JUST HOLD ON
Grammy-nominated DJ Steve Aoki returns to Duke City with ‘Kolony’ tour
It’s been three years since Steve Aoki was on a full-fledged tour.
And the musician and producer is excited to get back to many of the cities during his “Kolony Tour”, which makes a stop on Monday, March 5, at El Rey Theater.
The Grammy-nominated musician is touring in support of his album “Kolony,” released in July. It is his fourth studio album.
“I’m very excited about this U.S. run,” he says in a phone interview while touring overseas. “The show is incredible and full of energy.”
Aoki is known for his highenergy shows, which have only gotten bigger over the course of his nearly twodecade career.
With that in mind, the 40-year-old is taking steps to remain healthy — both physically and mentally — on tour.
This comes in the form of meditating, as well as physical workouts at the gym.
“I’ve been doing this routine for years,” he says. “I’ve always toured a rigorous tour schedule. It was difficult on the physical side of my body. Then I made the decision to start taking care of my body and mind. Those are important ways that allow me to keep me going.”
When “Kolony” was released, it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard electronic album charts.
On this album, he collaborated with more rap artists such as Lil Yachty, Migos, 2 Chainz, Gucci Mane, and T Pain.
Most recently, his single “Just Hold On,” with One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, became a global smash after the pair debuted the song with a performance on “X Factor” last year. And his current single, “All Night,” with Lauren Jauregui from Fifth Harmony, is also rising up the charts quickly.
“Just like any producer or musician, you have to constantly evolve,” Aoki says. “I’m all about diversity in music. I add dynamics by bringing in different artists into the studio with me to collaborate. No experience is ever the same, which makes it fun. There is no formula to what I do. When I get in the lab, it’s all about flow. When you get in that flow, you have to trust in that flow, and it allows me to be open to everything.”
With hundreds of songs in his catalog, Aoki knows he can’t possibly play every song, which makes his set lists a bit of a mixed bag.
“There’s never really a set way of what I do,” he says. “I’ve been loving going back to the big club bangers in the set. I’m always going to have those.”