I have been hipped on Steve Aoki for quite some time. Not because I idolize what he does and want to know as much as I can about him, but mostly because I have been trying to decipher what the big hype is. His LA-based record label, Dim Mak, has released countless records. His Dim Mak clothing line is selling truckloads of 100 dollar zip-up hoodies with dinosaur print, if you're into that sort of thing. He's also considered a "superstar DJ" from the LA scenesters. I'm still wondering what the big hype is, musically. His debut mix answered this question for me.
Aoki has raised the bar. Don't get me wrong. We all love to listen to our favorite DJ flawlessly mix their handpicked tracks, but with all of the new ways of keeping your crowd on the dancefloor - why not try something different? Pillowface And His Airplane Chronicles is packed with originality with numerous guest voiceovers layered on top of the tracks. He picked his guests wisely -- all of whom he has worked with before, respects as artists, and has known for a long time. Kid Sister (the Kanye West approved indie rapper), Todd Fink from the Faint, Steve Bays from Hot Hot Heat, and Mickey Avalon (a rap artist from Hollywood) all grace this album with their innovative voiceovers. Aoki tried to do something more desirable than what everyone else has mastered by putting something brand new on the table, rather than just mixing 10 tracks and being done with it. He did it well. Not only did he put this creativity over music that is easily recognizable to the everyday dance music listener, but he also purposely selected familiar tracks that will draw in new listeners and hopefully leave them with lingering curiosity to explore more artists they never would have heard of prior to listening to this mix.
From Toyko to Tijuana and Miami to Hawaii, there is no hiding the fact that Steve Aoki is all over the place with his tour. "Pillowface," whom he claims to be his alter ego, is constantly hopping from one plane to another. Late hours at the club, partying, and rarely getting a decent night of sleep is not what most people dream about but his lifestyle gives him a gift. A gift that allows him to discover unique artists from all over the world and bring those sounds together for us to enjoy. Embrace his findings. You will not be disappointed.
