Renowned as both an artist, online creator, and 1/7th of the YouTube phenomenon Sidemen, Vikkstar commands a massive following of millions. Over the past few years, his global audience has grown steadily, fueled by widely acclaimed DJ sets on his YouTube channel and electrifying live performances. Bridging the worlds of successful YouTubers and DJs, Vikkstar’s ability to connect with audiences transcends platforms, complemented by his deep appreciation for music and keen talent in track selection.
Following up his chart-topping anthem with Dash Berlin and Alan Walker, “Better Off (Alone, Pt. III),” Vikkstar just dropped a new monumental collaboration alongside major hip hop artists, Masked Wolf and Jme. Giving insight into his transition from a gaming icon and popular YouTuber to one of dance music’s fastest-rising acts, Vikkstar has shared his top 10 tips for success as an artist and content creator.
Find out Vikkstar’s key mindsets and advice for leveraging content to amplify your project, building a strong network of supporters, and more across this Magnetic Magazine exclusive.
ALWAYS INNOVATE
With content, it is imperative to always try new styles and formats. Do not be scared to take inspiration from creators you admire, but aim to repackage this content in your own natural style. It can take some time before you find out what works best for you and your audience, or the audience you are trying to build.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE YOU ADMIRE
Getting to work with my friend Alan Walker on my first record “Better Off (Alone, Pt. III),” and now releasing “Know Me Better” with Jme and Masked Wolf is incredible. They are all such talented artists, and working with people that you can learn something from is always a good tip. If they are great at their craft, it inspires you to be better at yours.
STRIVE FOR GREATNESS, NOT PERFECTION
Perfection doesn’t exist. If you spend your time waiting around and over-analyzing your work, you will never put it out there. Make sure that you are happy that you have done the best you can do, and that you are proud of it, and get it out there. Consistency is better than perfection any day!
TRUST IN YOUR OWN ABILITIES
While it is important to surround yourself with people you look up to and can learn from, it is important not to doubt yourself too much. There are going to be so many people that try to bring you down, or criticize your work – make sure you are not one of them!
LOVE THE JOURNEY
“Know Me Better” started out as a demo, a completely different style from what it is now. Along the way, as things take shape, they will take on many forms. It is critical to appreciate your work in all its stages.
Do not just look at the end destination, enjoy the process of creation, enjoy the different stages, and love the journey as you go on it. In the end, you will come out with a result you love.
GO OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND CHALLENGE YOURSELF
Releasing “Know Me Better,” and working with Jme and Masked Wolf was a completely different style of music to what I have made before. I am thrilled with the end result. It is crucial to try new things and push yourself out of your comfort zone to thrive. The only way to stop growing is to stop trying new things, and that is not the way to move forward!
BE DISCIPLINED
Rome was not built in a day. You need to put in work to make sure you are doing the best you can. Setting time specifically to work on your craft is essential. Learning to DJ and make music is a skill that requires a lot of time and effort.
Make sure you are putting enough in. What you put in, you will get back out in skill, and you can use that to get yourself and your music out there.
NEVER STOP LEARNING
It is essential to know that there is always more to learn, and to not risk complacency. It is exciting to try something new, explore, and evolve your own styles. When doing this, you will end up with followers that are excited to take that journey with you.
It is a wonderful and special experience to be able to share that journey with people, and to share what you are learning along the way. I appreciate everyone that with me for this new experience.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL
Not everybody is always going to love what you do and that is okay! As long as you have done your best, and you are happy with what you have put out, that is what matters.
As you evolve and try new things in your craft, you will learn what works for you. If you try something and it doesn’t land, don’t be disheartened. Pick yourself up and work out what to try next. Trial and error is the best way to work out what is going to work best for you individually.
HAVE FUN!
Working with your friends and enjoying what you are making is my top tip. If you enjoy what you are doing, and love what you make, then that shines through in your work and others can feel it! I had so much fun making “Know Me Better”, and hopefully you can feel the love we have for the track when you listen.
CONNECT WITH VIKKSTAR: INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE | X | TWITCH
Raised in upstate New York, I was always a big fan of music but never really listened to electronic music. Within the first month of attending Florida State University and meeting some new friends, I was introduced to the rave scene. After seeing Ekali at my first show, I was instantly hooked. Since then, I have dived into every subgenre of electronic music, picked up DJing, and mixed for clubs and different entertainment events in Tallahassee. Once graduating with degrees in marketing and hospitality, I was hired for a sales position. However, I recently decided to leave my sales job to pursue my dream of working in the music industry. Currently, I run Magnetic Magazine's Melodic Techno Charts, along with my role as a PR and marketing specialist for different artists and labels. Some of my favorite artists are REZZ, Kyle Watson, TOBEHONEST, San Pacho, Josh Baker, HUGEL, ARTBAT, Vintage Culture, Ganja White Night, CamelPhat, Green Velvet, Jungle, Milky Chance, Paco Versailles, Franc Moody, and RÜFUS DU SOL. My favorite festivals are Hulaween (by far), EDC Orlando, and all the different venues during Miami Music Week. Outside of music, I love sports (especially hockey, soccer, tennis, basketball, and spike ball), going to the movies, working out, sushi, Chick-fil-A, food in general, and hanging with my dog Maui and my cat Loki. Feel free to reach out to me via my email or on IG, I love expanding my network of friends and business opportunities!
