Tim Bergling has been a well-known DJ and producer since a surprisingly young age. Nowadays he is the ambassador of electro house music in the biggest parties around the world. He stopped for a second and answered a few questions before his performance in Zamárdi.
Nagy Dániel

How do you remember your last year's appearance at Balaton Sound Festival?

Clearly. The audience was great, I had fun too and it was a huge party. It wasn't a real question for me if I came back this year again.

It could be a huge motivation boost for you that you play after legends like Wu-Tang Clan. Are you planning to use more hip-hop today?

Definitely. Hip-hop isn't too far from my taste anyway.

You're living the life an average guy in his twenties dreams of. What do you enjoy the most about being an EDM star?

I consider myself lucky, because I do what I love the most in the world for living, and I don't have to do some ordinary job which would be way too stressful for me. It doesn't necessarily mean that I don't have to work hard every day though.

Which are your least favourite moments of this lifestyle?

I could list many negative aspects, but there are far more positive things. I'm always on a very tight schedule, I would never wish anyone to spend as much time on airports or airplanes as I do. However I have to deal with this stuff, because it was my choice.

You've had more success than many musicians could ever dream of. Is it scary that you have to meet such expectations every day?

I don't want to fret about that. My music comes from my soul, I don't want to meet other people's expectations. I set the standards for myself and as long as I'm happy with myself, I'll be fine.

You started to make music at home, but nowadays you are a welcome guest in the world's most famous clubs, arenas and festivals. When did you feel that you were on track?

It would be difficult to pick a single moment, because everything happened so fast. In general, I look at the whole process in an organic way, in its natural integrity. It has always had a purpose, but has never been motivated by success. While I was making music I wasn't thinking, 'This track will be a world hit.' I worked hard, I had fun doing it and the rest came along.

What is left for you out there? How do you see yourself in 30 years?

I'm happy right now, I love my job and I want to keep it that way. Maybe I'll spend less time on the road and more time as a producer.

You borrowed the vocals from Something's Got a Hold on Me by Etta James in your famous single Levels. How did you find it?

Finally Moving by Pretty Lights led me to it. I heard it for the first time when I was 10 years old and I fell in love with it right away. It was unique, powerful and energetic and I wanted to bootleg it from the first moment. I started to use it at my first parties already, the audience loved it.

The premiere of your new song Wake Me Up was only a month ago. Pete Tong described your track as new and different than your earlier works when he announced it on BBC Radio 1. Do you agree? Do you consider Wake Me Up as a turning point, or a milestone in your career?

I wouldn't call it a turning point, because I'm not planning to do only folk house from now on. Yeah, milestone is more appropriate, I feel like it's time to try new sounds. I will use these experiments on my new album which won't be just an ordinary collection of singles, because I want to use more soul, folk and funk as well, approached from house music.