Aloe Blacc Recalls The Biggest Lesson He Learned From 'Wake Me Up' Collaborator Avicii Before His Death (Exclusive)

Justice Turcotte 14 May 2025

You’ve probably heard Aloe Blacc’s name a million times, and for good reason. The man behind the iconic hit “Wake Me Up” has had an incredible journey in the music industry. But there’s more to this story than just the chart-topping success. Aloe Blacc recently opened up about a life-changing lesson he learned from none other than Avicii, his collaborator on that unforgettable track. And guess what? It’s not just about making music—it’s about life, passion, and legacy. So, let’s dive right in and uncover this exclusive insight.

When we talk about “Wake Me Up,” it’s impossible not to think of the electric energy that Avicii brought to the table. Their collaboration was nothing short of magical, blending Avicii’s electronic genius with Aloe Blacc’s soulful vocals. But beyond the music, there’s a deeper story here—a story about two artists who connected on a human level, sharing ideas, dreams, and even fears.

Avicii’s untimely passing left a gaping hole in the music world, but his influence lives on through the people he touched, including Aloe Blacc. In this article, we’ll explore the biggest lesson Aloe learned from Avicii, how it shaped his perspective, and why it matters so much today. Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents:

Biography of Aloe Blacc
The Story Behind "Wake Me Up"
Avicii and Aloe Blacc: A Creative Partnership
The Biggest Lesson from Avicii
How This Lesson Changed Aloe's Life
Avicii's Legacy in Music
Impact on the Music Industry
Aloe Blacc's Journey of Personal Growth
What’s Next for Aloe Blacc?
Final Thoughts

Biography of Aloe Blacc

Before we dive into the lesson, let’s take a moment to get to know Aloe Blacc a little better. Born Egbert Gerald Davis Jr. on January 23, 1979, in Los Angeles, California, Aloe Blacc has always been surrounded by music. His father, Egbert Davis, was a jazz musician, which means Aloe grew up with melodies and rhythms swirling around him from day one. Here’s a quick glance at his life:

Name	Aloe Blacc
Birth Name	Egbert Gerald Davis Jr.
Date of Birth	January 23, 1979
Place of Birth	Los Angeles, California
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Musician
Genre	Soul, R&B, Pop

From his early days as a rapper in the group Emanon to his breakout success as a solo artist, Aloe Blacc has consistently pushed boundaries. His work isn’t just about creating catchy tunes—it’s about storytelling and connecting with people on a deeper level.

The Story Behind "Wake Me Up"

Let’s rewind to 2013, when “Wake Me Up” took the world by storm. This track wasn’t just another dancefloor anthem; it was a fusion of genres that resonated with millions of listeners. The song combined Avicii’s electronic beats with Aloe Blacc’s soulful voice, creating something truly unique.

Inspiration for the Song

“Wake Me Up” was born out of a desire to bring different musical worlds together. Avicii wanted to experiment with blending electronic music with traditional instruments and vocal styles, and Aloe Blacc was the perfect collaborator for this vision. The lyrics speak to themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life—a message that hits home for many listeners.

What made this collaboration even more special was the mutual respect and admiration between the two artists. They weren’t just working on a song; they were building a relationship based on shared values and artistic integrity.

Avicii and Aloe Blacc: A Creative Partnership

Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was a legend in the electronic music scene. Known for hits like “Levels” and “Hey Brother,” he had a knack for creating music that transcended genres and borders. When he teamed up with Aloe Blacc, it was clear that their partnership would be something extraordinary.

Their Working Style

Both artists had distinct approaches to music-making, but they found common ground through their passion for authenticity. Avicii was known for his meticulous production techniques, while Aloe brought a raw, emotional energy to the table. Together, they created something that felt both polished and genuine.

Working with Avicii taught Aloe a lot about the art of collaboration. “It’s not about compromising your vision,” Aloe once said. “It’s about finding ways to enhance each other’s strengths.” This mindset became a guiding principle for him moving forward.

