In the fast-moving world of dance music, no one can predict who will rise to the big stage next. One of those breakthrough artists is DJ and producer Ian Asher. From viral TikTok sounds to collaborations with childhood idols, Ian has carved a lane of his own, blending music with a one-of-a-kind online community.

In this exclusive interview with End Overdose, Ian opens up about his early beginnings, years of trial and error, the global takeover of his Makeba remix, and his perspective on keeping the dance community safe.

The Trampoline Park Beginnings

Ian’s journey started in one of the most unexpected places.

“I’ve loved electronic music since I was nine or ten,” Ian recalls. “Avicii, Skrillex, Calvin Harris, and Madeon were my role models. One Christmas, after convincing my parents enough, I got my first little Traktor DJ board. I was 11.”

“I DJed literally anywhere I could. Birthday parties, middle schools, sweet sixteens. My favorite gig was my residency at Big Air Trampoline Park in Irvine. I was 13 and getting paid 25 bucks a night.” He laughs. “That was a fortune back then, and I put every dollar back into more gear and software.”

COVID-19 Breakthrough.

Just as Ian was finding his footing as a producer, the pandemic hit, and the world pressed pause. For him, that strange moment in time became a turning point.

“I downloaded TikTok out of boredom, and after hours of scrolling, I realized every trend was tied to a sound, but no one was actually making the sounds. I gave it a try, and the videos immediately blew up. It felt like I was reading a crowd that wasn’t there. Once I figured out what people wanted to dance to in their homes, everything really started to take off.”

The Remix Heard Around the Globe.

Ian’s remix of Jain’s Makeba still dominates social media, with over 10 billion TikTok plays, more than 125 million Spotify streams, and a Remix of the Year award in 2023.

“I had no idea it would blow up like that,” Ian admits. “It was literally the first thing I made after buying a Maschine BeatPad. I flipped it, filmed it, posted it, and it just went nuts. That was the song that convinced everyone I could make full records, sell tickets, and stream at the level of any DJ.”

Reimagining The Classics.

This summer, Ian dropped a string of major collaborations: Runaway (U & I) with Galantis, Desire with Olly Alexander, and Black Out Days with Phantogram.

“Runaway came out when I was 14,” he says. “It’s iconic, and I wanted to pay tribute by making a Gen Z version that was faster and just a bit more bass-heavy.”

Desire quickly followed, hitting #5 on the U.S. Viral Chart, and then came Phantogram’s Black Out Days, which debuted at #20 on the Billboard Dance Chart, marking Ian’s first official charting single.

“These records showed me you don’t have to stick to one formula. Dance music is about reinterpretation, sampling, remixing, and breathing new life into the classics.”

Dream Collaborations.

When asked about his bucket-list collab, Ian doesn’t hesitate. “Calvin Harris. He never collaborates with anyone, and he’s one of my biggest role models. If I pull that off, it’s game over.”

Pre-Show Rituals.

Ian’s ritual is both surprisingly and refreshingly simple “Honestly? Two Red Bulls and a pack of Nature Valley granola bars. That’s it. I tried to switch to sugar-free Red Bull, but that was a mistake. I went back.”

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Ian’s focus is crystal clear. “More music, more shows, more moments. I want to just keep making more tracks, post them, test them live, and then head back to the studio and do it all over again. I’m in a groove right now and I don’t want to slow down.”

If You See Something, Do Something.

“What makes this community so amazing is the sense of love you feel at these events. To anyone new, take note of that and spread it. If you see negative energy, combat it with love, and keep each other safe. If you see something, do something. That’s what makes our scene so special.”

**Catch Ian Asher live at TIME Nightclub in Costa Mesa on September 5, 2025. This hometown show promises to be unforgettable. Stay tuned for more releases, follow him on socials and check out more on our mission to keep the music scene safe at endoverdose.net.**