The world of music, specifically EDM, lost an amazing artist and influencer just recently. Swedish DJ and producer Tim Bergling, otherwise known by his stage name Avicii, recently passed away in Muscat, Oman on April 20, 2018. He made many milestones as a DJ making an impact on the many producers and DJ’s that are well-known today such as The Chainsmokers, Zedd, David Guetta, and more.
While his reason for passing is still unknown, it was reported by many news outlets that he was suffering from health issues including acute pancreatitis due to excessive drinking. He eventually even had to remove his appendix and gallbladder and soon after retired from live shows because of his health. I think his death affects a lot of people not just in the music world but those aspiring to be artists and be in the spotlight.
When I was younger, Avicii had inspired even little innocent, naive, me into wanting to be a music producer and DJ. EDM has always had a special place in my heart, and his hit singles such as Levels, Hey Brother, and the infamous summer song Wake Me Up were so different from other EDM songs I had heard. His music combined synth and electronic beats with very acoustic sounds making them less electronic but electronic enough to fit into the EDM category. I think that because he was so creative in meshing these different sounds that it encouraged other DJ’s to add more real instruments to their songs. He made a large impact in the music industry, and I think he should be remembered for that.
However, I feel like his death should bring more awareness to the risks that come with a lifestyle of fame and fortune. I think its unfortunate that so many artists (musician or not) suffer untimely deaths or health issues after so long in the spotlight. I think fame in itself is almost a health risk. The lifestyle where people drink, party every night, spend money frivolously is just the beginning of a gradual downfall as we have seen with so many other stars. In the end, what I’m really trying to get at is that fame can be great, but greatness comes with great responsibility. While we don’t know the true reason he passed, I think that his health issues could have been the catalyst, which should alert us and other artists to be more responsible and to take care of themselves. Fame comes at a cost, so it’s best to not take anything for granted and maintain a healthy lifestyle.