One of the Heroes now

Last weekend EDM fans in Bangkok got a swept away by this year’s biggest dance-music event so far, “Samsung Galaxy Presents Road to Ultra Thailand”, at Bitec in Bang Na, with local and foreign acts flocking the stage.
    Thailand’s first edition of Miami’s electronic party-music festival franchise featured local stars such as Oatawa, Kolor One and Sunzone along with visiting luminaries like the Dutch duo W&W, Martin Garrix, Fedde Le Grand, Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano, Kryoman the Robots and aspiring Swedish spinner Alesso.
With his hits – “Chilling (Lose My Mind)”, “If I Lose Myself”, “Under Control”, “Sweet Escape”, “Scars” and most recently “Heroes” – rocking dance floors and festivals all over the world, we asked 23-year-old Alesso about his addictive tunes.

How did you come to work with Tove Lo on “Heroes”?
I heard about her a while ago, before she really released any music. She was at my label and the people there introduced her to me by playing her records, and I was, like, “Wow, this is incredible! This is fresh and this is a new thing!”
Her lyrics are honest and I was really hooked up with her music. I really felt that we could do a great collaboration. I reached out to her and, a few months later, we stared working together.

You’ve also worked with luminaries like Ryan Tedder and David Guetta. Who else do you have on your wish list?
I would say Coldplay, because I’m a huge fan of their music and I think they always bring something incredible to their music that’s indescribable.

Your singles this year – “Tear the Roof up” and “Heroes” – are very different from one another in musical direction.
Well, I tried to be as creative as possible. With “Tear the Roof up”, it’s been such a long time since I’ve released a track with energy like this song has, and I started missing the feel of that on my DJ set. I wanted to make those kind of clubbing rave songs again.
“Heroes” is like my main thing. People known me through that style of music. So I always try to stay true to my sound.

What kinds of music do you grow up listening to?
All kinds of music actually, everything from rock to R&B. I was a huge Michael Jackson fan.

What is it about progressive house that appeals to you? Is that something you’ve always liked?
Yes. One thing I love about progressive house is that you can get that really euphoric sound and feeling, something that’s powerful and filled with energy that can be played for thousands of people.

When performing, do you play it by ear or do you prepare the set in advance?
I’m always prepared. I feel that I always need to deliver the full 100 per cent. I want the fans to get what they want. I want to bring in something new they didn’t expect. I care too much to just go up there and be, like, “Alright, what I should do?” It’s a show, and we should plan everything, like the visuals and the lighting. Everything is all planned. I prepare a lot.

What was your most memorable gig so far?
There are a lot of memorable festivals. “The Summer” is a great show, and another is definitely Tomorrowland. The Ultra Miami at the beginning of the year was also a big start.

Describe your ideal party.
Just doing these kinds of shows. I love to be with my fans and play music I enjoy and they enjoy, everybody just having a good time, raving, jumping, screaming and singing.

Is there a song that you secretly love?
That would be Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off”. I don’t want to admit it, but I actually like it. I’m not usually a Taylor Swift fan, but this song is crazy.

Do you plan a full studio album soon?
Yes, I’m coming up with my first album at the beginning of next year. It’s a huge thing to me. And I also just signed to Def Jam, so we’re all very excited!