Alok

Alok applies the label “Brazilian Bass” to his bright, upbeat fusion of measured tech-house grooves and large-scale EDM. Widely regarded as Brazil’s most prominent DJ internationally, he has advanced each year in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll since first appearing in 2015, reaching the number-four spot in 2021. His breakthrough arrived with the 2016 release “Hear Me Now,” recorded with Bruno Martini and Zeeba, a track that spread rapidly online and received triple-platinum certification at home. Subsequent partnerships have involved Armin van Buuren, Seu Jorge, Jason Derulo, and John Legend. In 2019 he established the Controversia imprint, through which he has issued much of his catalog, among them the 2021 single “It Don’t Matter” made with Sofi Tukker and Inna. Later joint projects include Bastille, Kenny Dope, James Arthur, and the 2023 track “Jungle” credited to the Chainsmokers.

Born Alok Achkar Peres Petrillo, he is the son of DJ Ekanta and DJ Swarup, two leading psytrance figures in Brazil. Early productions were created with twin brother Bhaskar under the name Logica. Solo material began appearing in 2012, shifting from trance toward house. Continued activity, especially through Brazilian Bass events, led to recognition by 2014 as the country’s foremost house DJ, followed by his first placement in DJ Mag’s Top 100 the next year. The 2016 Spinnin’ Records single “Hear Me Now,” again co-produced by Bruno Martini and featuring Zeeba, delivered even greater international reach, its video circulating widely on YouTube and the song entering charts across more than a dozen territories.

Additional singles and collaborations appeared throughout 2017, among them the follow-up “Never Let Me Go,” once more uniting Bruno Martini and Zeeba. The 2018 track “Ocean” again showcased Zeeba, while “Innocent” paired him with Gavin James and “I Miss U” linked him with Zelva. Controversia was launched in 2019 as a Spinnin’ Records sublabel, and later that year Alok became a playable character in the battle-royale title Free Fire, later cited as the game’s most popular figure. Further 2019 releases encompassed “All the Lies” with Felix Jaehn and the Vamps, “E Depois [Que Sorte a Minha]” alongside Seu Jorge and Bid, and “On & On” with Dynoro. The 2020 catalog included “Don’t Cry for Me” recorded with Martin Jensen and Jason Derulo, “Don’t Say Goodbye” featuring Ilkay Sencan and Tove Lo, and “Party on My Own” with Faulhaber.

In 2021 “Love Again,” made with Viza and Alida, registered on Austrian and German charts, while “It Don’t Matter” with Sofi Tukker and Inna reached the Top 30 of Billboard’s Dance chart. Other 2021 titles comprised “In My Mind” with John Legend and “Reunion” credited to Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and Kshmr featuring Zafrir. The EP Deeper surfaced in early 2022, succeeded by singles such as “Run Into Trouble” with Bastille, “Deep Down” featuring Ella Eyre, Kenny Dope, and Never Dull, and “All by Myself” recorded with Sigala and Ellie Goulding. The 2023 single “Work with My Love” appeared with James Arthur, joined later that year by “Over Again” with Solardo, “2 Much 2 Handle” alongside Steve Aoki, “Car Keys [Ayla]” with Ava Max, and “Jungle” credited to the Chainsmokers & Mae Stephens.