the most successful earworms of 2016. It’s topped the iTunes charts in 32 countries and it’s mysterious music video has over 780 million views and 4.7 million likes on YouTube, making it among the Top20 most liked videos on the site. On Spotify, it has over 540 million streams. Born in 1997, to a Norwegian mother and an English father, he is The newest EDM sensation. As a young self taught music producer, he’s had a crazy year, playing at pretty much ALL the European music festivals like Tomorrowland and Lollapalooza. Walker will be making his India debut as he headlines the Cosmos Stage at #EVC2016 on December 18th.
We got the chance to speak with the hit-maker as he sat at his home in Norway on a rainy Tuesday morning.
Team Miss Malini (Team MM): Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us Alan! Moving swiftly into this, tell us when you’re getting to India? And how long are you going to be here?
Alan Walker (AW): I’m coming to India on the 18th of December, and the day before that I will be in Hong Kong. The gig (at EVC) in India will be my final gig before i travel back home again to play my first concert in my hometown of Bergen in Norway on the 21st of December.
Team MM: Thats nice! Have you planned out any other fun things to do while you’re here?
AW: No not really! Haven’t really gotten to that point yet.
Team MM: How excited are you about playing in India, in Lonavala, at EVC? What do you think it’s going to be like?
AW: I have absolutely no idea what to expect! All I know is that it’s going to be really really cool and I’m really looking forward to playing in India. It’s going to be the last show of my Asia Tour and its going to be a great stage for me to reach out to the Indian audience.
Team MML: You wrapped up a massive Europe Tour in September this year. You played at some of the biggest festivals – Tomorrowland, Summerburst & Lollapalooza to name just a few. What did you think it was going to be like and was it actually that good?
AW: When I first stepped on stage in February, for my first time ever, I really had no clue how it was going to go. I had to just jump straight into it. I think it was a great experience for me because I’ve learnt so many things on the road. It’s been such a magical journey. Being on these big stages and such amazing audiences is just remarkable. It couldn’t have been any better.
Team MM: Which do you prefer? Festival or club gigs?
AW: So far its hard for me to choose cos i’ve only so far played at Festivals! It’ll be a brand new experience for me to play at a club and I think my first club show (at Melkweg in Amsterdam) in February is going to be pretty cool.
Team MM: Have you had the chance to hear any tracks by some of our homegrown EDM producers? And any plans to collaborate with any producers while you’re here?
AW: No not too many. Though there is this duo, from Mumbai, called Lost Stories who have an official remix of “Faded” that is doing really well. And I love their remix! While I’m in India though, I’m not sure if I’ll have the time to sit down and compose with any producers but if I get the chance to do collaborate with one, it would be really cool. I can’t wait to perform at EVC honestly and if i had more time I would’ve loved to spend some studio time and see the country. But right now my schedule is pretty full.
Team MM: Yes! We can only imagine! Your track, “Faded” has been remixed by some of the biggest names in electronic music, like Tiesto, Hardwell and Young Bombs. Are there any other collaborations that you’re looking forward to and setting your sights to.
AW: Umm… Hans Zimmer cos I’m such a big fan of movie soundtracks. And if I was to collaborate with a singer, I would love to work with Zara Larsson.
Team MM: We really love her too! You just mentioned that you’re keenly into movie soundtracks. India is that one country where the music from our films is pretty much the mainstream. Have you had the chance to listen to any classic or newer Bollywood tracks?
AW: Not too much but when I was offered the EVC gig, I started doing some research about India – what producers were playing and what genres were popular. I heard some snippets of Bollywood music then. I think it’s very unique and very cool.
Team MM: Any pre-gig rituals that you have? Any strange or routine things you do before getting on stage?
AW: If I’m tired i usually drink some Red Bull or whatever type of energy drink there is. I usually just prepare myself to perform for 45 to 100 plus minutes.
Team MM: For all the guys and girls who are working in their home studios or otherwise, who are trying to make it big. As a young artist who’s achieved SO much success in a short span of time, is there any advice that you’d like to share with them.
AW: Some people have told me to never give up. At some point when you’re working on your music, for example, when you feel like giving up because you feel like you can’t write or find the right ideas, just take a break… Take some time off. Start again and come back to it. It’s about working hard and believing in yourself. Any one can make music, you don’t really need a wholesome musical experience to be able to compose a melody or put together a whole soundtrack. Just believe in yourself and work as hard as you can because that’s when you can achieve your best.
Team MM: That’s it from us and we absolutely cannot wait to see your set at EVC! Its going to be such a blast and we hope you have the best time ever!
AW: Thank you so much and I’m so looking forward to coming and playing for all of you.
Enchanted Valley Carnival 2016 takes place on December 17th & 18th at Aamby Valley City, Lonavala. Click here NOW to buy your festival tickets.