U.O.X. Play Future: Steve Aoki conquers the music world one track at a time

Steve Aoki at Zouk KL in 2008 (Photo: Go International)

Steve Aoki aka Kid Millionaire is a busy man. On top of being a superstar electro house DJ/producer, he’s remixed countless tracks by artists like Snoop Dogg, Peaches and Timbaland, and was responsible for igniting the careers of Bloc Party, Klaxons and MSTRKRFT through his label Dim Mak. These days he’s still playing music god by bleeding out new acts like The Bloody Beetroots and new signees Motor, all the while still managing time to release his own album of remixes, Pillowface And His Airplane Chronicles, in 2008. He’s also known for packing his year up with a hectic DJ touring schedule and his good-natured alliance with nightlife photographer Mark “The Cobrasnake”. Aoki, The Cobrasnake and members from the former's Dim Mak stable fly into KL on 30 May for the U.O.X. Play Future finale. We touch base with Kid Millionaire on Mother's Day for a chat about his mum, Mozart and his actor sister Devon Aoki.

If you had to draw a parallel between your music and a superhero, who would it be?
Malcolm X.

If you could be one great musician?
Beethoven.

You've said in an interview with webzine Asiance once that you want people to “f*ckin' go nuts, take their clothes off, get naked, get a boner” to your music. What music is giving you a boner these days then?
Motor.

Are there any records out there that you wished you produced?
[Mozart’s] ‘Piano Concerto No. 24 In C Minor, K. 491’.

You're kind of like an Energizer bunny when you DJ. Have you ever had a major tripping accident?
My elbow is still f*cked from New Year’s Eve 2007. I need to see a doctor.

You're half-naked most of the time we see you. Are you comfortable with your body?
No, I’m chubby. I’m trying to work it off but when you're reaching for vodka instead of water when you're working out, it’s kinda hard.

There are tons of cool people at your gigs–famous or not. Do you meet any nasty celebrities though? Spill!
Yeah, Cobrasnake is my best friend and nastiest celebrity.

DJs get more chicks than rockstars–myth or fact?
It all depends on who tours more on the road and who’s got more fame. I’m on the road over 300 gigs a year. Most DJs don’t do that. Some artists I know are on the road that amount as well. So it’s hard to say.

Dim Mak being a tribute to Bruce Lee, if you could score one Lee film, which would it be?
Game Of Death, being his last and most epic.

When people think of you and your half-sister Devon, they think “edgy”. What's the wildest thing both of you have ever done as kids (or adults)?
We both had adult experiences at an early age. I can’t speak for her but I did acid when I was 13, and since then I’ve been a square. No drugs beyond weed.

You're co-owner of Shin, a Korean BBQ restaurant in LA. Tell us how an American-born Japanese got involved in a Korean restaurant.
Namely one friend, Danny Masterson. We do some business together and this restaurant is one of the things we combined efforts on. Try the food and you’ll understand. It’s amazing.

There's a kind of good-natured “bromance” going on with you and Mark “The Cobrasnake”. Do you ever get tired of looking at each other?
Never.

What does Steve Aoki love doing when he's not busy taking over the world?
[Playing] Poker.

Mother's Day is today! Tell us a bit about your mum. Like, does she dig your music?
I love my mum more than anything in the world, even though we are complete opposites. She’s a conservative church-loving person and I’m the farthest from that. She came to one show when I played ‘F*ck The Police’ by NWA and Rage Against the Machine when the track goes into “F*ck you, I won’t do what you tell me”…and I looked back at her and her six older Japanese church friends and they were moving, dancing and clapping. I’m not sure they could understand what was being said, but they were enjoying themselves. She’s the most supportive pillar throughout my entire life. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Where do you see yourself retiring from it all? Describe yourself and your surroundings.
Retiring is not in my understanding. My father never retired throughout his life because he loved and lived his work, and did it successfully. I plan to try to live up to that the best I can.

The upcoming outdoor dance festival U.O.X. Play Future in Kuala Lumpur will mark your second time DJing in Malaysia. Are you psyched?
I love Kuala Lumpur. I had the best memories of playing Zouk there [in 2008]. I can’t wait. And to be there with my crew of friends is going to be disastrous!

WORDS THE GEEK
www.steveaoki.com