Alan Freeman returns to We Rave You with a new conversation that picks up where his 2023 interview around debut album ‘Lost’ left off. The Swiss DJ and producer has spent the years since sharpening his underground voice. His 2024 single ‘TRANQUILA’ extended his signature blend of groove-driven house and rhythmic techno textures. Additionally, his SoundCloud uploads have continued to chart that evolution across peak-time cuts and late-night experiments.
Ahead of his next chapter, we caught up with Alan Freeman about the roots of his journey, the thinking behind his latest release, and why the underground scene remains central to his philosophy. Here is the full conversation.
Hello and thank you for joining us! Your sound has evolved while remaining deeply rooted in the underground. Could you take us back to the origins of your journey and how your artistic identity has developed over the years?
My journey into music began from a deep connection to rhythm and atmosphere rather than a calculated career path. I was drawn early on to the raw energy of underground spaces, places where music felt honest, unfiltered, and emotionally charged. Over time, my artistic identity evolved naturally through experimentation, late nights in the studio, and countless hours behind the decks. I’ve always aimed to preserve that underground essence while refining my sound into something more personal and recognizable.
Your latest release carries a raw and rhythmic energy built for the dancefloor. What inspired the sonic direction behind this track, and how did the atmosphere of late-night club culture influence the creative process?
For my latest release, I was inspired by the tension and release you experience on a dancefloor at peak hours. There’s a certain moment in late-night club culture where everything feels hypnotic, almost transcendental, and I wanted to capture that. The sonic direction came from blending percussive drive with subtle textures, creating something both raw and immersive. It’s less about melody and more about feeling and movement.
Many listeners associate your music with a powerful sense of groove and tension. Could you talk us through how you approach building energy within a track and what elements you prioritize when shaping that momentum?
Building energy in a track is a very intentional process for me. I focus heavily on groove, layering, and subtle evolution rather than obvious drops. The key is tension, knowing when to hold back and when to release. I prioritize rhythm and low-end dynamics, making sure every element has space but still contributes to a collective momentum that pulls the listener deeper into the track.
The relationship between DJing and producing often shapes an artist’s sound in unique ways. How does your experience behind the decks influence the way you write and structure your productions?
DJing has had a massive influence on how I produce. Being in front of a crowd teaches you what works and what doesn’t in real time. It shapes how I structure my tracks, how I think about transitions, phrasing, and energy flow. I don’t just produce music to be listened to; I produce music to be experienced in a club environment.
Underground culture has always played a defining role in electronic music. How has the underground scene influenced your artistic philosophy, and why do you feel it remains such an important force within the global dance community?
The underground scene has always been the foundation of my philosophy. It represents authenticity, freedom, and a resistance to trends driven purely by commercial appeal. That’s where innovation really happens. Even as the global dance scene grows, the underground remains essential because it preserves the culture’s true spirit.
Your music often carries an instinctive and emotional quality. When you enter the studio, how much of the process is carefully planned versus purely intuitive?
When I’m in the studio, it’s a balance between intention and instinct. I usually start with a rough idea or feeling, but the process quickly becomes intuitive. Some of the best moments come from accidents or unexpected directions. I try not to overthink it, music should feel alive, not forced.
Looking back, what moments or turning points have had the greatest impact on the direction of your sound and artistic vision?
Looking back, the biggest turning points in my career have been moments where I trusted my own sound rather than following external expectations. Those decisions shaped my identity and gave me clarity about who I am as an artist.
Finally, as you continue to push your sound forward, what can listeners expect from you in the near future, and how do you see your musical journey evolving over the next chapter?
Moving forward, listeners can expect a deeper exploration of my sound, something more refined but still rooted in that raw underground energy. I’m interested in pushing boundaries while staying true to the essence that defines my music. This next chapter is about evolution without losing authenticity.
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