Early Beginnings (2012–2015)
Alan Walker’s journey into the music industry started when he was just a teenager, mainly driven by his fascination with computers, technology, and music. At the age of 14, he began teaching himself how to produce music using FL Studio, a digital audio workstation. His early inspirations came from electronic music producers like K-391, Ahrix, and the composer Hans Zimmer.
In 2012, Alan began releasing music under the name “DJ Walkzz” on platforms such as YouTube and SoundCloud. His early works were primarily instrumental tracks, and he focused on blending elements of progressive house, electro, and ambient music. His most notable release during this time was the track “Fade” (2014), which started gaining attention on the free music platform NoCopyrightSounds (NCS). “Fade” was the precursor to his breakout single, “Faded.”
Breakthrough with “Faded” (2015)
Walker’s career skyrocketed in 2015 with the release of “Faded,” a rework of his earlier instrumental track “Fade,” but this time with added vocals by Norwegian singer Iselin Solheim. The song became an instant global sensation, receiving over a billion views on YouTube within a year and topping charts worldwide. “Faded” was characterized by its ethereal vocals, haunting melody, and Walker’s signature progressive house beats, all of which resonated with a broad audience. The success of the track earned Walker widespread recognition and established his name in the electronic music scene.
“Faded” quickly became one of the most-streamed songs on digital platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Its success also led to Walker receiving several awards and nominations, including Best Norwegian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards and recognition as one of the Top 100 DJs in DJ Mag’s annual poll.
Expansion of his Sound and Collaborations (2016–2018)
Following the success of “Faded,” Walker continued to build on his career with a series of successful releases:
- “Sing Me to Sleep” (2016): This single, also featuring Iselin Solheim, replicated the dreamy, atmospheric sound that made “Faded” so successful. It also gained millions of streams and views on digital platforms.
- “Alone” (2016): Another huge success, this track featured singer Noonie Bao and solidified Walker’s signature style of emotional electronic music combined with uplifting beats. The song became an anthem for people seeking unity, as its lyrics resonated with themes of solitude and connection.
Throughout 2017, Walker started expanding his repertoire and sought to collaborate with different artists. Notable collaborations included:
- “Tired” (2017) featuring Gavin James: This track marked a slight departure from Walker’s earlier works, with a more mature and refined sound.
- “The Spectre” (2017): A continuation of the theme from his earlier track “Spectre,” this song was yet another viral hit, combining orchestral and electronic elements with Walker’s signature uplifting melodies.
In 2018, Walker released “Darkside,” featuring Au/Ra and Tomine Harket, which also became popular among fans and showcased his ability to work across genres and styles.
During this time, Walker’s unique look—his hoodie and mask—became a symbol of his brand. His stage presence and anonymity intrigued fans, further enhancing his growing popularity.
Debut Album and World Tours (2018–2020)
In 2018, Walker released his debut studio album “Different World,” which featured a mix of his previous hits like “Faded,” “Sing Me to Sleep,” and “Alone,” along with new tracks. The album was well-received, showcasing his growth as a producer and expanding his sound palette with deeper bass, richer melodies, and more diverse collaborations. The album featured artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Noah Cyrus, and K-391, highlighting Walker’s ability to cross genres and collaborate with diverse vocal talents.
Simultaneously, Walker embarked on his “Different World Tour,” performing in major cities and music festivals around the world, including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Coachella. His live performances are known for their immersive visuals, energetic beats, and the distinct persona of his masked figure.
Continued Success and Shift to More Mainstream Collaborations (2020–Present)
In 2020, Alan Walker collaborated with some major names in the music industry, marking his shift toward more mainstream success. Some of his most prominent releases during this period include:
- “End of Time” (2020), a collaboration with K-391 and Ahrix.
- “Heading Home” (2020), featuring the vocals of Ruben, which returned to Walker’s roots in emotional, melodic electronic music.
- “Fake A Smile” (2021), featuring Salem Ilese, which was well-received and added to his growing repertoire of emotionally charged, vocal-driven tracks.
- “Believers” (2021) with Conor Maynard, another hit that reflected his continuing growth as an artist.
