John Alto is excited about 2025, which promises to be a key year in his professional career, as he himself let us know in this interview where he admits how he feels the way is paved and can't wait to share more about his upcoming projects with his followers. It's undeniable that this year has started in the best possible way for the Los Angeles-based DJ and producer after he arrived on the scene two weeks ago with a heavy-hitting single, Do You Like Bass, being the emerging artist’s first solo single to release since being signed onto Alesso’s BodyHi imprint.
“It was so amazing seeing Alesso debut it at Coachella last year and then having people like John Summit play it as well—it’s been a long time coming for this one, and I am thrilled to finally have it out,” he replies when we ask him how he feels after having released this very special track, which was created during a time when he was trying to go deeper and more aggressive, and developing his more “mature” sound was the main priority. After joining Alesso’s tour in Salt Lake City, performing at The Midway in San Francisco, and opening for him at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York, we speak to John about how he is living these unique experiences and what his goals are for the coming years.
Hi John, How are you, and where are you answering us from?
Hi! I am doing great, thanks. I am currently in Los Angeles, California, where I am based.
Two weeks ago you released your first solo single under Alesso’s Body Hi imprint, Do You Like Bass, which is the first solo track of a third party. How do you feel after that special moment?
It feels great to finally release DYLB, as it has been a track we have internally been very excited about releasing. It was so amazing seeing Alesso debut it at Coachella last year and then having people like John Summit play it as well—it’s been a long time coming for this one, and I am thrilled to finally have it out.
Immediately capturing listeners' attention, drawing them in with the cheeky vocal sample that cuts through the mix with just the right amount of attitude, the club-ready single is your first release of 2025. Do you feel this year is going to be the most important in your career? Do you have many ongoing projects?
I would definitely say that this year will be vital for my career, as now we have paved the way for what’s to come. I can’t give too much away, but expect more awesome music that I can’t wait to share and so much more!
Do You Like Bass showcases your technical prowess through its hypnotic, raw energy that demands interaction from the crowd. What makes this track special, and why do you think it is having such a good response from the audience?
I think it is great because of the interaction the track can have with the crowd and the hard-hitting drop that gives people a sort of pleasant shock. I try to make music that someone can listen to over and over again and never get tired of – I’m trying to implement a lot of atmospheric details to my tracks, creating a story behind it. These kinds of tracks are what most people in the audience are excited to hear, especially if they are new and unheard of.
“I was experimenting with some new sounds at the time and came across this amazing vocal that perfectly fit the vibe I was going for,” you said when asked about your latest release. Could you tell us more about its creation and development process?
I was trying to go deeper and more aggressive at a time when developing my more “mature” sound was the main priority. I found this vocal, through one of my good friends who is a techno DJ in Copenhagen, who showed me a clip of the vocal – I knew what potential it had for exactly what I was looking for.
You've also said that you wanted to create a track that DJs could play live, whether at clubs or festivals. How do you feel when other artists play one of your tracks?
It’s really amazing to see other artists, especially ones I look up to and want to work with, play my tracks at their sets. It was unreal when Alesso debuted DYLB at Coachella last year. My tracks, especially DYLB, are sort of made for everyone to play—watching the crowd interact so positively with the track and knowing it is mine is such a good feeling.
This release is purposefully crafted for live play. Which live performances have you enjoyed the most throughout your life and why?
I have really enjoyed my trip to the U.S. in 2024, where I attended Coachella and EDC Vegas. I saw some of the best artists in the scene do their thing—it was incredible. I also attended Swedish House Mafia in Copenhagen during their Paradise Again tour, and I was absolutely blown away by that show as well, definitely an unforgettable moment.
The track arrives as the first solo third-party release on Alesso’s imprint, Body Hi, where you were the first artist to be officially signed to the label. How does this make you feel? How, when, and where did you meet Alesso?
I met Alesso through my manager Douglas, who originally connected us and showed him my music. We officially met for the first time at his house in Sweden, where we began to talk about our collaboration, as well as the next release on his new label, where he liked DYLB and a few other IDs. It was definitely one of the most special experiences an upcoming artist could experience; I never thought it was something that would happen to me.
“I can’t wait for people to hear this track and continue seeing John’s development within the Body Hi ecosystem,” Alesso said not long ago. Do you feel supported by your colleagues?
I 100% do, and I feel blessed to be supported so heavily by someone I have always looked up to!
You joined him on tour in Salt Lake City, performing at The Midway in San Francisco, and opened for him at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York. What would you highlight from these experiences?
I would first highlight my set lists, which were primarily all my own music, and the crowds who really reacted well to them—which I was very proud of. Another highlight, of course, was joining Alesso on stage to play our collaboration together in front of so many people.
And where would you like to be in five years? Do you have any dreams to fulfil?
I have many dreams and goals for the next few years, but mainly it is to play as many shows and make as much music as possible. My biggest dreams are to play Tomorrowland or Coachella.
