TDink : Fashion. Lifestyle. Technology.

photoshoot produced by Donald E Henson

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TEE: DIM MAK COLLECTION
UNDERWEAR: PAUL FRANK
NECKLACES: TALENT OWN

By day, he runs Dim Mak Records and the Dim Mak clothing line. By night, he spins at the hottest parties and clubs. Sleep is a luxury for him---he is always on a plane or busy at work. Steve Aoki is a workaholic and he's great at what he does. This DJ is building an empire of fashion and music and shows no signs of slowing down.

TDink: How did you find your passion for music?
Steve Aoki: My first real introduction to music was rap music when I was in elementary school. I don’t know who introduced me to easy e. I was so allured by the cassette that I wrote down the entire album in my notebook and I remembered all the lyrics.

The music got me excited to actually help me start using my head. That was the introduction to the hardcore punk rock world. Because of that I got to understand the DIY (do it yourself) mentality.

I started my own zine called Yell which was an Asian interest magazine. That whole mix tape brought me to the place where I am now. I would have never started a record label or my own band. The culture of that world was important to shaping who I am today.

TD: How would you describe your dj style?
SA: It varies. I adapt to my surroundings. I get booked at these Vegas gigs at these mainstream parties. I play what they want to hear. Then I get booked for live shows and that’s where I play 20% of my own remixes and my own productions. Its all fun dance music

TD: Describe a typical day in the life of Steve Aoki:
SA: The La version is I’m in my office almost 20 hours of the day. I’m pretty much live and breath the dimmak office. I have 14 people running around with many teams—one for marketing, one for the label and they all work together. Then I DJ at night.

When I’m on the road, I get to a city from a flight, chill, have some dinner, sleep for two hours, arrive in the next city. I only get 2 to 4 hours of sleep a night. Last year I racked 300 flights.

I’ve already been to Asia, Europe, America (back and forth). Its all time management and team management. Before I leave a campaign, I make sure that team is totally fit to run the demands of Dim Mak. Up until last year, I was funding my label all by myself.

TD: What does Dim Mak mean?
SA: Death Touch—in Chinese. I didn’t name it that because of what it means but its because its related to Bruce Lee. Growing up in Newport Beach as an Asian, Bruce Lee was the guy that everyone liked.

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