Steve Aoki is an American electro house musician and record producer, founder of Dim Mak Records.
Steve Aoki Biography
Steven Hiroyuki Aoki is an American electro house musician and record producer. In 2012, Pollstar named him the best-selling dance artist in the US. He collaborated with many important artists like will.i.am, Afrojack, LMFAO and Iggy Azalea. He released several successful albums, most noteworthy Wonderland, which brought him a Grammy award in 2013. Additionally, he founded a charitable fund.
Early Life, Career & Breakthrough
Steve Aoki was born in Miami but he grew up in Newport Beach, California. His half-sister is the famous model and actress Devon Aoki. During his school years, Steve played badminton. He graduated college with two bachelor degrees, in feminist studies and the other in sociology. During that period he self-recorded songs and performed underground gigs in his Biko house. By the time he was 20, he had already founded his own label, Dim Mak. Furthermore, he formed the duo Weird Science and continued to produce songs.
In 2006, Aoki released his debut mix album, Pillowface and His Airplane Chronicles. The record debuted at number 15 on the US Dance chart. In 2008 had an Essential Mix on BBC Radio 1. He collaborated with many artists and remixed many as well. In 2009, his remix of Drake’s Forever stood out and topped Hype Machine’s chart.
International Success
Steve Aoki gained support and recognition through intensive touring, even in lesser-traveled regions. He developed eccentric habits like throwing cake at fans. In 2010, he released I’m in the House, a collaboration with will.i.am. The song reached 29 on the UK Singles chart and top 5 on the Dance and Indie charts. Moreover, it was featured on MTV’s Jersey Shore. In 2012, the artist released his debut solo album, Wonderland, which contained appearances from the likes of LMFAO, Kid Cudi, Kay, Travis Barker, will.i.am and others. In 2014 he topped the Dance charts with his second album, Neon Future I. One year later, he released Neon Future II, which got him a second spot on the same chart. He is currently working on Neon Future III.
Photo source: Discogs
