After months on the road, Alex Wann returns with The City, his new collaboration with Notre Dame, out today. The two met almost ten years ago in Paris, long before international tours and festival stages. What began as friendship and curiosity has evolved into a creative exchange that feels honest and grounded. The track reflects that connection built on trust, rhythm, and the shared feeling of being far from home yet fully in sync.
“I’ve always been attached to melodies; they’re the best way to express emotion,” Wann tells us. That instinct runs through The City, echoing the sense of motion and lightness that defines his work. Like Moon, his September release, it captures the contrast between control and spontaneity, a sound that feels alive without needing to shout.
Even with a packed schedule, Wann seems most at ease when he talks about people: the crowds, his team and his peers. He calls music his second language, and you can sense that in how he connects. Whether walking through a new city with headphones on or stepping behind the decks, he treats each set as a reset. The City carries that same spirit: forward-moving, unhurried, and meant to be felt as much as heard.
Hello Alex, welcome to METAL! Where in the world are you answering us from today, and what was the first thing you did when you woke up this morning?
Hello, thank you METAL Magazine for having me. I’m in Dallas right now, just a few hours before my show. This morning, I started the day by listening to Oasis by Darius, one of those albums that instantly puts me in a good mood.
It’s been just a few weeks since the release of Moon. How has the track been landing with audiences so far, both on the dance floor and in the messages you receive from fans?
It’s going great so far. The feedback has been really positive; people seem to connect with that mix of hip-hop and Afro house. It feels good to see the track living its own life now.
What drew you to collaborate with Malachiii and bees & honey for Moon, and how did their input shape the final result?
I received the vocal from Malachiii and loved it right away. The vibe felt special. We built everything remotely, and bees & honey wrote the lyrics. It’s crazy how the internet can bring people together creatively, even from different parts of the world.
Was there a specific moment during the production of Moon when everything clicked and you knew it was ready to share?
Yes, when I played it at my Giza Pyramids set back in February. It became one of the standout tracks of the night—that moment made me realise it was ready to be finished and released.
We’ve seen you perform at ADE last year and recently at Sonus Croatia 2025. Both times, your energy on stage really stood out. What do you enjoy the most and least about what you do?
What I love most is being able to share what I feel through music. It’s really my second language. That connection with people when you play something new and see them react—it’s the best feeling. The hardest part is probably the rhythm of touring and the lack of real downtime, but it’s part of the game.
Your current tour includes some incredible shows: Pacha Ibiza, Mysteryland, CRSSD, Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza Paris, Montreux Jazz Festival… Which one has been the most inspiring so far?
Each show has its own magic. Playing at Pacha Ibiza and Tomorrowland was special because they were childhood dreams; I used to watch them on YouTube years ago. Lollapalooza Paris felt emotional too; I went there as a teenager, and this time I was on stage with my friend Notre Dame. Montreux Jazz was unforgettable. I played for Parallel with Audemars Piguet in a secret location; the whole setup was incredible. And CRSSD and Mysteryland have such amazing crowds and energy; I loved both.
How do you stay centred and keep your energy up with such a busy schedule?
Organisation helps a lot, planning everything carefully, eating healthy, and keeping up with sports. That’s how I stay balanced.
When you’re flying from one show to the next, how do you usually spend that time?
I try to rest and take naps when I can. When I have some days off, I go back to the studio or make last-minute edits for my sets. I also like to spend time with my team—we’re always together, so it’s important to enjoy it.
When you arrive in a new city for a gig, what’s the first thing you do to feel grounded before the show?
If I have time, I like to walk around the city with some music in my ears. It helps me connect with the place and get into the right mindset before the show.
Your style mixes strong melodies and powerful rhythms. How has that balance evolved from your early Paris days to now playing global stages?
I’ve always been attached to melodies—they’re the best way to express emotion. Even with bigger crowds now, I still approach music the same way. Paris shaped my sound, and that inspiration is still there.
Your remix of BLOND:ISH’s Never Walk Alone received huge attention and BBC Radio 1 support. Did that change anything for you as an artist?
It was a big moment. Getting support from Pete Tong and BBC Radio 1 was crazy. It made me realise that something you create at home can reach the whole world if it’s genuine.
What’s a recent fan moment that reminded you why you love doing this?
I saw someone with a tattoo saying “to the moon”, singing the track out loud before it was even released. Moments like that remind me how powerful music can be—it connects people in a way nothing else does.
How would you describe your relationship with your fellow DJs?
We’re all friends. It’s a small world, and there’s a real sense of community.
Can you name one DJ whose recent set or production really inspired you?
I’ve been really into Disfreq’s sound lately—it’s fresh and emotional at the same time. I love what they’re doing.
Notre Dame told us that you both started out in Paris almost ten years ago, learning, playing small gigs, and finding your sound. How does it feel to now be touring together in the US?
It’s really special. We’ve known each other for more than ten years, started around the same time, and never imagined we’d tour the US together one day. Our new track, The City, is coming right after the tour.
Is there a city or crowd that feels like a second home to you now?
London, the crowd there never disappoints. Every time I play, it feels like Paris.
When you finally get a day off, what do you like to do outside of music?
Just spend time with my family and do simple things. It’s the best way to disconnect and recharge.
What’s next for you after Moon and this tour?
I’ll be spending time in the studio, preparing new music for next year. It’s going to be a new chapter, musically and artistically, and I can’t wait to share it.