Revealed: Alan Walker’s Secret Music Production Process

Alan Walker. The Man. The Myth. The Legend. Lets talk about his music, samples, how he produces, and how you can get that classic Walker sound.

First some background on him. Who he is, where he’s from, what he does.

Alan Walker, born on August 24, 1997, in Northampton, England, is a prodigious Norwegian-British music producer and DJ. With his signature blend of electronic music, Walker has etched his name onto the global EDM stage and captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

This article explores the remarkable journey of Alan Walker, his path to fame, the unique aspects of his sound, and his impact on the world of electronic music.

How Did He Rise From Nothing?

Alan Walker’s musical journey began at a young age when he developed an interest in computers and programming. This affinity for technology played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to music production. In 2012, at the age of 14, Walker started experimenting with music production software, teaching himself the art of crafting electronic sounds.

His breakthrough moment came in 2015 with the release of his debut single, “Faded.” The track was an instant sensation, garnering millions of views on YouTube within weeks of its release. “Faded” caught the attention of the global EDM community, leading to Alan Walker signing with MER Musikk, a Norwegian record label.

Songs That Blew Alan Up, That Nobody Can Forget

While “Faded” undeniably catapulted him to stardom, several other tracks have solidified Alan Walker’s place in the electronic music pantheon. Songs like “Sing Me to Sleep,” “Alone,” and “Darkside” have collectively garnered billions of streams, making him one of the most-streamed artists on platforms like Spotify.

Alan Walker & His Hoodie – The Story Behind

One unique aspect of Alan Walker’s journey is his signature logo, a silhouette of a hooded figure with glowing blue eyes. This iconic image originated from a photograph of a friend wearing a hoodie that Walker edited and stylized, turning it into a symbol that represents him and his music. The image has become synonymous with his brand, making it instantly recognizable among fans.

And also if you listen to interviews you can tell that Alan Walker is really about his fans. He appreciates people listening to his music immensely. He’s the kind of guy who seems super chill, and just genuinely happy for his success. And that makes his music that much better.

The Alan Walker Sound Described…

Alan Walker’s sound is characterized by its melodic and emotional qualities. He is known for seamlessly blending uplifting melodies with powerful drops, creating an atmosphere of euphoria on the dance floor. His music often features lush, ethereal synths and vocal chops, which contribute to the dreamy and emotive nature of his tracks.

He also pioneered so many of the now “classic” EDM sounds. Ok, I mean classic in the last years. As Alan is obviously still pretty young – but the amount that he’s influenced EDM music is crazy.

Creating Sounds Like Alan Walker

While replicating Alan Walker’s distinctive sound requires talent and creativity, there are some key elements to consider:

• Melodic Hooks: Start with memorable melodies that tug at the heartstrings.
• Vocal Chops: Experiment with vocal chops, slicing and dicing them to add unique textures to your tracks.
• Emotional Atmosphere: Infuse emotion into your music through harmonic progressions and well-crafted synth choices.
• High-Quality Production: Invest time in sound design and mixing to achieve a polished, professional sound.

Alan Walker is one of those artists who spends a lot of time in the studio. His goal is to make something unique, and there’s no “easy” way to do that.

A fusion of progressive house, electro house, and future bass. It is a unique blend of emotive melodies, intricate sound design, and driving beats, which resonate with a broad audience of EDM enthusiasts.

Alan Walker The Sidechain Compression Master

Walker is known for his meticulous attention to detail in sound design and mixing. He frequently employs sidechain compression to create the pulsating, rhythmic effect in his tracks. Additionally, he utilizes a wide range of virtual instruments and synthesizers to craft his distinctive sounds.

Compared to Other DJs

Alan Walker’s distinct style sets him apart in the electronic music landscape. While some may draw comparisons to other EDM producers like Kygo or Zedd, Walker’s music is distinguished by its emotive and melodic characteristics. He has carved out his niche within the EDM genre, appealing to a global fan base with his unique sonic signature.

Getting them juicy Alan Walker Sample Packs

A few years ago one of the first sample packs that we made was an Alan Walker banger. We basically deconstructed his sounds, and create this Alan Walker Sample Pack.

It has a bunch of his older sounds. Atmospheres. Instruments. And all the good stuff that a lot of people know Alan for. The truth is: we went hard on this one.

Spending a solid few weeks creating it, and another few perfecting it. And now it’s one of the many sample packs that we have on our website. Check it out at the link above.

And here’s a breakdown of how to make EDM like Alan Walker: