Today we dive into the world of rising DJ and Producer Alden Song to explore his journey through Electronic music. From his early influences in New York City to his current creative endeavors, Alden shares insights into his musical style, studio setup, and personal inspirations. Discover how he blends diverse genres and techniques, what keeps him motivated, and his thoughts on the latest trends in the industry. Join us as we get a closer look at the man behind the beats and learn what drives his passion for music.
Can you describe your musical style and influences in just 3 emojis?
????
What’s the first thing you do every morning, and how does it set the tone for your day?
I always take a shower in the morning because I feel clean and refreshed, ready to attack the day.
When you’re working on a new mix, what’s typically playing in the background for inspiration?
As a DJ I’m always searching for new music. I always have Spotify open on my desktop and I watch DJ mixes on YouTube also.
Which international music blogs or websites do you regularly read for fresh ideas and trends?
I’m always on social media like Instagram and TikTok to stay up to date on what’s new. I also love exploring new music on Spotify and Beatport. Hearing new sounds and styles is something I’m always on the hunt for. I stay in tune with what DJs, artists, and Producers are doing. I always love it when artists and DJs collaborate because new sounds are born that way. It’s like modern crate digging, I really enjoy going down the rabbit hole.
How would you describe your personal style, both in your music and in your personal life?
Growing up in New York City I’ve been inspired by the wide range of street styles and the underground. There’s so much art and personal expression that happens in the city, it’s awesome! The parties are also incredible. From the warehouse to the festivals, I’m there. As for music I’m always looking for new ways to improve my sound but right now I make a wide range of music under the Electronic Dance umbrella. I’ve been really digging House and Tech House and I’ve been making a lot of that. I’m also a very fashionable person and I love wearing unique clothes!
Can you tell us more about the moment when you realized you wanted to pursue a career in Electronic music?
Music has always been a part of my life and at the age of 7 I discovered the love for DJing. I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to play in front of people my whole life, so It’s hard to pinpoint a specific moment when I fell in love with music because it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. Over the past few years though I have been working very hard to achieve my goals. I’ve been focused on making this a career and taking the steps to get myself there.
Looking back on your childhood, what kind of kid were you, and how do you see those qualities reflected in your work today?
I was always a very creative kid. I attended a school created by The Blue Man Group whose mission was to promote creative thinking at an early age, so art had always been in me. It just so happened that it sparked a love for music and I’ve been pursuing it for as long as I can remember. Being a creative thinker fits into every aspect of life and I was fortunate to grow up in an environment that championed that idea.
Who are your favorite music Producers right now, and what about their work resonates with you?
I’ve always been a fan of Fred again.. because his productions are so unique. To list some more I also like John Summit, Dom Dolla, Chris Lake, and Rüfus Du Sol. I name these artists and producers because they were able to find what works for them, and it resonates with crowds. They’re not afraid to push the boundaries of music and I love that.
What are some essential items in your studio setup?
The DAW I use is Ableton and it’s incredibly essential. However, I have a plethora of gear and equipment I like to play around with in the studio. I have a Moog Subsequent 37 for a lot of warm analog sounds. My audio interface is an Apollo Twin X, and I have a Native Instruments Machine that I use when programming drums. I also sound treated my whole studio to get the most accurate sound out of my JBL monitors.
If you could create a soundtrack for any movie, which one would it be and why?
I would love to create a soundtrack for any sci-fi movie like Blade Runner or Dune. I’ve always loved the idea of creating a soundtrack for a movie and it’s something I would want to do in the future,
Who or what inspires you the most in your creative endeavors?
Whenever I see other big DJs perform in clubs or at big festivals, it always inspires me to create and get to the level they are at. The energy I get from DJing on stage and playing my music is a unique experience and I can only get it from performing.
Are there any specific challenges or obstacles that motivate you to push yourself further in your career?
It’s hard balancing all of the different aspects of being an independent artist. Music production, DJing, social media, marketing, are all things that I’m constantly working on, and it motivates me when I see others working hard like me.
What’s your guilty pleasure when it comes to tracks or genres?
I love producing hard-hitting House and Tech House with catchy vocals. Whenever I sit down to produce I always end up with a combination of those.
If you could collaborate with any three artists, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
I would like to collaborate with Fred again.. because he is my number 1 inspiration. I think a John Summit x Alden Song collaboration would be cool because our styles could mix well. Lastly, a collaboration with Charli xcx would be cool because she likes making party music.
Lastly, what’s your favorite studio technique or trick, and how has it influenced your production process?
Whenever I’m producing, I always love using Ableton’s Simpler plugin. It’s really good for rearranging audio and chopping up vocals. Sometimes, I would resample my own production and throw it into the simpler to sample myself!
As we wrap up our interview, we thank Alden for his time and sharing a deeper look into his journey so far, marked by a deep passion and innovative spirit. From his early days of DJing to his current success as a producer, Alden’s dedication to his craft and his continual drive to push creative boundaries keep him focused and inspired, delivering hard-hitting music with each release and live show. We appreciate him taking the time to share his insights and experiences with us. Stay tuned for more of Alden Song’s exciting projects and follow his journey as he continues to make waves in the world of Electronic music.
Alden Song Online