Premiere: Swedish Pop Musician Alex Aris Wants You to 'Feel It'

There's something in the air in Berlin. As you drift from parties to spatis and back again, an electric current seems to drift through every interaction. It's in this spark that Swedish shooting star Alex Aris has found the next chapter in his musical odyssey.

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Hot off moving to Germany's resident party city, the urban-pop artist has harnessed the magic in the music and turned a long list of collaborations with the likes of David Guetta, Lindsey Stirling, Otto Knows, and Steve Angello into a breakout solo career.

With his latest single "Can You Feel It," Aris's blend of danceable beats and moody lyricism he showed on his debut track "Wrong Love" is on full display again. We caught up with the singer as he premieres "Can You Feel It" exclusively on OUT to talk about what inspired it, what's next, and why Berlin has changed his sound.

OUT: Walk me through the process behind "Can You Feel It." What inspired it?

Alex Aris: "Can You Feel It" is the product of many grinding years in the music business. I wrote the song together with two amazing, talented songwriters and producers in Sweden. I wanted the sound to walk the fine line between sad and joyful but still keep a good amount of hope.

It comes from a very personal place of trying to achieve my dreams, but I think the concept resonates with a lot of people who choose to follow their hearts. The phrase "Can You Feel It" is in reference to that moment when you've almost reached your goal but you have to hang in there just a little while longer -- it's about that slow grind.

You've worked with David Guetta and other artists in the past. How does it feel to branch out on your own?

I love collaborating with other creative people but it's something different doing on your own, the stakes are higher because you can't hide behind someone else, on the other hand you get full control and can do whatever you want. and I like that.

How has the move to Berlin changed your sound?

My sound has changed every single day since moving here. Coming from a small city like Stockholm, you're very much aware of other people's opinions. Here, just doing you is celebrated. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what's different but I'd say my sound is more playful. I'm not afraid to try new things.

What's next for you?

I've been writing for a long time and written some really good songs that I can't wait to share with everyone, which is exactly what I intend to do.

Photography by Jasmin Storch