Could you introduce yourself to us?
I am a 25 year old Brazilian who is absolutely obsessed with music and its sensations. I was raised in a family where both of my parents have been making their living on producing , DJing and promoting and producing an electronic music Festival called Universo Paralello since I was a kid. Me and my twin brother Bhaskar followed in our parent’s footsteps and we started DJing professionally when we were just 12 years old. From those days to now my universe has spun around music every single day of the week, every month of every year ever since!
Describe your sound?
My sound has considerably changed its grip and style over the last year or so. I guess that every producer goes through a stage where he/she needs to change the style or change their music in ways that will keep surprising the crowd and the audience. I guess that if I could describe my sound now from what it was a year ago its definitely gone up the pop music alley, and that is a very challenging and dangerous step to be taken.
Who influences you musically?
So many artists and genres have a major influence on me. Funny to be asked that when I have just produced a few tracks with unimaginable styles and genres from Brasil. The result is quite satisfying and my advice is to always risk and create something that takes us out of our musical “comfort zone”.
How and when did you first get into creating music?
I first started producing music when I was 13 years old, but it took me a year or so to start getting results. Back then, most of my friends were playing video games whereas me and my brother were trying to get our heads around music software (which was like a video game for us!)
When did you first realise you could make a career in music?
I have always loved everything about the DJ and music producer universe since I was a kid. I remember that things started to get serious when I was about 15 years old and my music was being played internationally within the Psytrance scene. We started touring overseas and I started making a living on making music. Things got a little bit shaky when I lived in London and had to give up on music for a bit. I started college, but eventually dropped out and kept working on music and following my dream. It was well worth risking everything if you ask me and that I can only pass around as an advice. Never give up and follow your dreams.
What do you most enjoy about being an international DJ?
What I really enjoy and love about that is the fact that I can share my music and work with the 4 corners of the world and make people happy with the music that I write inside my studio. That makes me realize how lucky and blessed I am to be able to make that happen and to make that extend itself along the years and the countries.
If you could collaborate with one other artist in the world, who would it be?
Without a doubt… Mick Jagger!
Where is the most memorable venue you’ve ever played?
There are so many of them and each one best in some way or ways. Venues and crowds are the combination that spice up our memories as DJs and producers. I would definitely say that some gigs around Europe , Asia and the U.S have definitely surprised me!
What is the most memorable performance you’ve ever seen?
Eric Prydz… hands down!
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
Damn that is a secret.
Who’s your favourite artist at the moment?
Also a secret…
You’re about to embark on a tour across Europe playing in France, Belgium, Spain, Estonia and the UK. What’s the best part about being on tour?
Apart from having the music and the performances spread across different nations, the best part of being on tour is to explore and get to know the cultures and its differences and contrasts. It’s amazing to meet and interact with people from such diverse cultures.
How do the crowds in each country differ?
I have to say that there are slight differences in the ways that the crowds interact from one country or continent to the other. Thankfully I have been lucky enough to receive warm feedback and reactions from the new crowds in different countries. It is very challenging, but the payoff is worth it!
Are you off on a lad’s holiday after you’ve finished your tour?
I wish!!! As soon as we are finished overseas we have a very tight and complex schedule ahead of us in Brazil. That’s part of working hard and playing hard.
Can you give us some insight to what the music scene in Brazil is like and has it impacted your music?
The music scene in Brazil is currently experiencing an all time high! We have been hosting some remarkable parties and festivals and to be part of such a magical expansion is just unreal for me.
What does a typical day in the life of Alok look like when you’re not creating music?
Probably working out and if I can try something new and different! Time is pretty precious and I have to make sure I get some rest when I can. It’s also hard for me not to mention music, because most of my days are about creating and working on new music.
Drink of choice on a night out?
Coconut water
Favourite film?
Cloud Atlas
Describe yourself in three words?
Hardworking, hyperactive, determined!
Who’s your biggest style & fashion inspiration?
Damn now you got me! I don’t particularly have one… I have been so immersed in the music world that the fashion scene is too scary for me hahaha 😉
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to make a career in music?
Work hard and tirelessly. Believe in your ideas and creations and never let anyone judge you or underestimate you for the work you have done. Remember that we all started from scratch and we are all still learning when it comes to music making. Most importantly… never give up!!! Believe in your music and your dreams!!!
