Exclusive Interview with Steve Aoki

Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Steve Aoki, shortly before his performance at 808 Festival at BITEC Bangna on 9th December.

Your father was a former Japanese wrestler and vou were a star badminton player at your High School in Newport Beach, California. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?

Long story short, I have to blame it on me running a record label. I started the label amidst a time when i was in bands and releasing bands not DJs. Eventually i moved to L.A. and started through DIM MAK parties and since i was self promoting these parties i ended up DJing them and then the rest is history.

You produce a diverse mix of Electro- & Progressive House, Moombahton, Techno and Dubstep. How would you describe your own music in in a few words?

Easiest way to put it is Electro. Electro sound is buried within all those varied tempos that i've produced music in, whether it’s 70 to 110 to 128 bpm.

Your tracks "I’m In The House", “Turbulence”, “No Beef”, “Beat Down” and the recent “A Light That Never Comes” were international chart successes. Out of all tracks you have produced, which would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?

I’d say “Turbulence” because it’s the go to dance floor banger, to the punch and obvious when the drop comes.

You have an impressive record of remixes for stars such as Michael Jackson, Lenny Kravitz ,Robin Thicke and Lady Gaga. Could you point out some remixes that you are especially happy about?

My “2 Unlimited” Remix that i did over the summer has been one of my recent club favorites. “Pursuit of Happiness” to this day is still my biggest song in certain countries and i wrote that one almost 5 years ago.

This year you moved up in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs ranking from #14 (in 2012) to #8. Looking back on over a decade of success in producing music, what are your personal highlights or fondest memories, what was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances? 

My most memorable career defining moment was being nominated for a Grammy for my first and only album so far “Wonderland”. I worked and slaved over that album for near 3 years so it meant the world when the music association deemed it one of the best. The best gig would be Tomorrowland 2013 and worst would be… well i don't really have a worst. I try to keep a positive attitude towards everything, even the difficult gigs are a learning process. Funniest thing might be jumping off a 10 meter platform and doing a front flip into a stunt pillow during my last song at Future Music Festival Brisbane.

What are you currently working and focusing on and what’s on your agenda for the near future?

My next album “Neon Future” is my major focus. I have a single with R3hab coming out in a week called “Flight”, but all my attention is on my album.

In 1996 – in your early 20s - you founded your own record label DIM MAK. By now, its roster features an impressive array of talent, such as Alvin Risk, Angger Dimas, Blasterjaxx, Borgore, Dada Life, Datsik, Dirty Disco Youth, Dirtyphonics, Funkagenda, Gtronic, Joachim Garraud, Mustard Pimp, Showtek, Tommy Trash, Yolanda Be Cool and Zedd. How are artists signed to the label? Do you select them all personally?

We have a board tabling future signings now. DIM MAK is as much a part of the staff that run it day to day, as it is a part of me.

Since 2006 you are a board member of “Music Is Revolution Foundation”, a non-profit organization that provides music education support within public schools. What can you tell us about the organization and your involvement?

I've been friends with Michael Davis and his wife Angela Davis from when he produced a band called Dollhouse that we released on DIM MAK. Since then they asked me to be a part of the foundation to help bring attention to that concept that you brought up. I just help spread the word. Michael Davis was a great human being and his wife is amazing and they do great work for the community and schools

You are performing an average of 250 shows per year, in 2012 it was even up to 300. What is the count of 2013 and what are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and the things you miss when you are on tour?

Not sure i’ll have to tally it up but it’s a lot. At this point I bring 3 computers. One to work on studio wise, two for DJing, one as a backup. The rest is all peripheral. I miss my studio in my house and my bed.

You’ve been to Thailand several times already. Your Bangkok Debut was at the opening of 808 Club - that was around 8 years ago. Since then you returned several times for events of Retox Sessions - most recently in 2011 and 2012. How did the connection between you and Arsit and his company Retox Sessions come about in the first place? Did you keep your shows here in good memory?

He's become a good friend. He's a great dude bringing international artists to the Bangkok scene. I plan to work with him in the future and now. Excited to be back!!

You live performances are – amongst other things – famous for involving the throwing of cakes. How did that evolve in the fist place?

I started caking people in spring of 2011 and it’s stuck since… no pun intended.

On 9th December you will play here in Bangkok at the 808 Festival – alongside Bassjackers, Bingo Players and Chuckie. What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance?

Some new music from neon future!!! That’s my main new surprises!! Vry proud of these songs and I want to share them with my crazy BKK fans.

Is there a message we can deliver to the Bangkok crowd?

Without you I wouldn't be coming so thank you so sososoososo much!!!!!