Steve Aoki
Biography
Steve Aoki (born Steven Hiroyuki Aoki) is an American DJ and producer, born on November 30, 1977. He grew up in Newport Beach, California, and studied at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).
In 1996, he founded his own label, Dim Mak Records. The label has since released more than 250 titles, including electronic artists such as Datsik, Infected Mushroom, Dada Life, Zeds Dead, MSTRKRFT, The Bloody Beetroots, Felix Cartal and Mustard Pimp, as well as bands like Bloc Party, Battles, The Kills and Klaxons.
His DJ and production career took off with his first mix album, *Pillowface and His Airplane Chronicles*, released in January 2008. He was also invited to produce an *Essential Mix* for BBC Radio 1 in August 2008. His solo album *Wonderland*, released in January 2012, features many collaborations with artists such as Lmfao, Kid Cudi, Travis Barker, Will.I. Am (under his alias Zuper Blahq), Wynter Gordon, Lil Jon and Lovefoxxx of CSS.
Aoki is also known for frequent collaborations with other producers, releasing singles with The Bloody Beetroots, Armand Van Helden (of Duck Sauce), Afrojack, Laidback Luke, Tiësto and Sidney Samson. He has also mentioned potential future projects with artists such as Diplo, Knife Party or Chris Lake.
His remix work is equally prolific, having reworked tracks by a wide range of artists, from Jackson 5, Drake, Kanye West and Eminem to The Killers, Bloc Party, Snoop Dogg and Peaches.
On stage, Steve Aoki is known for an intense touring schedule, averaging around 250 shows a year. He notably organized bus tours such as the *Deadmeat Tour* in spring 2012, taking him to more than 55 cities across the United States and Canada. His single I'm In The House, a collaboration with Zuper Blahq (Will.I. Am), reached No. 29 on the UK Singles Chart in March 2010.
Alongside his music career, Aoki is involved in educational causes, serving on the board of the *Music Is Revolution Foundation*, a non-profit organization founded by Michael Davis of MC5 that supports music education in public schools.