Alan Walker was born in England and moved to Bergen, Norway at age 2. His musical journey diverged from traditional music education. As a teenager, Walker taught himself production through YouTube tutorials. Sitting in his bedroom, facing a computer, relying only on internet lectures, he developed his craft. That's where it all began for Alan Walker.
A Demo Topline from Digital Farm Animals, A Drop from Walker
In 2016, Walker received a demo vocal topline from Digital Farm Animals. It was an unfinished sketch. Most producers would have filed it away or rewritten it entirely. But Walker was different. Inspired instantly, he began constructing the drop—the heart of electronic music. The section that makes it feel like the world is collapsing. Waves undulating, bass booming. This became the identity of 'All Falls Down'.
Noah Cyrus's Voice Meets Walker's Sound
Walker then approached Miley Cyrus's younger sister, Noah Cyrus, with this track. Noah immediately connected with Walker's musical vision. Walker said in an interview: "Noah Cyrus' voice is absolutely incredible!" Her crystalline, emotional vocals merged perfectly with Walker's synthetic soundscape. 'All Falls Down' was officially released in 2016—and immediately, the song swept the globe. #1 in Norway and on Billboard Dance Club Songs.
The Music Video Backdrop: Kupari Tourist Complex
'All Falls Down's music video is an artwork in itself. Walker filmed it across three countries: Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia. The video launched a post-apocalyptic trilogy. Most striking: the use of Kupari Tourist Complex—abandoned resorts from the Yugoslav era, deteriorating buildings reclaimed by nature. The desolate landscape perfectly matched the song's "all falls down" refrain, reinforcing the melancholic atmosphere through visual devastation.
From Bedroom Producer to 2+ Billion Streams
'All Falls Down' surpassed 589 million Spotify streams and 300 million YouTube views. These numbers demonstrate how broadly Walker's music was received. A track born in a young producer's bedroom became a global phenomenon. Walker's anonymity—his signature hoodie-and-mask persona—became a recognized brand worldwide. Fans see that hooded figure in his videos and descend into the world of 'All Falls Down'.
"YouTube taught me how to produce music. For that, I'm grateful."
— Alan Walker, interview
'Faded' — The Success Before
Before 'All Falls Down', Walker had already achieved 2 billion YouTube views with 'Faded'. A boy taught by YouTube tutorials had created a song viewed 2 billion times. This proved his musical prowess. 'All Falls Down' was the next chapter. Walker evolved from bedroom producer to global DJ and artist. His journey proves that in modern music, technique and creativity transcend borders.
