After watching the Netflix documentary about Avicii, I decided to delve deeper into the idea of the overexploitation of human beings in all class-based societies throughout history. I say all because, even before our current capitalist system, there were various economic systems in more primitive societies.
The songs composed by Avicii are very interesting and of outstanding quality. When I first discovered his music, I was impressed by the quality of his melodies. He skillfully combined elements of electronic music with more melodic and non-repetitive tunes, incorporating guitar riffs and beautiful vocals.
Watching the documentary was enlightening and educational. When Avicii passed away a few years ago, the news struck me as tragic, but it didn’t shock me beyond what I would normally feel. However, upon learning that he had a loving family foundation, close friends, and financial stability, I began to question why he made that decision.
His talent brought him fame quickly, and like any gold mine, the more it is exploited, the greater the profit. The documentary explores how his friendships with his managers — or better said, exploiters disguised as friends — were manipulated. These so-called “friends” profited from his talent, subjecting him to grueling schedules, sometimes with daily shows. Although Tim, Avicii, received financial rewards and, as a young man full of energy, endured the relentless exploitation as best he could, the accounts make it clear that he hated touring and was never truly motivated by money.
The superstar lifestyle had its perks, and he managed to enjoy it for a while. However, the money-extraction machine was ruthless. Market logic prevailed: “A song must captivate a listener within the first 5 seconds.” This reflects the profit-driven mindset, where grabbing someone’s attention quickly is paramount. Avicii dismissed this theory and sought to personalize his music.
As a shy person, he turned to alcohol to cope with performing at shows. Over time, this led to pancreatitis and significant weight loss. Early in the documentary, he is portrayed as someone who was against drug use, but this necessity imposed itself on him. Not officially, but in a way similar to doping horses to make them perform better or truck drivers using medication to stay awake and deliver goods faster. This has a name: exploitation.
Although it’s difficult to pinpoint a single direct culprit, it’s evident that some people intelligently decoded and exploited this behavior for their own benefit. Avicii was a great artist, but let’s not forget the billions of people who face similar issues to varying degrees. Their only “fault” is not being famous.
By the end of the documentary, I was left with the impression that everyone was moved by his death, but there was little emphasis on holding systematic exploitation accountable. In this regard, the documentary fell short. Pointing fingers would not only have been beneficial but also educational.
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