NEW YORK — The legacy of Avicii, the influential Swedish DJ and producer, continues to resonate as two new films dedicated to his memory prepare to debut on Netflix next week. Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, tragically passed away six years ago at the age of 28, leaving behind a profound impact on the music industry. His unique sound integrated various genres and collaborations, leading to chart-topping hits like “Wake Me Up!” and “Hey Brother,” which remains memorable to fans worldwide.
The upcoming releases include a concert film titled “Avicii — My Last Show,” capturing what became his final performance, alongside a full-length documentary called “Avicii — I’m Tim.” These films aim to honor and celebrate the life of the artist by shedding light on his early years, musical journey, creative spirit, and the memories he left with those who knew and loved him. Remarkably, much of the documentary features Avicii’s voice through archived interviews, including some that are being shown for the first time.
Henrik Burman, the director of these projects, shared that documenting Avicii’s extraordinary life was a lengthy endeavor, spanning over five years and commencing soon after the DJ’s death, before the onset of the pandemic. The in-depth interviews with people who were close to Avicii were essential, as Burman noted, “To know people around Tim was the only way to know Tim.”
Discussing his approach, Burman emphasized his initial goal to discover the story he wanted to tell about Avicii, underscoring the importance of taking time during the research process. He wanted to avoid pressuring those close to Avicii, allowing them to engage with the narrative organically. Burman aimed for a narrative that would not pigeonhole Avicii’s career into the EDM boom of the 2010s, instead focusing on the evolution of his music and the lasting impact it created.
Burman revealed that he had extensive access to materials about Avicii’s life, dedicating countless hours to reviewing interviews and unearthing meaningful connections and recurring themes. An anecdote from Avicii’s childhood stands out, where he openly reflected on past behaviors and realized the need for personal growth, a story that Burman felt was integral to understanding Avicii as a person.
Deciding to center one pivotal moment — Avicii’s experience at the Miami Ultra Music Festival — forged a key element in the narrative of the documentary, allowing Burman to frame his storytelling effectively. He acknowledged the challenge of featuring Avicii’s spirit without creating a narrative fixated on his untimely passing. Gaining the support of Avicii’s family and friends facilitated deeper conversations, as Burman aimed to portray a heartfelt, respectful account of the artist’s life.
The film contains intimate footage, even moments from Avicii’s life before birth. Burman was adamant about crafting a personal story, steering clear of sensationalism. He recognized that building this narrative required the right tone and ample time for the people involved to process and share their thoughts.
Reflecting on Avicii’s legacy, Burman expressed that Avicii was ahead of his time, and his influence remains evident in contemporary music. Listeners can still find a sense of freshness and timelessness in Avicii’s earlier works, proving his music’s continuing relevance.
Burman hopes that audiences who watch the film will gain newfound perspectives on Avicii, both as a person and as an artist. He expressed that while the film chronicles Avicii’s story, it also resonates on a universal level, recognizing the complexity of life and the multifaceted nature of human experiences. Fans, whether new or longstanding, may discover deeper insights into the journey of Avicii and the enduring legacy of his creative genius.
