DJ Alesso, the man who got Madonna talking

Until mid-2012, the name Alesso was not a very familiar one. But then, it all changed overnight when pop diva Madonna, not only toured with him, but also named him, ‘The next big thing’. And we guess it only gets better when you’ve got one of the biggest names — Sebastian Ingrosso of Swedish House Mafia as your mentor.

There’s obviously been no looking back since, for Alesso aka Alessandro Lindblad at 22 is going places and creating quite the buzz in the EDM scene today. With huge names endorsing your work, anyone would feel the pressure, but the boyishly cute DJ says, “I don’t want to hold any flag. I’m glad that Madonna has called me a rising star, but I don’t feel like I’m holding any responsibility. I just try to do my thing and the only responsibility I hold is that of making good music.”

After performing at the Bloc Party in Mumbai, Alesso will get Bangaloreans grooving at the Submerge party at Chancery Pavilion tonight. And just like any other first-timer, he too is totally excited.

“It’s my first time in India and I have heard great stuff about the people and the love they have for EDM here. I really don’t know what to expect, so I’m just going to be Alesso playing his stuff, having fun and making it interesting,” says the DJ. “I want to see places, but I hardly have been getting time. But yes, I try to see whatever I can while I’m being ferried around.” he adds with a smile.

Ask him whom he’d prefer as his audience — a huge crowd of wannabes or a few music lovers and he says he loves playing for ‘those who are into music.’ “I would prefer playing in a smaller club, where people enjoy my music rather than on a massive floor where it’s all distracting,” shares Alesso, who has a very interesting pre-gig ritual. “Initially, when I used to get nervous, people would ask me to drink. But now, just a Redbull does the trick,” he confesses with a smile.

And guess what this EDM artiste’s inspiration is? “Rock music”, he says “but otherwise, rock or pop; MJ or Coldplay — I love all kinds of music.” So, can we expect some live performance from him? “You mean rock— like holding a guitar and stuff? No way! I love to be a DJ. I get inspiration in music not performing on stage,” he asserts.

Alesso has already performed at some of the biggest music festivals — Tomorrowland, Coachella and Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) and wishes to take on the Sunburn stage. “I first performed at Tomorrowland in 2011 and again in 2012. It’s a fest that every DJ wants to perform at. But one festival I would want to be at is the Sunburn,” expresses Alesso.

This young DJ is riding high on various awards and recognitions already — “These are just confirmations that you have done something. People may appreciate your work, but it’s official only when it’s on paper. For me, it’s not about winning concerts, but about entertaining people,” says Alesso in a very happy and content tone before he signs off.