Three Major Takeaways from Netflix’s New Avicii Documentary

Even though radio stations have been spinning dance tracks for decades, EDM really started to take over the mainstream and rhythmic radio charts in the mid-2000s.

We started to see DJs/producers being credited as the artists on hit records, instead of just the vocalists. We all started to take note of these DJs' names and anticipated the release of their next track.  David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Deadmau5, Skrillex, and Calvin Harris, for example.

One of the most well-known, and mainstream, DJs of this period was Avicii.

Tim Bergling, better known as Avicii, started producing dance tracks using FL Studio software. After a few years of uploading tracks to music blogs, he had his first big international hit with “Levels.” The track, which used an infectious vocal sample from Etta James’ “Something’s Got A Hold On Me,” exploded. It went to #1 on the Billboard Dance charts and, as of late 2024, had over 1 billion streams on Spotify.

Following “Levels”, Avicii had a string of EDM hits like “Wake Me Up”, “Silhouettes”, and “I Could Be the One”.

Sadly, Tim Bergling took his own life in April of 2018.

A new documentary, “Avicii- I'm Tim,” covers Tim Bergling's life and career. You can stream it on Netflix.

While I started watching because I have an interest in EDM, this documentary truly moved me.  I will never hear "Wake Me Up" the same way ever again.

Three Takeaways From Netflix’s Avicii Documentary

#1. Festival DJs Are Not Just Playing a Playlist From Their Phone – Over the years, I have heard this argument against DJs playing music festivals dozens of times.  If you still have that mindset, this documentary will change your mind.  These men and women spend months producing their own music before mixing it live during their sets.  Additionally, they often mix other people’s songs into their sets.  They are not just stepping out on the stage and hitting the PLAY button.

#2. Avicii Was a Musician at Heart – He was raised in a home filled with music.  While he preferred to produce music using software, Avicii also played guitar and piano.

#3. Anyone Can Suffer from Mental Health Issues – On the surface, it appeared that Avicii had everything. He was successful, famous, had supportive parents, and had enough money to live comfortably. Sadly, he still fought many battles. For example, he spoke openly about how he felt that Avicii was a persona he put on when he was on stage and during public appearances.

In addition to the "Avicii - I'm Tim" documentary, Netflix also has a special about the last performance that Avicii gave.

Have you seen "Avicii - I'mTim"?  What were your thoughts?  Share them with us through our app.

NOTE: If you or a loved one is having thoughts about self-harm, there is help available 24 hours a day.  You can call or text 988.