CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated that ALDN’s latest EP was “Greenhouse,” but the article now reflects that he is touring on the back of his latest EP, “Post Spring Self Destruction.” A previous edition of the article discussed ALDN’s status as a hyperpop artist, but the article has been corrected to describe ALDN as an alternative artist. As of Nov. 30, the article has been updated with this information.

Before there was ALDN, there was Alden, a bored college student from Virginia living through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

When COVID-19 first hit, Alden needed something to occupy his time. He began making music on SoundCloud, which was later uploaded on Discord for others in the hyperpop community to listen to. Hyperpop music is a micro-genre that features highly autotuned and distorted vocals on upbeat, peppy tracks. It originated in the early- to mid-2000s, when it became a huge deal for internet culture at the time. 

Soon after that, Spotify put ALDN’s music into a hyperpop-themed playlist. 

“That’s when my music got playlisted and stuff for the first time, and that’s how a lot of people started recognizing this type of music,” he said.

Where It All Started

ALDN began making and producing music at only 12 years old and had the goal of becoming a DJ, taking inspiration from Deadmau5 and Skrillex. He admired how they produced electronic songs, and live music captured his attention and became his main passion. 

“I originally wanted to be a DJ because Deadmau5 was a DJ. And then I started realizing that he produces all this stuff too, because I just didn’t realize when I was younger that DJs also usually produce the music that they DJ,” he said. “So once I learned that I was like, oh, okay, so I should be making the music too.”

ALDN’s dream of becoming a DJ soon gave way to a different goal. He knew that he was meant to perform in front of people, and he wanted to start playing with instruments and feel the music. However, he struggled to afford the expensive instruments he sought. Nonetheless, he made a breakthrough once he got more involved with live performances.

Performing With Adrenaline 

When it comes to performing, ALDN loves the feeling, but anxiety can sometimes get in the way and make it a terrifying experience. However, once he gets on stage and finally starts performing, all of his anxieties and issues melt away. The adrenaline takes him to a completely different place that makes him want to keep performing. 

“I mean, for me, it’s kind of horrifying. Because I have horrible social anxiety,” he said. “But at the same time, that adrenaline is addicting. So it’s just like the most anxiety ever, for maybe the 10 minutes before the show. That’s when it’s the worst. And then as soon as you step onstage, you kind of just zone out, and you’re not anxious anymore.”

ALDN has fallen in love with performing live music and  New York has a special place in his heart, because of the venues and because of his love for the city that never sleeps. 

“Webster Hall in New York is, I think, the biggest show I’ve played too. But it was a really cool venue. And I also love New York,” ALDN shared. 

ALDN continues to perform at other venues and will keep performing as his tour around America goes on.

Future for ALDN

ALDN doesn’t want to be a big artist, but rather a respected artist. He wants to continue making more music, creating a unique sound that anyone can listen to. 

“I don’t even want to be like a really big artist,” he said. “I just want to be a respected artist. Like the artist that your favorite artists listens to. And for the music itself, I think just making it unique to me, enough to where people can only get that type of music from me.”

ALDN hopes to achieve uniqueness and authenticity in his music. It is very important to him that he creates his own music. Every song that he has released, he has also produced.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always produced all my own stuff, and I never will have a song out that I don’t have a part in the production.”

ALDN is now on tour for his new EP, “post spring, self destruction.”