Norwegian DJ and artiste Alan Walker's rousing music always touches a chord. His latest collaboration is with Sting Energy, resulting in a catchy Formula 1-inspired track, The Sting Within Me (facilitated and curated by Warner Music India), which launched at the Barcelona Grand Prix weekend this month. t2 caught up with Alan, who has 10.4 million followers on Instagram, on the making of the track, his love for F1 and what his music attempts to convey.
What has The Sting Within Me shaped up as?
For me, The Sting Within Me has evolved into something much bigger than a music collaboration. It has become a meeting point between music, sport, and culture, bringing together the energy of Formula 1 and the spirit of a new generation of fans. What I find exciting is that it's not just about creating a track — it's about creating an experience. The campaign captures speed, anticipation, and momentum in a way that feels relevant to how young audiences engage with entertainment today. At its core, it celebrates energy in all its forms, whether that's on the track, in music, or within communities around the world.
Was there a brief from Sting Energy?
The project actually started with a creative insight that came from the team at Van Buuren (Armin Van Buuren). They introduced the idea that an F1 car speeding past can almost sound like "stinggg", and as a producer, that immediately caught my attention.
I love finding music in unexpected places, and this felt like one of those ideas that naturally connected sound, speed, Formula 1, and Sting. From there, the focus became less about following a traditional brief and more about exploring that spark creatively and turning it into a musical experience.
How would you describe the mood of the track?
I would describe it as energetic, cinematic, and uplifting. There's a strong sense of movement running throughout the track, but it's balanced with emotion and atmosphere. The mood reflects the excitement and anticipation you feel before a race begins, while also carrying the kind of melodic storytelling that's always been an important part of my music. It's designed to feel immersive and leave listeners with a sense of momentum and excitement.
How did F1 seep into the creation?
Formula 1 influenced the project in many subtle ways. It wasn't necessarily about recreating race sounds — it was about capturing the emotions surrounding the sport. The build-up before lights out, the intensity of competition, the speed, the precision, and the energy of the crowd all inspired the creative process. We wanted the music to reflect that constant feeling of forward motion and anticipation that makes Formula 1 so exciting to watch.
Do you follow F1?
Absolutely! I love Formula 1. Beyond the racing itself, I'm fascinated by the innovation, the precision, the personalities, and the incredible energy that surrounds the sport. It's one of the few things that combines technology, competition, and entertainment on such a global scale.
What do you think of the growing intersection of music, motorsport, and youth-driven entertainment culture?
I think it's a very natural evolution. Younger audiences don't experience culture in separate categories any more. Music, sport, gaming, fashion, and entertainment all exist within the same ecosystem. People want experiences rather than individual touchpoints, and that's why collaborations between different worlds feel so relevant today. Motorsport brings excitement and storytelling, while music adds emotion and atmosphere. Together they create something much bigger than either could achieve on its own.
How was collaborating with Sting Energy on a culturally led music project?
It was an enjoyable experience because the project was rooted in culture and shared experiences rather than traditional sponsorship thinking. What stood out to me was the willingness to approach the collaboration creatively and find a genuine connection between music and the energy that Sting represents. Those are always the most rewarding projects because they allow artistes to contribute something meaningful rather than simply attaching their name to a campaign.
As someone known for making music with a universal and deeply uplifting emotion, what changes do you see in what influenced your music when you started and now?
When I started, I was heavily influenced by the music I discovered online and by the excitement of experimenting with production for the first time. It was all about curiosity and exploration. Today, my inspiration comes from a much wider range of experiences. Touring, collaborating with artistes from different cultures, meeting fans around the world, and seeing how people connect with music have all shaped my perspective.
The influences have evolved, but the goal remains the same: creating music that makes people feel something and helps them connect with each other.
What does the youth want?
I think young people are looking for authenticity above all else. They're incredibly connected; they have access to endless content, and they can quickly tell when something feels genuine and when it doesn't. They want experiences they can be part of, stories they can connect with, and communities where they feel represented. That's why creativity, individuality, and shared experiences are becoming increasingly important in culture today.
Given the fragmented world we live in, what role can your music play?
Music has always had the ability to bring people together regardless of language, geography, or background. That's one of the things I love most about it. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, music creates shared moments and common emotions. Whether it's a festival crowd singing together or someone listening to a song on their own, music can provide a sense of connection and belonging. If my music can help create even a small sense of unity or positivity, then that's something I'm very grateful for.