Global electronic music mega-star ALOK chatted with Digital Journal’s Markos Papadatos about the “Controversia” EP. ALOK ranked No. 5 in the 2020 DJ Magazine Top 100 DJs poll.
Regarding the new EP, the acclaimed Brazilian DJ said, “For us as a team, it’s been a really active period and to release our first compilation to really show off our roster and artists that we have been championing, was so exciting. We took the direction into deeper depths to showcase what we love to sign, from electro to darker house and even progressive on some of the tracks. We also recently launched our CONTROVERSIA radio show that I mix every Friday night to bring another element to our fans – I hope you enjoy!”
He is thrilled to have Timmy, Yves V, and Bhaskar on his record label. “Oh it’s brilliant, they are all great artists within their own right so to be able to call them our label family is fantastic.”
On his daily motivations as an artist and label owner, he said, “A deep-rooted love for music, and my family, they inspire me day in and day out – especially during the pandemic when I was able to be at home with my wife and children.”
“The COVID situation has been pretty bad in Brazil and I completely appreciate how lucky I am to have the safety and security that I do. To be able to live my dream in this industry is something I will always appreciate,” ALOK elaborated.
For young and aspiring electronic musicians, he said, “Believe in yourself and be as individual as you can – no one else can do it like you!”
On being a label owner and artist in the digital age, he said, “It really has opened up our industry, and the power of collaboration online, so much more. Launching ‘Controversia’ was something I always wanted to do and being able to interact and give fans music all around the world is something that never would have happened at this level ten or twenty years ago. I’m super proud and excited for the future.”
When asked if there were any moments in his career that helped define him, ALOK responded, “For me, I think it was being able to tour across the globe and see how well my music was received, especially how much my fans believed in me outside of Brazil. When I’ve adapted my sound and made releases more ‘mainstream’ or ‘accessible,’ my fans have stood by me and understood what direction I was going in – that is priceless.”
Regarding his definition of the word success, Alok said, “Before I thought success was about money, but today I call it empathy. Success without empathy does not make any sense. Transforming other people’s lives should be an extension of every person who has achieved success.”
ALOK concluded about “Controversia,” For me, ‘Controversia’ is an opportunity for me and my team to champion the talent of our peers that we love and bring something new to the table and scene overall. We believe in every single release we have the opportunity to put out on the label and for me, there is nothing better than that.”
To learn more about ALOK, follow him on Instagram and his Linktree page.
