In a poignant reflection of the transient nature of fame and the enduring power of music, Grammy-winning singer Aloe Blacc has shared an intimate insight into the biggest lesson he learned from his collaboration with the late Avicii on the chart-topping hit “Wake Me Up”. Released in 2013, the song’s hauntingly catchy melody and poignant lyrics captured the hearts of millions, cementing its status as a modern classic. Behind the scenes, however, the creative process was marked by a profound exchange of ideas and a deep understanding between two artists from different musical backgrounds. As the music world remembers Avicii’s untimely passing, Aloe Blacc’s exclusive recollection sheds light on the lasting impact of their collaboration and the wisdom he gained from working alongside a kindred spirit.
Aloe Blacc Recalls the Biggest Lesson He Learned from ‘Wake Me Up’ Collaborator Avicii Before His Death (Exclusive) – PEOPLE
Aloe Blacc Recalls the Biggest Lesson He Learned from ‘Wake Me Up’ Collaborator Avicii Before His Death (Exclusive) – PEOPLE
The iHeart Radio Music Awards
The first-ever iHeart Radio Music Awards broadcast live Thursday on NBC from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The show aired over 150 iHeart radio stations across the country, and 60 million votes were cast for several categories of this awards show. “Clear Channel is the biggest music company in the world by reach, so for us to finally have a show where we celebrate and reward artists of the year that have really excelled — it’s about time,” said Clear Channel president John Sykes.
Rihanna was the big winner of the night taking home four awards, including artist and song of the year. Performers included Pitbull, Luke Bryan, Bastille, 30 Seconds to Mars, Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, Blake Shelton, Ed Sheeran, Shakira and Arcade Fire.
Pharrell Williams received iHeart Radio’s innovator award with Beyonce, Oprah, Usher, Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato and Shakira speaking of Williams and his contributions to music in video messages. “He was the person who made it cool to just be you,” said Beyonce.
Popular on Variety Williams took to the stage to do what he does best and performed a medley of songs including “Blurred Lines,” “Get Lucky” and “Happy.” Gwen Stefani then presented the award to Williams, who was visibly emotional and took a minute to soak in the moment.
“You gotta believe in something bigger than yourself,” he said. “I never dreamt in a million years as a producer that I would be standing here as an artist.”
Tribute to Avicii
Song of the Year: “Stay” – GRAMMY-nominated Swedish DJ/producer Tim Bergling, best known by his stage name Avicii, has died at age 28. According to Billboard, the news has been confirmed by Avicii’s publicist Diana Baron.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii,” Baron said via statement. “He was found dead in Muscat, Oman this Friday afternoon local time, April 20th. The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given.”
Bergling began his production career uploading homemade deep house productions to a dance music forum run by famed DJ/producer Laidback Luke, where he garnered early attention under the alias Tim Berg. He achieved his first hit release under the moniker with “Seek Bromance,” released in 2010, one month after his 21st birthday.
At just 23 years old, Bergling was already ranked by DJ Mag as the No. 3 DJ in the world in 2012 and 2013, coming in behind trance music pioneers Armin Van Buuren and Tiësto.
The pair of tracks, respectively, earned Bergling back-to-back GRAMMY nominations for Best Dance Recording at the 54th and 55th GRAMMY Awards.
In 2013, when at the top of his game as a big room and progressive house producer, Bergling shocked the EDM world when he unveiled his new sound at the 2013 Ultra Music Festival — a new track titled “Wake Me Up” featuring GRAMMY-nominated soul and roots singer Aloe Blacc.
While the sudden departure from the sound that made him famous was called “bizarre” and “thoroughly puzzling” by publications such as Spin magazine at the time, the track went on to become a massive summer hit, and in many ways opened the floodgates of the EDM world to a whole variety of crossovers now considered business as usual on pop radio.
Aloe Blacc’s Reflections on Avicii
Collaboration on ‘Wake Me Up’
Aloe Blacc’s experience working with Avicii on the hit single was a pivotal moment in both of their careers.
“It was a great experience working with Avicii,” Blacc said. “He was a true artist and a master of his craft. I learned so much from him and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have collaborated with him.”
“Wake Me Up” was a massive hit, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and being certified multi-platinum in several countries.
The song’s success was a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability of two artists from different genres to come together and create something special.
“I think we brought out the best in each other,” Blacc said. “Avicii was a master of his craft and I was able to bring a new perspective to the table. It was a great experience and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have collaborated with him.”
“Wake Me Up” will always be remembered as a classic collaboration and a testament to the power of music to bring people together.
Avicii’s Legacy and Impact
His Rise to Fame
Avicii, born Tim Bergling, began his music career by uploading homemade deep house productions to a dance music forum run by famed DJ/producer Laidback Luke. Under the alias Tim Berg, he garnered early attention and achieved his first hit release with “Seek Bromance” in 2010, just one month after his 21st birthday. This early success set the stage for his meteoric rise in the music industry.
At the age of 23, DJ Mag ranked Bergling as the No. 3 DJ in the world for two consecutive years, 2012 and 2013. This ranking was largely due to his early productions under his new alias Avicii, notably the 2011 collaboration with GRAMMY-winning DJ/producer David Guetta titled “Sunshine,” and his solo release “Levels,” which sampled the great Etta James. “Levels” became one of the biggest hits in global dance music in 2012, earning Bergling back-to-back GRAMMY nominations for Best Dance Recording.
