Spirit Shaped by Music
2 July 2012
Flying cakes, champagne showers, thousands of party people doing what they do—Steve Aoki’s gigs are over the top and unpredictable, and that’s precisely the point. Born in Miami in 1977, Aoki can today be called one of the most successful DJs and music producers of the present. Through his label DIM MAK Records, Aoki has helped shape the trajectory of electro-house music with artists such as Jidax, Bloody Beetroots, and Atari Teenage Riot. This wildly prolific DJ’s creative output is all the more extraordinary when you look at his tour schedule, seemingly hosting parties at simultaneous destinations worldwide—from Shanghai to Vegas, and Barcelona to Berlin. Aoki plays around 250 gigs a year, but he still finds time to release records, do remixes for artists such as Lenny Kravitz, Snoop Dogg, and Bloc Party, collaborate with will.i.am and Kid Cudi, and even design for his own DIM MAK clothing line. In this intimate interview with The Avant/Garde Diaries, Aoki speaks about his journey to the top, the sounds and sites that influence him, and the spirituality of his music.
Learn more about Steve Aoki HERE.
Director, Camera, & Editorial Lead: Nadine Elfenbein / Camera Assistant: Kyle Neary / Production: Daniela Eger / Editing: Regina Teichs / Seminal Music: Matt Colon and Michael Theanne / Outfit for Steve Aoki by Julia and Ben / Music: TORNADO, Tiesto, & Steve Aoki
We especially want to thank Sarah Sheik, Michael Theanne, and Matt Colon for their time and getting everybody together.
