This week’s episode of “How It Went Down” explores Alan Walker’s song “Different World,” featuring Sofia Carson, K-391 & CORSAK.
Walker tells Billboard that the track, which focuses on climate change and aims to spread a message about saving the planet, was originally inspired by an idea from K-391, who he considers to be one of his biggest musical inspirations.
“He originally made this idea, and he posted it on YouTube,” Walker recalls. “I called him up, told him that I wanted to jump on the song and we got in the studio, started working.”
When it came to writing lyrics (which are performed by Sofia Carson), Walker states that Corsak penned most of the words, explaining that he is “an incredible songwriter/producer from China” and that he will be “a big, big talent” and people should keep their eyes on him.
Walker adds that the lyrics are very powerful, pointing out that they shine a light on the fact that Earth is rapidly warming as sea-level rise caused by glacial melting could imperil hundreds of coastal cities. “It’s not what we really imagined anymore,” he says, “Because we are ruining it or destroying it faster than we can repair it.”
Asked how he hopes listeners will feel when they hear the song, Walker replies that he wants them to experience happiness, as well as to think a little bit more about pollution.
You can watch the full video above to hear the full story of how “Different World” was created, and listen to the song below.
Alan Walker kicks off his US tour on February 2 in Seattle – see the full show listing below.
Feb, 2 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
Feb. 5 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
Feb. 6 – Eugene, OR @ McDonald Theatre
Feb. 8 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
Feb. 9 – Los Angeles, CA @ Belasco
Feb. 12 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
Feb. 14 – Houston, TX @ Stereo Live
Feb. 15 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s
Feb. 17 – New Orleans, LA @ Metropolitan Nightclub
Feb. 18 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
Feb. 19 – Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
Feb. 20 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
Feb. 21 – Philadelphia, PA @ The TLA
Feb. 22 – Brooklyn, NY @ Great Hall – Avant Gardner