Norwegian DJ and producer Alan Walker is joining forces with Raul of Japanese boy group Snow Man for a new collaborative single, ‘YUME’, set for release on 20 November (pre-save on digital streaming platforms).
Announced on 9 November, the upcoming track marks Walker's first collaboration with a Japanese artist, while also representing Raul's first release alongside an artist outside his group. Bringing together two talents from different musical backgrounds, ‘YUME’ explores the importance of believing in oneself and holding on to one's dreams.
The collaboration began when Walker, who has long expressed an interest in Japanese music and culture, discovered Snow Man and became intrigued by Raul. The pair subsequently met in New York, where they began exchanging ideas and discussing the possibility of working together.
Their creative partnership eventually took them to Oslo, Norway, where they spent time in the studio developing the song and getting to know each other beyond music.
Alan Walker feat. Raul 『YUME』 2026.11.20 (金) 配信リリース決定✨ 🎧 https://t.co/TU2FgqCnNw ノルウェー出身のDJ/音楽プロデューサーAlan Walkerの新曲にfeaturing vocalとしてラウールの参加が決定！ 累計1,000億ストリーム超を誇る世界のトップアーティストとの国境を越えた共演にご期待ください！🌍🎶 #AW_YUME #AlanWalker #Raul
— Snow Man / MENT RECORDING (@SN__20200122) November 9, 2026
Titled after the Japanese word for "dream", ‘YUME’ features predominantly English lyrics, with the Japanese phrase "Yume wa kienai", meaning "dreams never disappear", woven into the track. Its message centres on the idea that while human existence may be fleeting, the dreams and aspirations people carry can endure.
Musically, the track incorporates a sample of ‘Pokinoi’, a composition featured in Cirque du Soleil's production Saltimbanco. Built around an atmospheric and emotional electronic soundscape, the song brings together Raul's expressive vocals and a choir to create a sweeping, cinematic arrangement.
Speaking about the collaboration, Walker shared: "Teaming up with Raul for my first Japanese collaboration felt like something really special."
The producer also praised Raul's dedication to his craft, highlighting the emotion he brought to the recording and their time working together in Oslo.
YUME - November 20! https://t.co/1TuVYhPLND
— Alan Walker (@IAmAlanWalker) November 9, 2026
Raul, meanwhile, revealed that he was surprised and excited when the opportunity arose, having grown up surrounded by Walker's music. He also expressed his appreciation for the inclusion of Japanese lyrics, explaining that he approached the recording by reflecting on both his personal ambitions and the broader meaning of dreams.
Best known for his 2015 breakout hit ‘Faded’, Walker has become one of electronic music's most recognisable figures, accumulating more than 100 billion combined music streams and video views worldwide. His career has included collaborations with Sabrina Carpenter and Ava Max, alongside remixes for K-pop acts including G-DRAGON and TOMORROW X TOGETHER.
For Raul, the single represents another step in his expanding international career. Beyond his activities with Snow Man, the singer and dancer has established himself in the fashion industry, appearing on runways at Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks and gracing the cover of VOGUE JAPAN.
With ‘YUME’, both artists are taking their creative ambitions in a new direction, bringing Walker's electronic production together with Raul's vocal expression for a collaboration that bridges the worlds of global dance music and J-pop.
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