Steve Aoki Interview: SXSW 2010

Record label boss, DJ, international playboy--Steve Aoki wears many hats. He recently sat down with Spinner to discuss his crazy lifestyle before he heads down to SXSW.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Loud, aggressive, fun.

How did you become a DJ?

I was never really into DJ culture when I was young. I was a punk/hardcore kid starting a label called Dim Mak and, after we started signing artists, we threw Dim Mak parties in LA around 2003 and that's where I started DJing. About 2006 I started producing remixes and four years later I'm about to put out my first studio album though my label and Island/Def Jam.

What's your biggest vice?

Poker. I play cash games wherever I go. When I was touring Australia I played in every casino I could find. Plus there's tons of house games going around in LA.

Who was your first celeb crush?

That's a tough one, I guess I'd say Lindsay Lohan.

Have you ever met her?

Yeah, she's actually good friend of mine. That's partially why I said her name, to give her the plug.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Some old classic joints that people don't expect from me. There's a song I open my set with that's by the Carpenters called 'Close to You.' That's a f---ing jaaaam.

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles.100%. No doubt. Stones don't even come close to the Beatles.


Jonathon Dekel is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.