Alden Song has been steadily making his mark on the Electronic Music scene, drawing on a background rich in cultural influences and experiences that stretch from New York’s iconic nightlife to the creative energy of Los Angeles.
In this exclusive interview, Alden opens up about how his environment, personal style, and evolving musical tastes continue to shape his work. From collaborations and remixes to moments of creative inspiration and future ambitions, he offers an insightful look into the mindset and processes behind his music today.
Check out the full interview below!
Hi Alden, how are you doing?
Hey guys I’m doing well! Thanks for having me.
You’ve had a diverse journey in music, how do you think your experiences outside of music, like your time in NYC, have influenced your sound today?
My music is a representation of myself! NYC is near and dear to my heart, so it definitely plays a role in how my music sounds. NYC has an incredible nightlife and bustling House music scene, so being a part of that has shaped my music into what it is. Also, things like art, culture, and people inspire me.
When it comes to crafting your tracks, how do you balance your personal style with the musical influences you draw from?
I like to release House and Tech House tracks that work on the dance floor. But I listen to all genres of music outside of EDM. So, I like to incorporate different elements into my music based on what I find inspiring. That’s what’s great about House music, when done well, other styles of music can work great.
What’s your typical creative process when starting a new track? Do you start with a specific idea in mind, or do you let the track evolve naturally?
I usually have an idea of the type of song I want to create when sitting down in the studio. I like to start with the drums because I believe that is the foundation of any House song. Then I make a solid bassline to solidify the groove. Most of the time this is how I start a track, and it gives me a great platform to build the rest of the track. But sometimes the ideas just flow and the idea I started with might not be where I end up!
How have your musical influences shifted over the years? Are there any new artists or genres that have inspired you recently?
When I got into DJing, I was playing a lot of Big Room. The EDM greats like Martin Garrix really inspired me. But as I moved forward my tastes changed, and I’m very into Underground House and Tech House. LA has a very different scene to NYC so going out to clubs and underground parties has been incredible.
Collaboration is a key part of any creative process; how do you choose who to work with, and what’s your approach to bringing your unique sound into a collaborative project?
I’ve been working with a bunch of singers lately and it’s a lot of fun. So far, it’s been with friends and people I know in the music industry. Sometimes half of the session is just us talking about music! But when listening to singers, I usually think to myself, “would they sound cool on a dance track?” Also, I just love making music, even if we’re just messing around.
When you remix a track, what’s your process for making it your own while staying true to the essence of the original?
Depending on the vocal, I like going 1 of 2 ways. A club banger that’ll get everyone dancing, or a sing-along that is a bit more melodic. I love making both styles and it depends on the vocalist and style of the original. I’m very good at taking existing vocals and creating music that compliments it.
How do you stay motivated during times when you experience creative blocks? Are there particular techniques or rituals you turn to?
A great analogy I like is that imagine you’re a surfer. Sometimes you show up and there are waves, sometimes there are not. You just need to keep showing up. I’m paraphrasing but the point is you just need to keep showing up and creating. Sometimes you’ll make cool stuff and sometimes you won’t!
Outside of music, what are some of your other influences, whether it’s art, fashion, or other forms of culture, that shape your creative process and sound?
I love anything involving fashion, film, and art. These forms of art serve as inspiration for my music. Of course, I listen to music and go to shows to get inspiration, but I also get inspired after watching a movie or making a really cool outfit before I go out. It’s all forms of expression and I love that. Music is the soundtrack to our lives.
With Electronic music always evolving, where do you see your sound heading in the next few years? Are there any new directions you’re excited to explore?
I still see myself making the style of music I am now. However, I want to play bigger shows and collaborate with other big artists. It’s my dream to become a touring artist who works with talented musicians. I love learning and soaking up new ideas, so I think that has something to do with my evolution as an artist. I can also see myself extending into other art forms such as fashion and film, but definitely later down the line.
You’ve mentioned in the past that your music is inspired by both House and Tech House. Are there other genres you’d like to experiment with in the future? What does your dream collaboration look like?
Yeah, I would love to dip my toes in a plethora of other genres. I’m a really creative person so extending into other artists’ worlds as I work with them is something I’m excited to explore.
It’s something I’m already experiencing living here in LA because there are so many talented people and I’m getting involved in some Pop, Hip Hop, RnB, Afro House, and even some Dubstep stuff! I would say my dream collab would be someone like John Summit or a curveball like Pharell.
As Alden Song continues to evolve as both a DJ and Producer, his commitment to pushing creative boundaries and staying true to his influences remains at the heart of his work.With an openness to experimentation, a love for collaboration, and aspirations to explore his approach, his journey surely remains on an exciting path.
So, as we wrap up our interview, we thank him for his time and look forward to seeing what lies ahead for Alden: emerging as a talent not to miss, make sure to keep up with him and his upcoming releases and projects by following him across social media today.
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