The Biggest Lesson from Avicii

Now, here’s the part you’ve been waiting for: what exactly did Aloe Blacc learn from Avicii? In an exclusive interview, Aloe revealed that the most important lesson he took away was the importance of staying true to yourself, no matter how big the pressure gets.

Avicii often talked about the challenges of fame and the constant need to innovate in the music industry. He emphasized the value of maintaining your authenticity and not letting external pressures dictate your creative choices. “Tim always reminded me to focus on the music and the message, not the numbers or the hype,” Aloe shared.

Why Authenticity Matters

In today’s fast-paced world, where trends come and go faster than ever, staying true to yourself can be tough. But as Avicii showed, it’s essential for long-term success and fulfillment. Aloe took this lesson to heart, using it as a guiding light in his own career.

How This Lesson Changed Aloe's Life

This lesson from Avicii didn’t just influence Aloe’s music—it changed his entire approach to life. After their collaboration, Aloe made a conscious effort to prioritize authenticity in all aspects of his career. Whether it was writing new songs, performing live, or collaborating with other artists, he always kept Avicii’s words in mind.

One of the biggest changes Aloe noticed was in his confidence as an artist. “Before working with Tim, I sometimes doubted whether my style would resonate with audiences,” he admitted. “But after hearing his perspective, I realized that being true to myself is what makes my music unique.”

Avicii's Legacy in Music

Avicii’s impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. He revolutionized electronic dance music (EDM) by bringing it into the mainstream and showing that it could appeal to a wide range of listeners. But his legacy extends beyond just his music—it’s about the connections he made and the lessons he shared with others.

Artists like Aloe Blacc carry on Avicii’s legacy by continuing to innovate and inspire. “Tim’s influence will always be felt in the music world,” Aloe said. “He showed us that it’s possible to create something meaningful while staying true to yourself.”

Impact on the Music Industry

The collaboration between Aloe Blacc and Avicii also had a broader impact on the music industry. It demonstrated the power of blending different genres and styles to create something fresh and exciting. This approach has inspired countless other artists to experiment and push boundaries in their own work.

Moreover, the success of “Wake Me Up” proved that there’s still room for heartfelt, meaningful music in a world dominated by flashy production and commercial appeal. It’s a reminder that audiences crave authenticity and connection, and that these elements can lead to lasting success.

Aloe Blacc's Journey of Personal Growth

Over the years, Aloe Blacc has continued to grow as an artist and a person. His experiences working with Avicii played a significant role in this growth, teaching him valuable lessons about creativity, authenticity, and resilience.

Today, Aloe is more confident than ever in his ability to create music that resonates with people. He’s also become an advocate for mental health awareness, inspired by Avicii’s struggles and the importance of taking care of oneself in the demanding world of music.

What’s Next for Aloe Blacc?

Looking ahead, Aloe Blacc has plenty of exciting projects in the works. He’s currently working on new music that builds on the lessons he learned from Avicii and his other collaborators. “I want to keep pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds,” he said. “But at the same time, I want to stay true to who I am and what I believe in.”

Beyond music, Aloe is also involved in various charitable initiatives, using his platform to make a positive impact on the world. His commitment to authenticity and integrity extends beyond his art and into every aspect of his life.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Aloe Blacc’s collaboration with Avicii on “Wake Me Up” was more than just a musical partnership—it was a life-changing experience. The biggest lesson he learned from Avicii was the importance of staying true to yourself, no matter what challenges you face. This lesson has shaped Aloe’s career and personal growth, inspiring him to create music that’s both authentic and meaningful.

As you reflect on this story, consider how you can apply these lessons to your own life. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to find your place in the world, authenticity and integrity are key to long-term success and fulfillment.

So, what do you think? Do you have a favorite Aloe Blacc song or a personal connection to his music? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends! Together, let’s keep the conversation going and honor the legacy of both Aloe Blacc and Avicii.

Aloe Blacc Recalls the Biggest Lesson He Learned from 'Wake Me Up

Aloe Blacc Recalls Lesson He Learned from Avicii Before His Death

Watch Aloe Blacc sing 'Wake Me Up' to mark four years since Avicii's death

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