Exclusive Interview With Alok

​"Vale Vale" comes out on 9th August on CONTROVERSIA and is really special. The children's voices are so sublime and brings the track to life. Tell us a little about this track.
 
This track is really special for me as I went back to where I came from. For those who don’t know , I started my musical journey when I was just 11 years old. Me and my twin brother Bhaskar had a psy trance project called Lógica and we used to make music in a much faster bpm back then. Making Vale vale made me go back to my roots as much as I did when I wrote a track with Vini Vici and Avicii and it was fantastic and very pleasant. 

What keeps you inspired and keeps your work fresh?


Daily inspirational moments, people and music are what really make me inspired and eager to make music to share back with the world. I strongly believe that we must be inspired by people and ordinary moments within our lives. I really value that these days as I am constantly rushing to perform and to attend all commitments most of the time. It makes us appreciate the most simple things and moments.
What are your thoughts on the music scene when you first started out versus the music in present day?


It is more than clear now that electronic and pop music have grown exponentially over the last 5 years and I am so glad and honoured to have somehow contributed to such a magical transformation all over the globe.


Your remix of Meduza’s "Piece Of Your Heart" is one of my favourite tracks! How was your remix born?
This track is absolutely catchy and remarkable, and I wanted to work on it ever since I heard it the first time. The “da da da da“ stays in our heads like glue and I really appreciate the original work done by Meduza who are such talented guys. When I had the chance to work on its remix I found it quite challenging to work on something that was produced so well and give it my own grip. In the end I think that I was able to create my own twist and the outcome was fabulous. I´m also so honoured to know that my remix is the most played on Meduza´s profile. The dance floor loved it and so did I!


Are there any other classic house or electronic records that you would like to get your hands on to rework?
 
There are so many that I would spend hours writing. Although I have several. I would easily say that a remix of Eric Pridz would make my day :) 


For DJs and producers nowadays, social media is an inescapable part of the job as social media can connect you with fans. What is the role social media had at the start of your career?

To be honest I sort of went beyond most of my fellow producer and DJ colleagues when the subject was social media. I realized interacting with your fanbase creates a bond, even if they are on the other side of the globe. For me a fanbase is like a big family. They support you and have your back in all possible scenarios and aspects. It is very comforting to know that you have millions of people interacting with you and supporting you no matter where you go or where you are. It’s rewarding and priceless. 



How has your journey in the dance music scene shaped who you are today?


I was born into music and festivals as both of my parents were and are Psy Trance DJ’s and producers and also festival owners. We have an 8 day festival by the beach in Brazil called “Universo Paralello” (Paralelle Universe). We were present at this festival since its first edition and until now I see it as my biggest education in life. It was in this scenario and lifestyle that I shaped my values and my priorities in life. In the end for me it was never too hard to follow my dreams as the people who inspired me most (my parents) were part of that too. 



What type of preparation goes into your sets and what are the musical ingredients that go into the perfect Alok performance?
Every day and every set is different. The most important part is the set up before a show which I count from the very professional, united and skilled tech team. When they show me that the set is 100% prepared I feel at ease in my mind and let the show happen. It’s very important to perceive what’s the real deal when you’re about to perform. Sometimes we realize that it’s going to be tough for a light bad positioned or a poor structuring within the event or even soundsystem problems. When you don’t have that sort of issue it all becomes more natural and automatic to make a performance ideal.

Finally, what’s up next on the Alok agenda? Are there any special projects that you are working on, or shows that you are particularly excited about? 


There are some amazing news and upcoming projects but I have to keep some of them secret unfortunately. All I can say is that I am joining up with an old partner that I had to create another amazing song with a lot of emotions and feelings and I´ve been touring quite a lot. I just came from from Ibiza, where I played three times at Ushuaia and once at Amnesia. I´m going to spend the next weeks traveling, and am so excited to be performing at Burning Man in US at the end of this month, then I go to Japan and Portugal. I am also over the moon to be performing at home in Brazil at Rock in Rio festival which is a very traditional and respected festival in South America. Performing there at the main stage is absolutely breath taking and I am counting the days for such an amazing experience.

@2019 Simona Nardone