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Alesso is used to getting the party started at his concerts and festival appearances, but he had a big personal
celebration of his own earlier this month, with the Swedish DJ marrying longtime girlfriend Erin Cummins in Lake Como.
“The best day of our lives, surrounded by the people we love most, filled with pure joy, happy tears, and memories we’ll cherish forever,” Alesso wrote in a sentimental Instagram post about the July 11 nuptials.
The wedding comes on the heels of a difficult year for the DJ and producer, who had to cancel a number of shows and appearances after being diagnosed with tinnitus. Now on the road to recovery — and with his new bride by his side — Alesso has cause to celebrate again, and he’s hitting the road this summer and fall to reconnect with fans.
Alesso’s summer outing takes him across the festival circuit in Europe, along with a date at New York’s Brooklyn Army Terminal(Aug. 22) and appearances in Las Vegas at Tao Beach, Palm Tree Beach Club at MGM Grand, and the recently opened Omnia Dayclub at Caesars Palace. The DJ’s tour continues into the fall with dates across the U.S. and Canada.
For the Grammy-nominated artist, the new tour is a chance to thank his fans for their support over the years, while also debuting some new tracks. “There’s so much new music, and I’ve revisited old favorites and brought them back to life with new versions,” he tells Rolling Stone. “I’m just excited to share all of this with my fans again.”
Rolling Stone caught up with the “Under Control” artist to talk about his return to the DJ booth, his tour and travel must-haves, and why creating music will always be his first love.
You took a little break last year to focus on your health — how are you feeling?
I’m feeling great. I learned a lot about taking care of myself during my time off. I think the biggest lesson is to never compromise protecting my ears — without them I can’t do what I love the most.
Ear protection is not something to be taken lightly and I really urge all of my fans to always bring earplugs with you. Your ears are so much more sensitive than you think. We always think, ‘It’s never going to happen to me,’ but it can. I want to continue to share the music I love, and I want everyone to continue to be able to listen to it.
EAR PROTECTION
Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
This Amazon deal gets you 50 pairs of soft and comfortable foam earplugs that form to the shape of your ear canals for noise reduction.
Now that you’re back on the road, what are you most excited about?
It’s been great to see my fans and play new music. We have been working on the show I’m touring now for over a year. It’s really special to me.
What can fans expect from this tour?
This tour is all about storytelling: my past, present and the future of where we’re going. It’s all in there.
Let’s talk products: as someone who’s always traveling, what kind of luggage do you use?
TUMI has been my brand since day one for my carry on. It’s durable, I always keep my laptop and iPad in it, and unlike John Summit and Rimowa, TUMI hasn’t betrayed me yet.
CLASSIC CARRY-ON
TUMI Aerotour Front Pocket Expandable Carry-On
This TUMI suitcase features a main expandable compartment for your clothing, shoes and other large items, along with a zippered front pocket for toiletries, small accessories, a laptop and anything else you need within easy reach.
Unlike hard shell carry-on suitcases, this one features a flexible yet durable material and an expandable design. Reviewers also love the ergonomic handle and the smooth-rolling wheels.
What are some other essentials or must-have that you take on tour?
I’ve been using Sennheiser HD 25 Headphones since day of my career. Never switching. These are tried and true.
WIRED HEADPHONES
Sennheiser Pro Audio Professional HD 25 On-Ear DJ Headphones
Amazon sells this pair of lightweight on-ear headphones for both professional and aspiring DJs alike.
Are there any must-have products for recovery, especially after a long night?
Electrolytes — I always have these with me. They are essential for long sets and travel.
HYDRATION HELPER
HackU Sugar-Free Electrolyte Packets
This “Hydration Hack” variety pack gets you individually-wrapped electrolyte powder packets with flavors of strawberry lemon, orange mango, and lemon lime. The brand says its electrolytes help with hydration, recovery, and skin health, and reviewers agree, giving these HackU packets a 4.6-star rating out of five.
Don’t take this in a weird way but you always smell so good. What fragrance do you use?
Everyone always asks this, and I usually don’t share this, but I won’t gate keep for Rolling Stone — my colognes are from Parfums de Marly. It’s my absolute favorite. I don’t go anywhere without it.
FRENCH EAU DE PARFUM
Parfums de Marly Discovery Set
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The set includes 0.34 oz. vials of Althaïr, with notes of orange blossom, bourbon and vanilla; Percival, with bergamot, mandarin, violet, lavender and musk; Layton, which is warm and floral; and Greeley, which is described as “fresh, fruity and citrusy.”
Is it hard to get some shut-eye with your schedule?
I always have a silk eye mask with me for 100% light blocking. [It is] perfect for long-haul flights or a quick nap before a set.
DEEP SLEEP
DROWSY Silk Sleep Mask
The DROWSY silk eye mask is beloved for being soft and gentle against the eyes with a wide adjustable strap that won’t snag hair or shift if you’re prone to tossing and turning in bed. Choose from multiple colors online.
You’ve been performing for more than 15 years now — what keeps you motivated and inspired to keep releasing music and going on tour?
I’ve always just been absolutely obsessed with making music, playing shows and connecting with fans. The rush I get from playing a show is unlike any other high in the world. It’s one of the rare moments in life where we can be truly present — no phone, simply there to enjoy the moment. When I’m playing, it feels like a moment of pure connection — no distractions, just the music.
Music also is constantly changing; it’s always evolving based on how I’m feeling and what’s happening around me at the time. There are so many factors. Dance music is special in this way because there’s endless possibilities to what you can make. I love when old sounds come back and seeing how they work with the new — it’s never-ending, truly limitless.
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