Avicii
Avicii is one of the most popular EDM producers & genres of all time, and unfortunately, gone too soon….
Avicii is one of the most popular EDM producers & genres of all time, and unfortunately, gone too soon. His talent was undeniable, capturing the hearts of millions with his music and electrifying performances. While a few hundred words don’t do his life nearly enough justice, we’re going to do our best. Throw on your headphones, turn up “Levels,” and join us as we celebrate the life & music of a once-in-a-generation electronic artist.
Early Life & Background
Born Tim Bergling on September 8, 1989, the Swedish producer showed an early interest in electronic music. His family encouraged his musical pursuits, especially as they took flight once he heard artists like Daft Punk and Swedish House Mafia. He experimented with music production software and started creating his own tracks, publishing them on various social & music platforms.
Despite his growing passion for music, Avicii completed his secondary education in Stockholm. However, his heart remained devoted to his craft. He made the bold decision to prioritize his musical aspirations, dedicating his time and energy to perfecting his skills as a producer and performer.
Breakthrough in the EDM Scene
Avicii’s breakthrough in the EDM scene is arguably one of the defining moments of the genre. There are plenty of scene-changing artists, but Avicii transcended electronic music, capturing the hearts & ears of millions of non-EDM listeners as well.
Avicii’s early releases started to gain traction and caught the attention of industry insiders. Tracks like “Seek Bromance” and “Levels” showcased his talent, and “Levels” is still a festival anthem even a decade after its release. As his fame grew, he attracted the attention of the greats, collaborating with A-list artists like David Guetta, Madonna, and Chris Martin of Coldplay, and Aloe Blacc. These collaborative songs became album favorites and graced the top of most electronic charts and even some pop music charts.
Signature Sound & Production Techniques
Avicii’s signature sound is anthem-like in nature and stands out even in the 2010s, where Progressive House was the wave to be on.
What Kind of EDM is Avicii?
Avicii’s music is a blend of Progressive House and Electro House, a combination of melodic hooks and climactic builds. Likely a product of his early music inspiration, he never stopped pushing the boundaries of EDM, incorporating pop, folk, country, and even rock sounds into his unique style. That’s part of the reason he appealed to so many individuals outside of just the EDM scene.
Similar Artists
Discography
Avicii has a long list of albums, EPs, singles, remixes, VIPs, edits, bootlegs, and collaborations – these are our favorites:
Tours & Live Performances
Avicii was a musical genius, and his live performances were equally as captivating. He toured across countless countries, headlined major festivals, and performed at the greatest venues in the world. His globetrotting began with the Levels Tour in 2011 – he went on subsequent tours for the next couple of years, dubbed the True Tour & Stories Tour.
Though he passed away in 2018 at the age of just 28, arguably one of the most memorable performances was the Avicii Tribute Concert in December 2019. Held in his country of Sweden, the Friend Arena in Stockholm was completely sold out and featured a star-studded lineup of artists who performed Avicii’s music, paying homage to his legacy.
Personal Life & Off-stage Persona
Avicii’s personal life and off-stage persona provided insight into the man behind the music. Behind his success, he struggled with a mental health battle that ultimately took his life. The demanding nature of his career, the pressure to constantly perform, and the toll of extensive touring took a toll on his physical and mental health. Avicii openly spoke about his battles with anxiety, stress, and the need to find a balance between his personal life and his career. Citing this need, he retired from touring in 2016 and backed out of a Las Vegas residency, and for the first time, shed a light on the difficulties faced by many EDM artists.
However, his off-stage persona is more than his battle with mental health. He made a positive impact on thousands, even without his music. He participated in various charitable initiatives, including the “House for Hunger” campaign, where he donated one million meals to the United Nations’ World Food Programme. His family also launched the “Tim Bergling Foundation” after his passing, which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Many people, including your favorite DJs & producers struggle with various forms of anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, or just need someone to talk to, reach out to the Suicide Prevention & Crisis Hotline by dialing 988.
Follow Avicii
Most of Avicii’s social media accounts are inactive since he passed away, but keep up with the Tim Berglin Foundation by checking out their website: timberglinfoundation.org.
