Avicii’s Father Talks Mental Health at International Music Summit in Ibiza

Klas Bergling had some important things to say at IMS Ibiza.

The annual International Music Summit (IMS) was held over the past few days at the Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza, Spain. Klas Bergling, father of the late Avicii, was there to talk and raise awareness about some important topics concerning musicians and mental health.

In an interview with BBC Radio 1's Pete Tong, Bergling mainly addressed the newly founded Tim Bergling Foundation, a nonprofit aiming to support organizations taking initiatives towards suicide prevention, as well as highlight topics such as climate change and animal welfare moving forward. "Tim wanted to make a difference," stated the Bergling family back in March when the initiative was announced. "Starting a foundation in his name is our way to honor his memory and continue to act in his spirit."

The father of the late artist also talked about the Avicii's mental health, which slowly deteriorated as his touring schedule got more intense. Among the contributing factors were his lack of sleep, progressing social anxiety and depression, and alcohol dependency.

“It’s not many jobs that you can drink while you work, or you’re allowed to. If you start drinking at your job, your manager is supposed to take care of you quickly,” explained Bergling. “Life as a DJ and travels where you don’t get any rest between, you travel a lot, you sleep less. The pressure is great depending on the individual, some people handle it perfectly, others don’t.”

IMS Ibiza's 12th edition was held May 22nd to 24th, and featured talks by some of the most influential figures in electronic music. A party at the Dalt Vila castle in Ibiza Old Town marked the closing ceremony, featuring performances by Adam Beyer, Charlotte de Witte, Nicole Moudaber, and more.

H/T: Dancing Astronaut

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