Steve Aoki

Date of Birth: November 30, 1977

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Biography

Steve Aoki, born Steven Hiroyuki Aoki, is an American musician, DJ, record producer, and music executive. He was born on November 30, 1977, in Miami, Florida, but grew up in Newport Beach, California. Aoki is the third child of Rocky Aoki, the founder of the Benihana restaurant chain, and Chizuru Kobayashi. Despite his affluent background, Steve carved his own path in the music industry, becoming one of the most successful and influential figures in electronic dance music (EDM). Aoki’s career began in the mid-1990s while he was still in college. He founded his own record label, Dim Mak Records, in 1996, which has since released music by other influential EDM artists such as Bloody Beetroots and Bloc Party. His debut studio album, “Wonderland,” was released in 2012 and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronica Album. Known for his energetic live shows, Aoki often incorporates stunts such as cake throwing and crowd surfing into his performances. His collaborative works include tracks with artists like will.i.am, Afrojack, LMFAO, Linkin Park, and Fall Out Boy. Beyond music, Aoki is also an entrepreneur, launching ventures in fashion, a memoir, and even a foundation focused on brain research.

5 Interesting Facts about Steve Aoki

1. Steve Aoki holds a Guinness World Record for the “most traveled musician in one year,” completing 168 shows in 41 countries in 2014.

2. He is an avid supporter of brain research and established the Aoki Foundation to fund advancements in brain science.

3. Aoki was a member of the University of California, Santa Barbara’s college debate team and graduated with two B.A. degrees—one in Feminist Studies and the other in Sociology.

4. He is known for his signature cake-throwing stunt during live performances, which has become a fan-favorite aspect of his shows.

5. Despite his Japanese heritage, Aoki is fluent in Spanish, which he learned while growing up in Southern California.