As Ultra Music Festival takes over Miami this weekend, it’s impossible not to take a moment and reflect on one of the most iconic tracks to ever come out of the EDM world—Avicii’s “Wake Me Up.” Released in 2013, this anthem not only redefined the dance music landscape but also brought Tim Bergling (Avicii) to a whole new level of international superstardom.
The Game-Changer: Avicii’s Fusion of Folk & EDM
When Avicii dropped “Wake Me Up” in 2013, it immediately captured the attention of listeners around the globe. The track was an unexpected fusion of folk, country, and EDM—a move that surprised even his biggest fans. With its signature acoustic guitar riff, foot-tapping rhythm, and powerful vocals by Aloe Blacc, “Wake Me Up” was not your typical club banger. Instead, it bridged the gap between two worlds: the folk-inspired melodies of Aloe Blacc’s soulful voice and the progressive beats Avicii was known for.
The result was a track that felt like both an anthem and an emotional journey. Its catchy chorus and uplifting message about self-discovery and waking up to the moment connected with listeners across various genres, from EDM enthusiasts to mainstream pop fans. The song’s genre-defying nature made it a hit across radio stations, festivals, and streaming platforms, solidifying Avicii’s place in music history.
A Record-Breaking Hit
“Wake Me Up” went on to top charts in over 20 countries, including the UK, Australia, and Sweden. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Songs chart, and its music video racked up billions of views on YouTube. Not only did it become one of Avicii’s most commercially successful songs, but it also became the most streamed track in the world at the time, breaking records on Spotify and other streaming platforms. The track’s crossover appeal was undeniable—it was everywhere.
The Track That Transcended Boundaries
Ultra Miami’s electric atmosphere is built on the idea of community—bringing together people from all over the world, united by the music. When “Wake Me Up” first dropped, it embodied that same spirit of connection and togetherness.
As we gear up for another Ultra Weekend in Miami, we can’t help but reflect on how far the festival, and the world of EDM, has come in the last decade. “Wake Me Up” remains a symbol of that growth—both for Avicii and the global EDM movement. Its timeless energy continues to reverberate through the dancefloors of Miami and beyond, an anthem that’s as vibrant and relevant now as it was in 2013.
So as the bass drops and the crowd roars at Ultra this weekend, take a moment to remember the track that defined an era of dance music. Because when the lights go down and the crowd hits that perfect high, we’re all still waking up to the magic of Avicii’s “Wake Me Up.”
