Alan Walker
cover story
✦
cover story ✦
Just over 10 years ago, in a small bedroom in Bergen, Norway, a teenager uploaded a rework of a track he'd crafted using YouTube tutorials. He had no formal training, no record deal, and no roadmap—just a deep curiosity about sound and a laptop connection to the world.
The song, “Faded,” would quietly launch into the stratosphere, ultimately becoming one of the most recognizable tracks of the streaming era. Today, the numbers speak for themselves: over 3.8 billion views on YouTube, more than a billion Spotify streams, and a place among the most-viewed music videos of all time.
In 2025, “Faded” officially celebrates its 10th anniversary, and its creator, Alan Walker, has transcended his internet-born roots to become a global artist and digital pioneer with over 100 billion global streams, a social media reach of 150 million, and a spot as one of the top 200 most-streamed musicians in the world.
Photographer: Olav Stubberud | Cover Design: Laramie Cheyenne
But his journey wasn’t built on radio play or payola—it was born from forums, livestreams, and community-based discovery. “I guess I came into the industry through a bit of a back door, without really knowing what to expect,” Walker says. “It’s probably a more common path now with platforms like TikTok, but it’s kind of how I still do things. Because I like them, not because they’re expected or considered ‘right’.”
The rise of “Faded” laid the foundation for a new model of artistry, one where creativity, curiosity, and connectivity beat out traditional gatekeepers. And for Walker, that global response remains deeply impactful. “[I was most affected by] how the song was received all over the world, regardless of language and cultural differences. And how, even 10 years later, it still resonates and creates new memories.”
His sound—melancholic, cinematic, and instantly recognizable—found a home in headphones, as well as another rapidly growing space: gaming. “I was a gamer myself, so it started with making music I wanted to listen to,” he explains. “I was inspired by other online producers who made music that really connected with gamers. Why it worked so well is a whole other question.”
Photographer: Olav Stubberud
That crossover proved to be an example of perfect synergy. While traditional outlets caught up slowly, gamers and streamers were already making Walker’s music the soundtrack to their digital worlds. His blend of emotional synths and atmospheric intensity became a language of its own—one that resonated far beyond the club scene.
More recently, that connection comes full circle with the release of “Mind of a Warrior,” his new collaboration with Romanian pop star Sorana, serving as the lead single for the official soundtrack to SNK’s Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. “It’s so much fun—the game is actually older than I am.” he says of the project. “Fatal Fury has put together a pretty intense EDM package for this release, so I’m really happy to be part of the team!”
Whether fans discover him through a console or a concert, Walker’s live performances take the experience even further. Since 2023, his ambitious Walkerworld Tour has reached over half a million fans across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, India, and China.
Photographer: Olav Stubberud
After embarking on this successful run, the tour officially wrapped in May 2025 with a landmark show at New York City’s Central Park SummerStage—a fitting finale to a nearly two-year event. “This [tour] has been both incredibly inspiring and, at times, demanding,” Walker reflects. “We’ve been on the road with this tour for over 18 months, and I’ve had my biggest tours ever in both China and India. But I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I believe it’s the best we’ve done so far.”
Still, Walker has never been content to coast on momentum. This summer, he’s launching World of Walker, a new fan-driven digital platform set to debut August 8. Designed as an interactive space for exclusive content, livestreams, full discography access, and behind-the-scenes insights, it’s essentially an elevated fan hub—offering an expansion of the community ethos that launched his career.
“I was born and raised in a digital space, and I genuinely believe it creates value. Both for me and for everyone who chooses to join the journey,” Walker explains. “First and foremost, it’s about establishing a platform for sharing content and communication—artist to fans, but also creator/fan to creator/fan. I hope it will not only create new friendships and experiences but also inspire and support more gamers, creators, etc., to find a safe environment to grow in.”
Photographer: Olav Stubberud
Walker’s instinct in creating a space for authenticity is a throughline in everything he does. In fact, from his earliest days, he’s chosen to let the music lead—literally keeping his face out of the spotlight. And his now-iconic mask and hoodie became tools for centering on the sound rather than the man.
“It probably started with a personal desire for the music to be the focus, and for me as a person not to be that important. But it’s evolved into something much bigger,” he says. “I see how new creators, kids, and young people use the mask and hoodie as a kind of uniform. That it makes them feel stronger. That makes me proud and really happy.”
That sense of connection—of empowering others and focusing on what’s shared rather than individual spotlight—also shapes his approach to collaboration. Whether working with renowned talent like Hans Zimmer, Ava Max, Sabrina Carpenter, K-391, or newer international voices, Walker's choices are driven by chemistry over convention. “For me, it’s about dynamics and building on good relationships and experiences. I’m privileged to meet many different people and travel to incredible places. And I’m a curious guy, I think it’s fun to try new things!”
Photographer: Olav Stubberud
One could argue that Walker's ability to remain a force in the music industry comes from that exact knack for blending curiosity with authenticity. In a world where cookie-cutter viral hits fade quickly, he’s carved a lasting path by embracing new tools and platforms without losing sight of his unique sound.
“I’m a child of this digital revolution, and I love testing new technology and innovations,” he says. “I think it’s important to stay open to possibilities, and I see how technology can both connect and distance people from each other. Again, that’s a big part of why I’m launching the World of Walker app.”
Looking back, it’s remarkable what one teenager with a vision and a WiFi connection managed to build. Looking forward, it's clear that Walker is far from done. If he could send a message to that bedroom producer from a decade ago, what would it be? He answers simply: “Go hard—and have fun.” And perhaps more importantly, he adds, “Be kind to people!”
It’s a full-circle moment for the kid in the hoodie who once uploaded a track to see if anyone might listen. Ten years on, millions are still listening—and now, they’re ready for whatever comes next.
