In a musical landscape where genre boundaries continue to blur, AVALAN ROKSTON are forging a path that’s entirely their own. Blending elements of melodic techno, trance and pop, the duo pair soaring festival energy with emotional storytelling, creating music designed to resonate both on the dancefloor and beyond.
Fresh off the release of ‘Talkin’ on Tomorrowland Music and with an exciting new chapter on the horizon, AVALAN ROKSTON sat down with us to discuss their creative influences, the evolution of electronic music, the importance of authenticity in an algorithm-driven world, and what’s next for the project as they continue to push their sound forward.
Many artists today move across and blend genres rather than fitting neatly into a single category. How would you personally define or label your sound, and what genres, subgenres, or underground scenes have most influenced and shaped your evolution as an artist? 
We’ve never been too interested in fitting into one specific genre. At its core, our music lives somewhere between melodic techno, trance and pop. As a duo we approach electronic music as musicians first and producers second. Our influences come from both the underground electronic scene and artists who know how to create timeless songs. We’re inspired by everything from classic trance records and modern melodic techno to artists like The Weeknd, Coldplay and M83. We’re always chasing that sweet spot where emotion, melody and energy come together.
How did the environment you grew up in shape you as an artist, and in what ways does it still influence your creative identity today?
Growing up in the Netherlands and Germany meant being surrounded by dance music from a young age. Electronic music isn’t a niche here, it’s part of the culture. At the same time, we’ve always been drawn to storytelling and songwriting. That combination still influences everything we create today. We love records that can move a festival crowd, but we also want people to connect with them on a personal level. If a song doesn’t make us feel something, it doesn’t leave the studio.
Can you share a brief, compelling narrative or inspiration behind this new release?
Most of our songs start with a feeling rather than a concept. This release came from that space between holding on and letting go, between hope and uncertainty. We wanted to create something that feels uplifting on the surface while carrying a deeper emotional undertone underneath. That’s often where we find the strongest connection with listeners, when a record can mean something different to everyone who hears it.
Do you prefer producing music in a studio setting, or are you more comfortable creating on the road/during touring?
The studio will always be home for us, but being on the road has definitely become a huge source of inspiration. Some ideas start in hotel rooms, some during flights, some right after walking off stage. The beauty of traveling is that you’re constantly experiencing new places, new people and new emotions. Those experiences naturally find their way into the music. The challenge is capturing those ideas and bringing them to life once we’re back in the studio.
Have you performed at any major music festivals or large-scale venues? If so, which one would you consider the most significant milestone in your career so far?
We’ve been fortunate enough to perform at some incredible festivals and venues around the world. Every milestone has been important for different reasons, but Tomorrowland is definitely one that stands out. Growing up in Europe, Tomorrowland is one of those festivals that feels larger than life. Being able to step onto that stage and share our music with people from all over the world was a moment we’ll never forget.
Do you feel more connected to the energy of major festival stages or the raw intimacy of underground warehouse parties and DIY spaces, or do you find inspiration equally in both worlds?
Honestly, both. Festival stages give you that incredible feeling of sharing a moment with thousands of people at once. The scale and energy are hard to describe. At the same time, underground venues offer a different kind of connection. People are there purely for the music, and you can really feel every reaction in the room. We think both environments are important, and some of our favorite memories have happened in each.
What role does rebellion or counterculture play in your music? Whether through challenging commercial norms, experimenting with sound, questioning societal expectations, or simply creating from a place of pure expression, how do these ideas shape your artistic identity?
For us, rebellion isn’t about being controversial. It’s about staying authentic.
We’re living in a time where artists can easily get pulled in different directions by trends, algorithms and short-term thinking. We’ve always tried to stay focused on making music that feels genuine to us, even if that means taking a little longer or following an instinct that doesn’t necessarily fit what’s popular in the moment. Ultimately, we’re trying to create songs that people will still connect with years from now.
How would you evaluate the current state of the global EDM scene in terms of its overall health and creative direction, and how would you position it within a broader spectrum ranging from emerging challenges to strong creative growth?
We think electronic music is in a very exciting place right now. There has never been more access to music, technology and global audiences. Artists have more opportunities than ever to build careers independently and connect directly with fans. At the same time, attention spans are shorter and competition is higher than ever. That creates challenges, but in our case it pushed us to become more creative and intentional. Overall, we’re optimistic. Genres are blending, audiences are becoming more open-minded and we’re seeing artists build unique worlds around their music instead of simply releasing tracks.
Do you see AI as a threat to musicians, a helpful collaborator, or something else? How do you plan to keep your music relevant as the industry changes rapidly because of these tools? By embracing AI, avoiding it, or taking a different approach?
We see AI as a tool, nothing more and nothing less.
Every generation of artists experiences technological change, and this is simply the latest version of that. AI can be useful in certain parts of the creative process, but it can’t replace human experiences, emotions or perspective. At the end of the day, people connect with stories and authenticity. We believe that’s where the real value will always be.
What’s one piece of advice you would offer to an aspiring DJ or producer looking to break into the music scene today?
Dare to be imperfect. One thing we’re still learning ourselves is that perfection can be a trap. It’s easy to spend months waiting for the perfect song, the perfect content or the perfect moment, when in reality growth usually comes from putting yourself out there and learning as you go. The good news is that today you have the opportunity to reach new people every single day. People connect with authenticity far more than they connect with perfection. Don’t be afraid to share your journey, even when you feel like you’re still figuring things out. Keep creating, keep improving and trust that consistency compounds over time.
What is the official title of your latest single, EP, or album?
Our latest release is Talkin’ on Tomorrowland Music. We’re constantly working on new music and sharing ideas with our community before they officially come out. We love involving listeners in that process and seeing which songs resonate most strongly before release.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the next phase of your artistic journey, both creatively and personally?
What excites us most is the feeling that we’re stepping into a new chapter.
Over the years we’ve learned a lot about ourselves, both as artists and as people. Right now there’s a lot of excitement around the music we’re making and the ideas we’re exploring. It feels like we’re creating from a place of curiosity again, without putting too many limits on where things should go. More than anything, we’re excited to keep growing, keep challenging ourselves and keep following what genuinely feels right. Sometimes the best things happen when you stop trying to recreate the past and allow yourself to evolve.
Are there any upcoming festivals, tours, collaborations, headline shows, or major projects listeners should keep an eye out for over the coming months?
We’ve got a few exciting shows lined up over the coming months, including festival appearances across Europe, and we’re looking forward to bringing some of the new music into those sets for the first time. Beyond that, a lot of our focus is on the music itself. We’ve been spending a lot of time in the studio, experimenting with new ideas and building toward what feels like a very exciting next chapter for the project. There are a few things we’re not ready to announce just yet, but we’d definitely keep an eye on our socials. The second half of the year is shaping up to be a special one.
Listen to Talkin’ HERE
Listen to the exclusive mix HERE
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