His Impact on the Music Industry
Avicii’s influence on the EDM scene is undeniable. His unique blend of electronic dance music with pop and soul elements opened the floodgates for a variety of crossovers that are now commonplace on pop radio. “Wake Me Up,” featuring GRAMMY-nominated soul and roots singer Aloe Blacc, is a testament to his ability to innovate and expand the boundaries of electronic music. This track, released in 2013, became a massive summer hit and showcased Avicii’s versatility and artistic vision.
Avicii’s music continues to inspire and uplift fans globally. His ability to blend different genres and create emotionally resonant tracks has left a lasting impact on the EDM scene. Songs like “Levels” and “Wake Me Up” remain staples in clubs and festivals, testament to his enduring influence.
His Personal Struggles and Legacy
Despite his immense success, Avicii faced significant personal struggles. In 2016, he announced his retirement from touring and live performing due to ongoing health complications. His last public performance was in Ibiza in August 2016. Despite stepping away from the public eye, Avicii continued to produce and release music. His final music release was a six-track EP titled Avīci (01), which he envisioned as part of a trilogy that would collectively serve as his third studio album.
Avicii’s struggles and eventual passing in 2018 have had a profound impact on the music community. His legacy continues to inspire artists and fans alike to pursue their passions despite challenges. The documentary “Avicii: True Stories” provides a glimpse into his final months, showing his dedication to his craft despite physical pain. His message of perseverance and creativity has resonated deeply with those who knew him and his fans.
Lessons Learned
Aloe Blacc’s Biggest Takeaway from Working with Avicii
Aloe Blacc, the GRAMMY-nominated soul and roots singer, shared insights into Avicii’s creative process and influence on the song “Wake Me Up.” Blacc recalled that Avicii was not only a talented producer but also a visionary who pushed the boundaries of electronic music. “He had this amazing ability to blend electronic beats with soulful vocals, creating something entirely new and fresh,” Blacc said in an exclusive interview with Gizmoposts24.
Blacc highlighted Avicii’s meticulous approach to his craft. “He was incredibly dedicated and passionate about his music. Every note, every beat, and every vocal layer was carefully crafted to perfection. Working with him was a masterclass in attention to detail and artistic integrity,” Blacc noted. This dedication and passion were evident in the final product, “Wake Me Up,” which became a global sensation.
How Avicii’s Passion and Dedication Inspired Him as an Artist
Blacc also spoke about how Avicii’s passion and dedication inspired him as an artist. “Avicii’s commitment to his music was unparalleled. He worked tirelessly to create something that would resonate with people on a deep emotional level. His approach to music was not just about creating hits; it was about making meaningful art,” Blacc explained.
This experience left a lasting impression on Blacc. “It taught me the importance of staying true to your artistic vision and not compromising on quality. Avicii’s legacy serves as a reminder that true artistry comes from a place of passion and dedication. His work continues to inspire me to push the boundaries of my own creativity and strive for excellence,” Blacc concluded.
Impact on the Music Industry
Avicii’s Influence on the EDM Scene and His Lasting Legacy
Avicii’s influence on the EDM scene is immeasurable. His innovative approach to blending electronic music with other genres paved the way for a new wave of crossover hits. “Wake Me Up” is a prime example of how Avicii could seamlessly integrate soul and pop elements into electronic dance music, creating a sound that appealed to a broader audience.
Avicii’s legacy extends beyond his music. His story of perseverance and dedication has inspired countless artists to stay true to their vision and overcome personal challenges. The documentary “Avicii: True Stories” offers a poignant look into his final months, highlighting his struggle to perform despite physical pain. This narrative has resonated with fans and artists alike, serving as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.
How His Music and Message Continue to Inspire and Uplift Fans
Avicii’s music continues to inspire and uplift fans around the globe. Tracks like “Levels” and “Wake Me Up” are not just songs; they are anthems that evoke emotions and memories. These songs have become staples at festivals and clubs, bringing people together and creating a sense of community.
His message of perseverance and the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision continues to resonate. Avicii’s story serves as a reminder that true artistry comes from a place of passion and dedication. His legacy encourages fans and artists to pursue their passions, despite obstacles, and to create music that is meaningful and impactful.
Conclusion
In this exclusive interview, Aloe Blacc opened up about the profound impact of his collaboration with Avicii on the chart-topping hit “Wake Me Up.” The singer-songwriter revealed the most significant lesson he learned from the late DJ and producer: the importance of staying true to oneself and not getting caught up in the pressures of the music industry. Blacc shared how Avicii’s unwavering commitment to his artistic vision inspired him to do the same, and how this mindset has since guided his own creative decisions.
The significance of this lesson extends far beyond the music industry, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity in all aspects of life. In an era where external validation and commercial success often take center stage, Avicii’s legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration for anyone seeking to stay true to themselves. As we move forward in an increasingly fast-paced and ever-changing world, it is more important than ever to hold onto our individuality and resist the urge to conform to the status quo.
As we reflect on the enduring impact of “Wake Me Up” and the lessons learned from Avicii’s remarkable life, we are left to ponder the lasting legacy of this talented artist. As Aloe Blacc so poignantly put it, “When you stay true to yourself, you create something that resonates with others on a deeper level.” May these words of wisdom continue to inspire generations to come, and may Avicii’s music remain a timeless reminder of the transformative power of staying true to oneself.
Add Comment