Avicii's not really hellboy
The nickname's dark, but the 'Bromance' DJ likes to keep things cheerful
Lovers of electronic music get to dance the night away at the latest EditionBangkok a week from Sunday. Three years after its debut, the second round includes two massive headliners – Dutchman Armin van Buuren and Sweden’s Avicii – along with 20 supporting acts.
New on the scene and already ranked in DJ Mag’s top 10, 22-year-old Avicii – he claims his real name is Tim Bergling – broke through in 2008 but has yet to release a full-length album of his own.
That hasn’t stopped him from dominating the dance floors in Europe with his fresh electro-house tracks like “Bromance” and “Seek Bromance”. The version with lyrics topped charts in Belgium, the Netherlands and his homeland.
Other hits include innovative samplings of “Level”, “Fade into Darkness”, “My Feelings for You”, and “Street Dancers”. They’re all coming out on the Ministry of Sound label.
Here’s what he sounds like on e-mail.
Tell us you’re busy.
I actually have several projects I work on simultaneously. I need to jump between different projects so I don’t get stuck, I guess.
Is Sweden still home?
Yes, my manager Ash and I recently got a new studio in Stockholm. So when I’m not touring I stay in Stockholm. That’s where I have my family and many friends.
How did you get into the trade?
I heard about this program with which you could create music without playing any instruments, so I downloaded the demo and remixed an old video-game track. I’ve been producing almost every day since then.
What inspired you to become a professional DJ?
It honestly just kind of happened. I got hooked on producing music, and from the point when I met Ash, I just really wanted to make something of myself in the DJ world – I totally fell in love with the music and the club scene in general.
What’s your style, live and in person?
I play a lot of my own stuff – my sets consist of around 90 per cent my own material, both released and unreleased. I’ve been touring intensely this year, playing everything from festivals, nightclubs and beach parties to boats.
Your alias comes from “the lowest level of hell”?
Avici is the lowest level of Buddhist hell, but I just liked the name. I’m not a Satanist or anything, and my music is probably the exact opposite of dark and hellish. But I’ve really grown attached to the name and I’m really happy I picked it!
If you did have to perform in hell, what would you play?
I would definitely play “It’s My Party” by Lesley Gore.
What music did you grow up with?
My father listened to Ray Charles and lots of ’60s rock when I was growing up and that definitely influenced me a lot. I like to try and take certain scales and rhythms that aren’t usually used in house music and try to adapt them to fit into EDM [electronic dance music].
Who’s your own favourite artist?
I must say the Swedish House Mafia guys and Eric Prydz – they were the ones who first got me into house.
Where in Stockholm do you party?
It’s not very big but it’s growing day by day, with more foreign DJs coming all the time. We don’t have many good night clubs, so I usually go where my friends are.
And your best party so far?
The US college tour in September was insane, with over 30 shows in 30 days. The college kids really know how to party. It really was a blast!
What’s the plan for Bangkok?
Positive energy and a lot of melodic big-room house!
DOUBLE WHAMMY
Armin van Buuren gets his turn in the interview chair right here next Friday.
See Avicii and Armin at EditionBangkok 2011 on December 11 at Moonstar Studio on Lad Phrao 80.
Tickets cost Bt1,490 and Bt2,490. Call (02) 833 5555 or visit www.TotalReservation.com.
