Expecting a great crowd in India: Walker

After getting audiences to vibe with his music in Norway and South China, the 22-year-old music producer-sensation Alan Walker will be bringing the first leg of his much-awaited ‘Aviation Tour’ into South Asia with his first-ever concert in India. People in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru — expect to find yourself swaying to his electronic jam soon.

The youngster has already been nominated for 13 music awards and snagged the No. 17 spot on the DJ MAG Top 100. His fans (known as ‘Walkers’) are as passionate as they come. Before touching the ground in India, the On My Way EDM artist speaks about his tour, how the music scene is evolving worldwide, and his iconic signature attire.

What’s the scope like for EDM artists nowadays?
I witness a lot of it, and especially on music streaming devices. It’s harder and harder for smaller artist to break through and show their music to the world, as there is so many out there. There is a lot of great music out there to ‘compete with’.

Your hits are quite the rage. Have you set any benchmark for yourself that you wish to accomplish one day?
I always aim to be better and for people to feel my music and the meaning behind it. My goal is to keep doing this for many more years and build a greater connection with everyone who wants to keep following me.

How did you choose your signature mask and hoodie?
It symbolises unity, and that anyone could be ‘Alan Walker’. I am just a regular guy who got lucky, and that’s the idea behind it.    

What made you want to get into music and what kind of challenges came your way? In case this hadn’t worked out as well, what was your backup plan?
Because of how fast everything happened, I really didn’t have time to think of it much. I was just a normal guy, who happened to make a hit song. From there, all the hard work started. So no, there was no back up — I went all in.

Gen Z and their music. Comment.
I feel like there is SO MUCH talent. I am guessing it is harder to stick out today, than just a few years back. Everybody wants to be special and works harder than ever before.

Which one of your songs is the closest to your heart?
It will always be Faded. It made me what I am today.

What are we expecting from you during your upcoming show in India?
The Aviation Tour has a brand-new concept of how we do things, playing everything live. I am bringing a full band, and will be playing on several synths, keyboards, and plucks myself.

Anyway, how’s the tour panning out for you? What are your expectations from your Indian fans?
It’s been amazing, wow. I am expecting a great crowd in India. They are always so loud and sing along to many of my songs. I hope they do this on the Aviation Tour as well.

Can you share one on-stage moment that has stayed with you??
The first shows I did will always be with me. I was so nervous and didn’t know how I was supposed to do everything. Other than that, I loved playing at Coachella and Tomorrowland — huge crowds.

Do you have any regrets in life?
No, not really. I get to do what I love every day.