Avicii (real name Tim Bergling, 1989–2018, Stockholm, Sweden) was a Swedish DJ, producer, and composer who became one of the most influential figures in modern electronic music. His melodic, emotionally charged productions helped bring progressive house and EDM to mainstream audiences while reshaping the sound of pop in the 2010s.
Tim Bergling began producing music as a teenager, posting remixes and original tracks online. Influenced by artists like Daft Punk, Eric Prydz, and Swedish House Mafia, he quickly developed a style centered on melodic progressions and uplifting harmonies.
His early single “Seek Bromance” (2010), released under the name Tim Berg, introduced his euphoric sound to European audiences, leading to widespread recognition in the dance scene.
Avicii’s international breakthrough came with “Levels” (2011), a track built around a vocal sample from Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.” "Levels” became an anthem of the EDM era, uniting mainstream and festival audiences alike. Its soaring melody and emotional clarity became a blueprint for big-room progressive house. Following this success, Avicii performed at major festivals worldwide (Ultra, Tomorrowland) and became one of the faces of the global EDM boom.
His debut album True (2013) marked a bold creative shift:
Singles like “Wake Me Up” (feat. Aloe Blacc) and “Hey Brother” fused electronic beats with country and folk influences, pioneering the fusion of EDM and acoustic instrumentation. The album sold millions of copies and topped charts globally, signaling a new era of genre crossover in electronic music.
Stories (2015) expanded on True’s vision, featuring artists like Chris Martin, Zac Brown, and Wyclef Jean. It explored more personal and introspective songwriting. Avicii also released two EPs (Avīci (01), 2017) that included tracks like “Without You” and “Lonely Together” (feat. Rita Ora), blending his melodic house roots with pop songwriting.
Despite immense success, Avicii struggled with health issues and the pressures of touring, leading him to retire from live performances in 2016. He continued composing and producing in the studio, focusing on music that was more personal and reflective.
Avicii passed away in April 2018 at the age of 28. After his death, collaborators and his family completed his unfinished album Tim (2019), based on his demos and creative notes. Tracks like “SOS” (feat. Aloe Blacc) and “Heaven” reveal his ongoing exploration of melody, emotion, and meaning in electronic music.
His family also founded the Tim Bergling Foundation, which supports mental health awareness and suicide prevention — reflecting his personal struggles and the broader pressures of fame in the music industry.