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Faded

"Faded" is a 2015 single by Norwegian DJ and record producer Alan Walker, featuring vocals by Iselin Solheim.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Faded" is a 2015 single by Norwegian DJ and record producer Alan Walker, featuring vocals by Iselin Solheim. It is a reworked version of Walker's earlier instrumental "Fade" and became an international electronic music hit. The song is known for its melancholic melody and widely viewed music video.

Background

"Faded" began as Walker's 2014 instrumental "Fade" before being reworked with vocals and additional production. The release helped establish Alan Walker as an international artist.

Music and lyrics

The song has been described as electro house, progressive house, and melodic house. Its lyrics express longing and a search for something meaningful.

Reception and commercial performance

The single became a major hit, topping Norway's chart and reaching number one in several other countries. Its success extended online, where the music video became one of the best-known electronic music videos of the 2010s.

Legacy

"Faded" is widely regarded as Alan Walker's breakthrough single. It also introduced many listeners to Walker's earlier instrumental style and his collaboration with Iselin Solheim.

Key facts

  • "Faded" was released as a single on 3 December 2015 by MER.
  • The song features uncredited vocals by Norwegian singer-songwriter Iselin Solheim.
  • It is a vocal rework of Walker's earlier instrumental track "Fade".
  • The song reached number one in Norway and remained at the top of the VG-lista chart for 14 weeks.
  • It was a major commercial success across Europe and beyond.
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Canadian context

"Faded" was part of the global electronic-music wave that was widely consumed by Canadian audiences, but the song does not have a specific Canada-only significance in the supplied sources.

Frequently asked questions

Who performed "Faded"?
The song is by Norwegian DJ and producer Alan Walker, featuring vocals by Iselin Solheim.
When was "Faded" released?
It was released as a single on 3 December 2015.
Is "Faded" based on another song?
Yes. It is a rework of Walker's earlier instrumental track "Fade" from 2014.
What genre is "Faded"?
It has been described as electro house, progressive house, and melodic house.
Did "Faded" become a hit?
Yes. It was a major commercial success and reached number one in Norway for 14 weeks.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faded_(Alan_Walker_song)
    Supports: Release date, artists, songwriters, genres, chart success, background from Fade
  2. Songfacts — https://www.songfacts.com/facts/alan-walker/faded
    Supports: Relation to Fade, release timing, international chart success
  3. Mashable — https://www.mashable.com/article/alan-walker
    Supports: Background on Fade/Faded, vocalist, popularity and streaming success
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6837612/trivia/
    Supports: Details on live performance and relationship to Fade
  5. Shazam — https://www.shazam.com/song/1196294581/faded
    Supports: Release information and association with Faded - EP