T.H.E Interview – Alden Song

Alden Song shares an insider’s look at his latest track, ‘Knew Better,’ in this exclusive behind-the-scenes interview.

Known for his knack for crafting high-energy dancefloor anthems, Alden Song shares insights into his production process, his NYC House music roots, and the creative elements that bring his unique style to life. From the first spark of inspiration to the finishing touches, Alden Song takes us through the evolution of ‘Knew Better’, giving a glimpse into the dedication and vision that continue to drive his sound forward whilst promising new music on the horizon soon.

T.H.E – Hi Alden Song, how are you?

Hey, I’m doing great! Thanks for having me.

T.H.E – What was the initial inspiration behind ‘Knew Better’? Did the concept evolve during production?

Alden Song – When I started producing the song, I wanted to create a club banger with catchy vocals. It’s funny because the initial idea for the song came together fairly quickly.

T.H.E – Can you walk us through the production process? What element did you start with, and how did you build the rest of the track around it?

Alden Song – I usually start with drums because I love programming drums. Then, I write a bassline to complement the drums. In House music, the groove is essential.

T.H.E – How would you say your upbringing in the New York City House music scene has shaped your approach to music production?

Alden Song – I grew up with the culture, so I believe my sound was shaped by it. I love paying homage to classic House in my music. I think the stabs you hear in the second and third drops were somewhat inspired by older tracks.

T.H.E – The bassline in ‘Knew Better’ drives the track. How did you design the bassline, and what role do you think it plays in shaping the energy of the production?

Alden Song – I feel like the bassline is very important in shaping a Dance record, especially in House music. The bassline is absent in some sections of the song, so when it hits in the drop, it feels more powerful. I’ve been using Diva, which is a synth plugin I love. I tweaked a preset to make it feel more like an Alden Song bass.

T.H.E – You’ve mentioned keeping up with changing trends in the genre. How would you say ‘Knew Better’ reflects or deviates from current trends?

Alden Song – I believe “Knew Better” is a mixture of both classic and new elements in House and Tech House. There’s a big resurgence in ’90s and ’00s house right now, and I love that direction. I try to incorporate my own flavour into the mix!

T.H.E – How do you typically know when a track like ‘Knew Better’ is finished and ready for release?

Alden Song – I knew “Knew Better” was a strong contender for release when I produced the rough draft of the buildup and drop. Once I completed the arrangement, I felt confident it would be my next release. I also got some amazing feedback from my classmates at Icon Collective, which is the school I’m currently attending in LA. The creation process was smooth and fun with this song, and I’m very happy with the final result.

T.H.E – The vocal hooks in ‘Knew Better’ add to the infectious energy of the track. Can you tell us about the process behind creating or selecting these vocals and how you worked them into the track’s arrangement?

Alden Song – I felt that the vocals had a powerful message, and they repeat a few times, really getting stuck in your head. I think the vocals make the song so infectious because whenever I talk to someone about it, they always say they can’t stop singing the lyrics.

T.H.E – How do you see ‘Knew Better’ fitting into your live sets? Do you plan to make any live edits or remixes to keep the energy flowing during performances?

Alden Song – I love playing it as the first song in my sets because the energy builds right from the start. I haven’t made it yet, but I’d love to create a VIP or club edit of the song. I’d keep it exclusive to my live shows to make it more special.

T.H.E – Was there any particular feedback or input that helped shape the final version of the track?

Alden Song – I got some feedback from friends, and although it was small, it made a big difference. Some parts in the demo were either too long or repetitive, so I kept that in mind when finishing up the track.

T.H.E – Finally, can you tell us what you have coming up next?

Alden Song – I have a release planned to come out soon! I’m not exactly sure of the date yet but expect something in the next month or two!

As Alden Song keeps refining his sound and carving out his space in the world of Electronic Music, each release he brings continues to serve as a showcase of his signature sound and abilities, with ‘Knew Better’ having come as no exception. With a passion for creating original and fresh-sounding music, Alden Song is surely keeping his momentum high, marking him as a dynamic force to watch within the genre today. So, stay tuned, and make sure to follow Alden Song’s journey across social media.