The 11 Levels of Avicii: A Brief Deconstruction of the Dance Music Megastar

Yes, Avicii is a huge name in house music right now. But what do you really know about Tim Bergling?

Sure, you've heard "Levels" a million times. You can see he resembles a young Leonardo DiCaprio. And you're probably aware that he's setting off on North America's first all-arena EDM tour.

But before Avicii hits the American Airlines Arena on Friday, June 8 (and before be blows your mind with his 3D-mapped, giant-head stage setup), let's take a tour through the 11 levels of Avicii.



11. From Stockholm to Miami
Avicii is about that big-room house, and so is our fair city. In 2011, Avicii dedicated a two-disc mix to the fist-pumping sounds of this capital of sin, titled Strictly Miami. He likes us.

10. That Good Feeling
It was the megahit at Ultra 2012. However, "Levels" wasn't just huge in our town. It's a worldwide anthem. The song, which features a prominent vocal sample from recently deceased soul singer Etta James's "Something's Got a Hold on Me," reached the top 10 in a dozen countries. It climbed to number one in five nations, and topped the Billboard Hot Dance chart.

9. Next-Level Hype
Of course, "Levels" was huge at conception. For nine months before its official release, Avicii regularly dropped it at club gigs and concerts. Meanwhile, a YouTube video bootleg of the track snagged more than 15 milion hits before it even became available for purchase on October 31, 2011. That's next-level hype, bro.