Aoki's Festival Introduces Los Angeles to a New Generation of Music

DJ Steve Aoki is standing on the side of the stage, waiting as his friend 'relieves' himself in a nearby bush. Although it is nighttime, the stage lights are too bright to keep Aoki's friend unnoticed. "Me and this guy that's actually pissing over there, we put it together," Aoki says looking around as he takes a sip of his beer. It is 10pm on Sept. 29th in downtown Los Angeles at the Neighborhood Musical Festival, where just minutes ago Aoki was crowd surfing after catapulting himself onto of a wave of screaming fans. Despite warnings of possible rain, the air is cool, clear and just warm enough for all the tattoo-wearing scenesters to show off their unique designs. In a couple of hours, the long awaited bands The Faint and Squeak E Clean will complete the all-day lineup that includes some of the hottest underground musicians, emerging artists and popular celebrity DJ's in the nation.

In the VIP section outside, Victoria's Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosia (looking drop-dead gorgeous without makeup on) dances with friends at a table, while just a few feet away thousands of Hollywood hipsters, punk-rock kids, and hippie youngsters rock out to tunes from Spank Rock, Mickey Avalon, DJ AM, Dirt Nasty, Crystal Castles, Har Mar Superstar, Santo Gold, Flosstradamus and Kid Sister. Just to name a few.

"This is our second festival and this one is special because we wanted to bring out all of the bands and all of the artists that are redefining music in 2007," says Aoki, in a white t-shirt that says "Paint Me Too," as he flips his famously dark long hair out of his face.

Many of the performers are known for having electronic influences, but Aoki is quick to shoot down that label. Instead, he says, he is introducing the world to the next generation of music. "I don't even like that term 'Electronic' really," Aoki says. "I just think its new music. Everyone is doing something that is brand new."

However you define the music, there is no denying the growing popularity of underground bands, much to the credit of Aoki and other DJ's who play the tunes at clubs around LA. "This is actually a really special time in LA too," Aoki says. "All these kids are making LA insane. I've talked to a lot of DJ's and artists that come to LA to play and they always say LA is the best place in America."

Aoki has a list of famous friends such as a Lindsay Lohan and Kelly Osborne, but he is more than just another celebrity DJ. Aoki, who has his own indie record label, DIM MAK Records, co-founded the festival with Meelo Solis of Stake Productions to give rising indie artists a platform to showcase their revolutionary sounds and bring them to the forefront of the music world.

But simply calling the music avant-garde would be an understatement. Aoki believes it is an entire movement and LA is just the beginning. He is on a worldwide mission and says he hopes to bring the festival global. "What we're doing and what this movement is, is beyond Electronic music," Aoki says. "We are like really taking over. I mean, honestly, I feel like this is going to be the next era of music that people finally see."

But for indie fans, there is no need to worry about the festival moving from the neighborhood anytime soon. "Right now LA is my focus and it's my favorite place in the whole world," Aoki says. "I love this city. I love what's going on right now and the concept and idea of doing this festival was about LA, you know? There is something extremely special happening here." Whatever is happening, we can thank Aoki.