To say that Avicii has had a huge year would be an understatement. More like an incredible year. He played large festivals like EDC, Ultra, and Stereosonic. He played over 25 dates on his College Tour. He sold out the legendary Pier 94 in New York in record time, playing one of the best New Years Eve shows NYC has ever seen. He shows no signs of slowing down. The 22 year old house music phenomenon recently launched his unique House For Hunger tour. The tour consists of 25 stops across the United States.
What makes this tour special isn’t the amazing music and incredible atmosphere of an Avicii concert, it’s the fact that one million dollars of proceeds is being donated to fighting hunger in America. When asked why he chose to focus on hunger in America, his answer was truly selfless.
“Hunger hits everywhere and the US is not immune to it. For me personally when I found out how big the hunger problem in United States actually was it was shocking. I never would have imagined that 1 in 6 Americans struggle with hunger. Or that 1 in 4 children routinely do not get enough to eat. For me I’ve always considered hunger a third world problem and would have never guessed it being a problem of such magnitude in a country like America where, for the past year and a half, I’ve been spending more time in than I have at home.”
Originally from Sweden, Avicii had traveled the world and seen many different countries. He was ranked number 6 on the DJ Mag Top 100 poll and had one of the biggest songs of the year with Levels. Team COllective knows the power that house music can have, and the way it can affect millions of people all over the world. When you combine that power with a charitable cause such as House for Hunger is doing, what could be better. But why America?
“It feels right to kick this off in the US. Seeing how many amazing experiences and opportunities America has given me the past two years, as well as the support I’ve gotten from my fans here, I feel very fortunate to be in a position where I actually can help and make a difference, especially to a country that’s given me so much.”
Not only is the House for Hunger tour benefiting a great cause, the shows are sure to be amazing. COllective witnessed just how wonderful an Avicii concert can be when we caught his show at the Boulder Theater on January 13th. The crowd was antsy with anticipation as we waited till nearly midnight before he Avicii finally took over right where Jontron left off. He didn’t miss a beat as he took over the table, and the crowd exploded.
Jontron – Oh! [Link]
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The next two hours were packed with all his most popular tracks, and the crowd sung their lungs out to chart toppers such as Fade Into Darkness, Seek Bromance, and David Guetta’s Titanium. He also played several tracks that are unnamed but can be found on many blogs simply titled ID. At the end, Avicii surprised the crowd with the Skrillex remix of Levels. The show was full of energy as over 1000 people screamed the lyrics to their favorite hits. As usual, there was never a dull moment in his set as Avicii brought his own signature house beats and those of other talented artists. The show was truly amazing and we’re happy we were able to witness it! We also had the opportunity to talk to Avicii (Tim Bergling) the next day and ask him a few questions.
Hey Tim, thank you for you’re time and an amazing show. How do you feel the show went last night in Boulder?
The show was amazing with a great crowd!
This summer you played Colorado’s biggest EDM festival (Global Dance Festival) at Red Rocks, one of the worlds best venues. What did you think of that show, venue, and the Colorado crowd?
Thought it was awesome.
House for Hunger supports a phenomenal cause. How did you come up with the concept of doing a tour to raise money and awareness for hunger issues in America?
Always been wanting to do something for charity. When Ash (my manager) approached me to do something for Hunger in America a country I have been spending most of my time in it made total sense.
How would you compare playing in the U.S. to European countries?
European crowd is more educated. U.S. crowd is more energetic.
What are some of your favorite venues or shows you played last year?
Pier 94
While on tour, when you’re not playing a show or constantly traveling what are some things you like to do for fun?
Differs a lot.. Go out shooting in the Nevada desert.
Are there any artists in particular that you would like to collaborate with?
Adele or Chris Martin
Who are some of your favorite up-n-coming artists currently?
Alesso
Who are some of your role models? (within the EDM scene and/or outside of it)
Swedish House Mafia and Tiesto
You’ve been incredibly successful from a pretty young age. What advice would you give to other young artists out there?
Trying to get your name out there as much as you can..Keep at it Keep working. The most amount of effort you put in is the most important thing.
Thank You Tim!
Be sure to check upcoming House for Hunger tour dates and for more information on the cause head over to houseforhunger.com!
Full Photo Album
If you haven’t heard Avicii’s Levels, then you’ve been living under a rock. But, I’m sure many of you are unaware of how this international house anthem sounds in reverse. I’m still baffled by how incredible this track actually sounds when played backwards. George Monev really brings a fresh new take to a track that has lost some of its vitality due to being overplayed and does not disappoint with this masterful rework. The fact that this track can hold its own in reverse speaks volumes to how talented of a producer Avicii is and how intricate his music arrangement is. Major props have to be given to George Monev for thinking out of the box on this one and sharing with an epic gift, on so many levels. Enjoy the ear candy and GTHC.
