Bouncing people fill the venue, powerful fireworks, moving lights and electrifying lasers engulf the crowd. Steve Aoki is at the helm of the mixing console, carefully planning his way to the ultimate goal of uniting the crowd with music and cake. Though each has its own unique touch, fans can expect similar scenarios at the many concerts Aoki performs each year.
“I’ve been touring almost continuously for over 10 years now,” says the renowned DJ and producer, who in 2012 was awarded the Guinness World Record for being the most traveled musician in a single year, a title he still holds to this day.
Although Steve Aoki is known for his electronic dance music, there’s a good chance he’s collaborated with some of your favorite artists outside of the genre, including Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, Hayley Kiyoko, Ne-Yo, Blink-182, and more.
The son of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki, the two-time Grammy nominee has the words “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” tattooed on his neck. As a musician, this phrase seems to be what he lives for, and he shows no signs of slowing down. In April 2024, Aoki released a manga called “HiROQUEST: Genesis & Double Helix,” a collaboration between Aoki and renowned manga artist Jim Kruger, and in June he released his latest album. Meanwhile, he continues to tour the world.
We caught up with Aoki between shows to hear the highlights of his life story, including his influences, eccentricities, aspirations, and his most cherished tattoo.
You’re undoubtedly one of the most well-known DJs in the world, what inspired you to take this career path? When did you start mixing music and what inspired you?
I’ve always had a deep passion for music and its power to bring people together. I grew up being influenced by a wide range of musical genres, from punk rock to hip hop. My journey into the world of DJing began while I was a student at UC Santa Barbara, first hosting small gigs in my apartment and eventually founding my own label, Dim Mak Records, in 1996. The urge to create and share music that can make people feel something, connect and dance is what drove me towards this career. Artists like Daft Punk and the early rave scene were huge inspirations for me. The energy and community aspect of the electronic music scene really resonated with me and motivated me to pursue this path.
Describe your creative process: what or who inspires you when making music?
My creative process is dynamic and starts with an idea or emotion I want to convey. I get inspiration from many different sources: different genres of music, everyday sounds and personal experiences. Collaborating with other artists also sparks new ideas. I aim to capture the essence of a moment and translate it into sound, creating music that evokes emotion and makes people want to move.
What can fans expect from your latest album and how is it different from your previous albums?
Fans can expect my new album, due for release in June, to be a return to my dance music-centric roots. The album goes back to the core themes that characterize my earlier work, with a focus on creating tracks that move people. It covers a wide range of genres, but stays true to the essence of dance music. It also features some exciting collaborations with both up-and-coming and established artists, putting a fresh twist on classic dance vibes.
How do you stay up to date on new things when you’re constantly on tour? How do you stay fresh?
To keep things fresh, I try to vary my sets and incorporate new music and visuals. I get energy from the different cultures and audiences I encounter all over the world. Working on new material while on tour can be a challenge, but I take my production laptop with me and make the most of my free time. Traveling and experiencing new places gives me endless inspiration for my music.
Tell us about the first time you threw a cake into an audience and why do you think the tradition became so popular?
The first time I threw a cake into the audience was at a smaller show when I wanted to do something memorable and fun. It quickly became a signature part of my performances because it’s such a unique and interactive experience for the fans. People love the unexpected and outlandish nature of it. Overall, it added a lot of excitement to my shows and became a tradition that fans looked forward to.
Please tell us about “HiROQUEST”. What inspired you to create this manga? Also, what is your role in its development? Can you give us an overview of the manga?
Creating the graphic novel “HiROQUEST” with Jim Kruger was a dream come true. I’ve always loved comics and sci-fi, and this project allowed me to combine my passions for music and storytelling. I was deeply involved in the creative process, from story ideation to character development. “HiROQUEST” follows a group of unlikely heroes who come together to save the world from impending doom, exploring themes of courage, friendship and unity.
If your father were still alive, what do you think he would say about your success? What would impress him the most? What would you say to him?
If my father were still alive, I know he would be very proud of my success. He always valued hard work and perseverance, so those qualities in my career would have been the most noticeable to him. I think he would be amazed at how my music has spread around the world and the different projects I’ve worked on. I would tell him how much his entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic have inspired me and how grateful I am for the values he instilled in me.
Was he the inspiration behind you buying an all-electric race boat and forming a racing team? Tell us about the boat and the team.
Yes. Inspired by my father’s adventurous spirit, I joined the E1 Boat Race Team. The boat is state of the art and my team is keen to push the limits. I’m looking forward to competing and showing what the power of electricity can do.
Tell us about the Aoki Foundation. What prompted you to set up a brain science research organization?
The Aoki Foundation was established to support brain science and research, which has always been a personal passion of mine. I am driven by a desire to contribute to scientific advances that improve people’s lives and unlock the mysteries of the brain. By funding research and initiatives in this field, I hope to have a positive impact on health and well-being.
How many tattoos do you have and which one is your most important?
I’ve lost track of the exact number of tattoos I have, but each one tells its own story. The ones I treasure most are those that represent important moments or people in my life. For example, I have my mother and father’s family crests tattooed on my back, which holds a special place in my heart as a tribute to them and our family traditions.
Do you have any tattoos you are planning, imagining or expecting to get completed soon?
Not possible at the moment, but anything is possible!
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