Electronic music pioneer and DJ Steve Aoki has traveled the globe for decades, filling concert venues with pyrotechnics, lighting, lasers, and masses of zest-filled fans, and absorbing numerous, fascinating cultures. “I’ve been on a near-constant tour for over a decade now,” says the man who earned the designation of “Most-Traveled Musician in One Year” by Guinness World Records in 2012, which he still holds today.
As the founder of the nearly 30-year-old record label Dim Mak and one of the most well-known DJs in the world, it’s clear that music is Aoki’s passion. “It’s all about community building and pushing the music scene forward,” he says of the record label. “I love A&R (artists and repertoire) work — it’s always a great feeling to discover new talent and share it. We have a strong team managing releases, and I’m proud that we’ve survived this long and are still at the forefront of electronic music.”
While his affections lie in bringing people together through music, he’s also deeply involved in contributing to and supporting brain science and research through the Aoki Foundation. On September 22, 2024, the organization held its inaugural gala and fundraiser, Aoki Games, in Las Vegas to raise funds and awareness for brain research, brain health, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Jetset Magazine recently caught up with the two-time Grammy Award nominee to tune into his recent journeys. “Music is always at the core of what I do, so that’s the focus,” he says of his endeavors. “Everything else stems from that.”
Jetset: You recently released your ninth studio album, Paragon. What inspired this album? Are there any exciting collaborations you can highlight?
Steve Aoki: Paragon, my ninth studio album, is inspired by HiROQUEST, which is also an album series. I’ve done HiROQUEST 1 and 2, and they’re tied to a story I’ve been writing. The first book was released earlier this year, and while writing the second book, I developed an important concept called the Paragon Aura, which is crucial to the story. This aura brings HiRO back from Heavenly Hell, where he’s stuck, and helps save the world.
Musically, Paragon brings me back to my dance roots, focusing more on my sound within electronic music rather than on numerous collaborations.
As for collaborations, I have a new song with Kenia Os from Mexico, another with Oscar Maydon, and several dance collaborations that I debuted at Tomorrowland. You can check out those new tracks on my YouTube page (youtube.com/steveaoki).
Jetset: Describe your creative process. What or who do you use as inspiration when creating your music?
Aoki: My creative process is dynamic, starting with an idea or feeling I want to convey. I draw inspiration from various sources, including different music genres, everyday sounds, and personal experiences. Collaboration with other artists also sparks new ideas. I aim to create music that evokes emotion and makes people want to move, capturing the essence of a moment and translating it into sound.
Jetset: You travel more than half the year for shows, business, and pleasure. What motivates you to keep this momentum?
Aoki: What motivates me is that I love what I do. About 98% of my travel is for shows, and I love performing for fans all across the world. I’m passionate about making music and connecting with people through it — it’s my biggest love.
Jetset: How do you pack your wardrobe when jet-setting?
Aoki: I have different outfits for shows and casual wear. When I travel, I’m very efficient — I try to wear everything I pack so I don’t carry too much. I prefer to travel with just a carry-on if possible, though for long runs, I bring extra luggage for show clothes. The rest, I can recycle and wear again.
Jetset: How do you work on new stuff when you’re always traveling? How do you keep things fresh?
To keep things fresh, I try to vary my sets and incorporate new music and visuals. I draw energy from the different cultures and audiences I encounter around the world. Working on new material while on the road can be challenging, but I bring my production laptop with me and take advantage of any downtime. Traveling and experiencing new places provide endless inspiration for my music.
Jetset: Where is your favorite place to visit worldwide, and why?
Aoki: I love visiting Japan; it’s my favorite place in the world. I’m also passionate about the ocean: free diving, cliff jumping, and just being in the water. When in Europe, I try to hit coastal countries and cities. In winter, I’m a big snowboarder and enjoy incredible mountains in places like Alaska, Japan, the U.S., and Canada.
Jetset: Do you have your own jet, or do you charter?
Aoki: I don’t own a jet. I charter jets, especially in Europe where the pace is rapid, and it’s impossible to get from one city to the next in the short time I need to play shows. So, private jets are a necessity in Europe, but I still fly commercial about 70% of the time.
Jetset: What do you look for when chartering a jet?
Aoki: The top priority is safety. If the jet has a bench that converts into a bed, that’s a major bonus since I lack sleep when touring. On summer runs, we usually travel with a 13- to 15-passenger jet so we can bring family and more people on the road with us.
Jetset: When you’re not traveling, where do you call home?
Aoki: When I’m not on the road, I’m at home in Las Vegas at a place I call Aoki’s Playhouse. It even has its own Instagram (@aokisplayhouse), where you can see some of the fun activities we do there. The house has my studio, gaming room, workspace, two gyms, and a health spa setup with hyperbaric chambers, cold plunges, and saunas. I also have a vast collection of collectibles, cards, and art. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy life.