Electric Eclectic

This was a post I wrote for the best fucking dance music site on the planet: Global Dance Music

Steve Aoki has certainly come a long way from his humble beginnings as being simply a DJ named Kid Millionaire to being one of the most recognizable and sought after EDM producers on the planet. 2011 proved to be a banner year for the Asian-American superstar as he pumped out such jams as ‘No Beef’ with Afrojack, ‘Tornado’ with Tiesto and‘Turbulence’ featuring Lil’ Jon & Laidback Luke. Looking to build upon his success, Aoki is starting 2012 with the epic release of his first full-length studio album, “Wonderland.” An album in which he promised to employ new styles and sounds, “Wonderland” delivers a sucker-punch of aggressive dance music right to the chops, showcasing his evolution while simultaneously giving his “Pillowface” era fans what the have been missing for the last few years.

“Wonderland” is definitely an album for a more refined than average musical palate, using less than conventional and sometimes experimental song structures that aren’t too rowdy to be played in a V.I.P. section, but more than live enough to keep a crowd completely engaged (as we had the pleasure of seeing him lay it down last week with Datsik at the Fillmore Auditorium).Steve Aoki certainly didn’t go light on the starpower for his debut album either. Tracks feature Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo, leading rapper and drummer Kid Cudi & Travis Barker and of course his favorite mysterious hip-hopper Zuper Blahq which truly displays how eager artists were to be a part of “Wonderland.”

 Being that I like to think of myself as an original Kid Millionaire follower, spotlight tracks (which can be streamed below) were the aforementioned “Earthquakey People” ft. Rivers Cuomofor the fact that it is a simple, in your face electro throwdown that has me air drumming to the bass line, “Heartbreaker” ft. Lovefoxxx for its feelgood house vibe and “The Kids Will Have Their Say” ft. Sick Boy & The Exploited because of its earnest, and to the point punk rock interpretation of EDM.

 There is a melodic gem for fans across all genres of music, from electro, house, dubstep and progressive to punk-rock, hip-hop and indie Steve Aoki’s diversity remains one of the reasons he continues to be at the forefront of the current electronic wave, rocking the very foundation of the music business. A worthy listen, that is a little all over the place at times, but admirable for its ingenuity and creativity. Plug it in, and always remember to let us know what you’re thinking. Think Globally.

Steve Aoki - Wonderland by steveaoki