Ever the hoodie-clad musical savant who redefined the terms of digital anonymity with his idiosyncratic brand of electronic music, Alan Walker is all set for his return to India this month. As he gears up for his Walkerworld Tour, spanning ten cities across the country, he exudes a mix of excitement and astonishment at his own meteoric rise. “India has always held a special place in my heart,” he muses, almost as if he’s still grappling with the notion of being a global sensation. “There’s just something magical about the energy here — it’s hard not to fall in love with it. I love my Indian Walkers and I’m grateful for all the love and support!” It’s no surprise that his devotees in India are equally enthused.
Renowned for his 2015 breakout hit “Faded,” the Norwegian DJ and producer has maintained an air of enigma, but throughout his career, he has cultivated a deeply personal connection with his audience. Amidst the dazzling neon lights and relentless basslines, his concerts transcend the man behind the mask, becoming a shared celebration of music itself.
Recollecting a particularly electrifying moment from a previous gig in Mumbai, he recalls, “The entire audience was singing every word on my setlist. It was such a powerful and emotional moment. That kind of energy just doesn’t happen everywhere.” It’s this mutual passion that has made his upcoming visit to India such an eagerly anticipated event.
This tour isn’t just about live performances; Alan Walker is bringing a more immersive, multi-dimensional experience to his audience. The Walkerworld project, produced in collaboration with Sunburn, aims to merge melody with virtual reality for a fully engaging experience. “The concept for Walkerworld in UEFN was born from my desire to merge music, gaming, and immersive experiences,” he explains. “Platforms like UEFN and Fortnite allow fans to engage with music on a deeper level, turning it into an experience.” This approach mirrors a techno-utopian vision reminiscent of virtual concerts by artists like Travis Scott and Ariana Grande in Fortnite, paying homage to the virtual realms that shaped Alan’s early days as a bedroom producer.
Originating from Bergen, Norway, the 27-year-old embarked on his musical journey using FL Studio on his laptop, learning his craft via YouTube tutorials. His fascination with the epic compositions of film score legends like Hans Zimmer and Steve Jablonsky has significantly influenced his unique sonic identity.
“I’ve always been captivated by how film scores craft emotional and vivid soundscapes, and it’s something I’m definitely interested in exploring,” he shares. His music, often darker and more minor in tonality compared to contemporary tropical house, clearly takes inspiration from cinematic elements.
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It’s no wonder then that Alan is open to the idea of venturing into film scoring. “Combining my love for music with storytelling through film could be a thrilling new path for me. I admire how Daft Punk and Nine Inch Nails have explored this area, and I would love to follow in their footsteps,” he reveals. His ambition seems destined to find a place on the big screen someday, given the grandeur of his tracks.
A significant part of Alan’s allure is his persona, or rather, the deliberate ambiguity of it. The mask, inspired by hacker culture and the gaming community, serves to spotlight the music rather than the musician. “The mask has always been about more than just anonymity — it’s a symbol of unity and the idea that we’re all in this together,” he says. Interestingly, this digital veil has only strengthened his connection with fans. “Whether I’m rocking the mask or not, the vibe remains the same.”
Earlier this year, Alan got a taste of India’s intense passion for cricket, having crafted an anthem for the IPL’s Royal Challengers Bangalore. This was his first real encounter with the sport, and by his account, it was a thrilling experience. “Meeting the legend of cricket, Virat Kohli, and the RCB women’s cricket team,” he says, “was a standout.”
As he prepares to take the Walkerworld Tour across India, visiting cities like Pune, Shillong, and Hyderabad, Alan seems genuinely excited — not just for the shows, but for the diverse experiences awaiting him across the country. “Each city brings its own unique vibe,” he says. “I’ve heard great things about Bangalore and Hyderabad and I can’t wait to see how fans across different locations will react.”
What started as a bedroom project for young Alan shows no signs of slowing down. His advice to his younger self and aspiring musicians echoes his journey: “Stick to your roots and be yourself,” he asserts. “Hard work, persistence, and confidence in yourself can take you places you wouldn’t have imagined.”
The 10-city Walkerworld Tour, in collaboration with Sunburn India, will commence on September 27 in Kolkata, covering Shillong, Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Pune, and Mumbai, before concluding in Hyderabad on October 20.
