Alright Desi Hip-Hop fam, heads up. This is the kind of cross-border collaboration that deserves attention. Global EDM producer Alan Walker and India’s rap sensation King have joined forces for a heartfelt track titled “Story Of A Bird”. They gave fans an early taste with a live performance at Waves 2025, one of Asia’s most prominent college festivals. The official release is locked in for May 9, and based on the live debut, this one carries real promise.

The Live Premiere at Waves 2025: A Shared Moment

Before streaming platforms even got their hands on it, Story Of A Bird was introduced live at Waves 2025, hosted by BITS Pilani, Goa. Known for its high-energy atmosphere and rich cultural vibe, Waves has long been a hotspot for rising talent and big-name acts alike. This year, Alan Walker’s set already had the crowd buzzing. But when King joined him on stage? That turned heads.

The performance wasn’t just loud, it was emotional. Alan’s signature ambient production paired with King’s grounded, introspective delivery gave the track a unique depth. It was a slow-build moment, and the audience responded with full attention, not just noise.

Alan Walker: EDM With Emotional Range

Alan Walker, best known for hits like Faded and Alone, has built a reputation for atmospheric tracks that balance electronic power with emotional storytelling. His minimalist stage persona, hoodie, face mask, and all, adds to the mystique, but it’s the music that really connects.

Walker has been exploring cross-cultural work for a while. His project Children Of The Sun, with Pritam and Vishal Mishra, marked a significant nod to Indian sounds. Collaborating with King seems like a natural next step, not a marketing gimmick. It’s two artists finding common ground in storytelling.

King: Still Repping, Still Evolving

If you’re tuned into Indian rap, you already know King. With tracks like Tu Aake Dekhle and Maan Meri Jaan, he’s carved out his lane in both hip-hop and pop-leaning soundscapes. His voice is instantly recognizable, and his lyrics often toe the line between personal reflection and mass relatability.

This collaboration with Alan Walker adds another layer to King’s growth. It’s not about crossing over to a Western audience, it’s about building bridges while staying rooted in his own style.

Looking Ahead: What the Song Brings

Even if the studio version of “Story of a Bird” is not released yet, the live version is a promising indication of a song about perseverance and exploring oneself. The atmospheric instrumentation, something that is not uncommon for Alan Walker, plays off of King’s emotional verses and provides the song with an aspirational quality.

This appears to be intended as a song about development instead of going viral. This collaboration has little to do with blowing up the charts, but rather leaving the listener with a legacy and something to ponder over. 

Keep an eye out for the release on May 9, and expect a track that grows on you instead of bombarding you with hood ornamentation.

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