BEYOND THE NOTES
March 17, 2025 | Isabella Appell
International superstar Avicii revolutionized the EDM world by integrating live instrumentation into his performances, collaborating with icons like David Guetta, Gavin DeGraw, and Madonna, and uniting multiple generations through his music. Yet, before his meteoric rise in 2011, he was just Tim.
I'm Tim, a hauntingly beautiful tribute to DJ Tim Bergling, was released in 2024 on Netflix, years after his sudden passing. The documentary offers an intimate look at DJ Tim Bergling's life, unveiling never-before-seen footage that captures his journey through the perilous landscape of the music industry and the actual cost of fame.
Described as a shy and insecure child, Bergling did not take active control of his career until 2008. With no prior experience as a DJ, he discovered an innate talent for music production, finding digital software intuitive. Filip "Philgood" Akesson, the first to speak in the documentary, introduced Bergling to house music and guided him through the fundamentals of production. By the time they turned 18, their nights were consumed by late-night jam sessions and sending tracks to house music blogs—never expecting to be discovered. However, when their music caught the attention of rising Stockholm promoter Arash Pournouri, their casual Friday night projects quickly evolved into something much bigger.
"Call it what you want to call it, "I'm a f** alcoholic."
These dark, unapologetically self-aware lyrics would not only propel Avicii's career but also foreshadow the life he would soon spiral into. Overworked and plagued by pancreatitis due to excessive drinking before performances, Bergling's health and ability to produce music rapidly deteriorated. Approximately 30 minutes into I'm Tim, the screen shifts from high-energy concert footage to childhood home videos—a stark juxtaposition that highlights the absurdity of his situation. Reflecting on his rise to fame, Bergling confesses that he "was a lot happier" before his success, as the lines between his personal identity and his stage persona blurred beyond recognition. His two lives became increasingly difficult to balance, and he was unsure where one ended and the other began.
"The line between Tim and Avicii was blurred."
In an effort to reconnect with himself as an artist, Bergling took the concept of mixing to an entirely new level, incorporating original compositions rather than simply remixing existing tracks. In 2013, he debuted a slower, more introspective album at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami—an unconventional and bold move for a DJ—performing alongside live instrumentalists. His bluegrass-inspired dance track "Wake Me Up" embodied this shift, marking Bergling's transition from an artist shaped by external influences to a leader redefining electronic music. Aloe Blacc, primarily known for his work in hip-hop and rap, was invited to the studio with one request for the song: to write the lyrics and create a melody that would complement Avicii's mix. By the night's end, what would soon become a global hit was complete.
Although Avicii's music became a defining part of his identity, by 2014, Bergling realized he could no longer sustain his alias. "Artists are people. We are creators. We create things, and then we're thrown into an environment and an industry where it's about chasing views and comments. It’s become almost impossible to escape," Bergling told Netflix.
He entered the music industry not for the financial rewards but for the freedom financial security could offer. While external criticism did not faze him, he struggled with meeting public expectations, chasing an ideal happiness that was never his own.
By 2016, at the age of 26, Bergling canceled everything. He turned to transcendental meditation and began traveling, seeking to meet new people and find meaning in different parts of the world. Though those around him believed he was healing, Avicii sent out an "SOS" in the only way he knew how—through his music. His third and final studio album was posthumously released, featuring four singles encapsulating his final artistic expressions. The Avicii Tribute Concert followed in 2019 in Stockholm, Sweden, with performances by his close collaborators, including Rita Ora, Aloe Blacc, David Guetta, and many others, serving as a heartfelt tribute to how the world of EDM and live music could be beautifully merged.
Avicii's short-lived career stands as a testament of hope for aspiring artists and a sobering message to fans about the harsh realities of the music industry. Though at times slow-paced, the documentary acts as a time capsule, preserving the legacy of an artist whose music continues to resonate long after his passing. As a reminder to always support those you love, I'm Tim serves as a moving tribute to his life, capturing the essence of a man deeply loved by fans worldwide.
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