American electro house musician and producer Steve Aoki is a well known DJ and the founder of Dim Mak Records that has produced leading Indie rock bands such as Gossip, Bloc Party, the Kills, and the Rakes among its stable of signees.
Steve is performing live at Club Déjà Vu, Durbar Marg on Tuesday at ‘Carlsberg presents Steve Aoki Live In Nepal’. The event is organized by KTMLIVE Entertainment partnering with Team 61LIVE from Hong Kong in association with Republica.
Belonging to Japanese heritage, Steve calls Los Angeles his home. In 2007, he released his first official mix CD, ‘Pillowface and His Airplane Chronicles’. Featuring tracks by Justice, Klaxons, Mystery Jets, Peaches, Datarock, Yelle, Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party, and Scanners -- most of them remixed – ‘Pillowface and His Airplane Chronicles’ fairly represents Steve’s remarkable works.
Steve, who was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronica Album in 2013, will be performing in Nepal for the first time. Meanwhile, well known DJs of Nepal namely Finzok, Karyon, Norchen, Phuchhey, Punit, Redmus, Rabbit and Suren, among others, will share the platform with Steve.
In an email interview with My City, Steve, some prominent Nepali DJs and organizer shared their excitement for the event.
Steve Aoki
Your expectation from Nepali audience
My management was approached by 61Live, which is our old client for new market and we are more than happy to look at it. It’s my first time in Nepal. I saw few pictures from Diplo’s visit to Nepal and I’m expecting a crazy crowd.
Music for you
Music is everything for me. I was born and raised in a Japanese family, so it was a bit difficult at first. But all my effort and hard work paid off.
Turning point in your life
I dropped out from college to pursue music. So, I started my own record label called DIMMAK. This was the turning point in my life.
Best part while performing live
I love it when the crowd sings the chorus of my song even when I mute the volume.
Your inspiration
DJ AM is my inspiration.
Your preference while working
I’m collaborating with some major artists for my upcoming projects. But I can’t disclose their names at the moment.
Action that define you
Steve Aoki set to rock Kathmandu
My passion for music and hard work define me. I believe in being humble in life.
Your feelings when you got nominated for Grammy
I was happy to be nominated for Grammy, thanks to my team. Such nominations and wins does make a difference in an artist’s career.
Any message for aspiring musicians?
All I want to say is work hard and success will eventually follow you.
Bki Parajuli AKA DJ BKI COOL
Steve Aoki for you
One of the best DJs in the world who loves what he does, have fun with it and creates a bond among his fans and followers.
DJ-ing for you
As if now, it is something I can never quit.
What should one expect from the event?
Something they have never experienced before, the festival vibes.
Current scenario of DJs in Nepal
The scene is doing well at present. Especially the year 2017 has been great so far as we’ve seen new DJs coming up while the established ones are also doing well. However, I think if we could generate awareness about EDM and DJs, the audience would be completely satisfied.
Bipin Nakarmi AKA DJ BPM
Steve Aoki for you
For me, Steve Aoki is not just a DJ or a superb music producer but he is an amazing performer who likes to get his audience involved and perfectly understands the crowd’s energy.
DJ-ing for you
DJ-ing is more of a passion for me. It is more of a need for me, rather than a desire. DJ-ing is a part of who I am, and what I do. It has paved the road to where I stand today.
What should one expect from the event?
This event is going to be kick-ass. People should expect amazing music, crazy-wild performance and a lot of ‘cake-action’.
Current scenario of DJs in Nepal
We need to support our local DJs. We have such an amazing talent in Nepal. Club owners and event organizers should explore new talents.
Finzok Sherpa AKA DJ FINZOK
Steve Aoki for you
He is an inspiration to me and thousands others when it comes to creating music. He is a living legend.
DJ-ing for you
I have always been passionate about music. This is more than just a profession to me.
What should one expect from the event?
Getting a ranking within the DJ Mag Top 10 is some serious craziness. With the current hype about the event, the only thing I can say is that it is going to be one hell of a night.
Current scenario of DJs in Nepal
The scene is growing with international renowned artists coming to perform in Nepal. But locally, people here still don’t know much about EDM. We need to start creating good music and educate the DJs as well as people. We are getting there one step at a time.
Raban Rana AKA DJ RABBIT
Steve Aoki for you
Steve Aoki for me is one of the best DJs in the world and I think is one the most entertaining performer.
DJ-ing for you
Dj-ing for me has become more of a lifestyle.
What can one expect from the event?
One can expect 100 percent madness from the Steve Aoki Live in Nepal.
Current scenario of DJs in Nepal
It’s slowly growing and we have been trying our best to make the shows better.
Robin Gurung from 61live Pvt Ltd
About the event
Steve Aoki’s performance is one of the most awaited events. He is known for his quality performances and unique music set. This event is our first step toward bigger events in the future.
Ticket details
Tickets are exclusively on sale at the door.
What was Steve’s response to your invitation?
Positive, as he was excited to perform in a new market. He wanted to stay in Nepal for at least two-three so he could explore the country. But it was not possible due to his tight schedule.
Challenges you faced in bringing Steve to Nepal
Professional DJ-ing and EDM scenes are comparatively new in Nepal. So, although we did ace some troubles from our competitors, everything turned out well at the end.
How were the Nepali DJs shortlisted for the event?
We have very few experienced EDM DJs in Nepal. So, we considered their experience and taste of music before selecting Nepali DJs for the event.
What can one expect from the event?
We first tested the market with ‘DJ from Mars’ at Karma and ‘Max Vangeli’ at Déjà Vu. It should be a great experience as Nepalis love to party and that’s what we want to give to give the party-goers, a once in a lifetime experience.
