From: Norway

DJ style: “Uplifting / energetic.”

Best known for: “Wearing a mask and hoodie.”
 

In 2023, Alan Walker maintained the skyward trajectory that started when he burst onto the scene in 2015 as a precocious teen. He recently released ‘Better Off (Alone, Pt. III)’, a giant remake of the ‘90s Alice Deejay classic that saw him collaborate with Dash Berlin and Vikkstar. It marked the end of a festival season where Walker played the likes of Lollapalooza while unleashing ‘Endless Summer’, a huge collaboration with Zak Abel. He also remixed Käärija, Finland’s standout Eurovision star, who was runner-up this year.

After ending last year’s Walkerverse tour, 2023 saw him setting off across Europe, Asia and the US again. But Walker promises he has still been “super busy in the studio, working on a lot of new tracks that I’m eager to share”. As for his own highlight, amongst hanging out with Indonesian celebrities and visiting the world’s largest music complex, things documented in his Unmasked Vlog, it was attending Gran Turismo Europe, a meeting of high end motors, “where we drove our cars through beautiful scenery from Innsbruck to St. Tropez.” 
 

Hero of 2023: “It has always been Hans Zimmer, and I think it will continue to be him for a long time.”

Fave tune of 2023: “‘Cha Cha Cha’ by Käärija!” 

Best DJ set you’ve seen in 2023: “If I had to pick one I’d go with Steve Aoki’s set at the Weekend Festival in Finland.”

What was the most exciting tech development of 2023? “I’d say the fast development of AI, because it’s both exciting and also slightly frightening to see where it can take us in the future.”

Rising star DJ/producer of 2023: “Aaron Hibell! He keeps on blazing after his major hit last year.”

What gives you hope for 2024? “More music and amazing shows where I’m able to meet both new and old fans alike.”