[Music]
[Music] I ever missing the show
[Music]
[Music] so every industry has a heart
so every industry has a heart
so every industry has a heart hardworking person well they said this
hardworking person well they said this
hardworking person well they said this guy’s the hardest-working guy in this
guy’s the hardest-working guy in this
guy’s the hardest-working guy in this industry in sports and business in any
industry in sports and business in any
industry in sports and business in any world I am sitting next to a guy that
world I am sitting next to a guy that
world I am sitting next to a guy that for those of you if you follow India and
for those of you if you follow India and
for those of you if you follow India and you know exactly who it is especially
you know exactly who it is especially
you know exactly who it is especially with the fact that he’s wearing is a
with the fact that he’s wearing is a
with the fact that he’s wearing is a conservative three-piece suit mr. Steve
conservative three-piece suit mr. Steve
conservative three-piece suit mr. Steve Aoki and if you don’t know him let me
Aoki and if you don’t know him let me
Aoki and if you don’t know him let me give you some stats for some of you that
give you some stats for some of you that
give you some stats for some of you that maybe don’t listen to EDM and maybe
maybe don’t listen to EDM and maybe
maybe don’t listen to EDM and maybe you’re hiding under a cave his peers
you’re hiding under a cave his peers
you’re hiding under a cave his peers like Tiesto calls them that you know
like Tiesto calls them that you know
like Tiesto calls them that you know he’s a whole different guy from a
he’s a whole different guy from a
he’s a whole different guy from a different planet there’s not even a guy
different planet there’s not even a guy
different planet there’s not even a guy like him in the world
like him in the world
like him in the world Afrojack says he changed the game they
Afrojack says he changed the game they
Afrojack says he changed the game they call him a beast the guy’s the
call him a beast the guy’s the
call him a beast the guy’s the hardest-working guy in business Guinness
hardest-working guy in business Guinness
hardest-working guy in business Guinness Book of World Record contacts them to
Book of World Record contacts them to
Book of World Record contacts them to say no one works harder than he’s the
say no one works harder than he’s the
say no one works harder than he’s the hardest-working musician in the world
hardest-working musician in the world
hardest-working musician in the world Forbes ranked him top five highest paid
Forbes ranked him top five highest paid
Forbes ranked him top five highest paid DJ’s I think twenty nine and a half
DJ’s I think twenty nine and a half
DJ’s I think twenty nine and a half million dollars in 2017 that’s what we
million dollars in 2017 that’s what we
million dollars in 2017 that’s what we sit in with today so with that being
sit in with today so with that being
sit in with today so with that being said Steve brother thank you listen
said Steve brother thank you listen
said Steve brother thank you listen we’re taking the time man this is really
we’re taking the time man this is really
we’re taking the time man this is really cool to sit in and talk to you
cool to sit in and talk to you
cool to sit in and talk to you especially after watching your
especially after watching your
especially after watching your documentary thank you I got a two story
documentary thank you I got a two story
documentary thank you I got a two story about how I watch a documentary so we
about how I watch a documentary so we
about how I watch a documentary so we just moved into a new house okay and I
just moved into a new house okay and I
just moved into a new house okay and I obviously I know your music but we moved
obviously I know your music but we moved
obviously I know your music but we moved into this new house the the team says
into this new house the the team says
into this new house the the team says Pat you gotta watch his documentary your
Pat you gotta watch his documentary your
Pat you gotta watch his documentary your documentary guy you’ll flip I want to
documentary guy you’ll flip I want to
documentary guy you’ll flip I want to watch his documentary I said okay I’ll
watch his documentary I said okay I’ll
watch his documentary I said okay I’ll get to it so I get on the Netflix phone
get to it so I get on the Netflix phone
get to it so I get on the Netflix phone and it’s 12 o’clock last night I’m
and it’s 12 o’clock last night I’m
and it’s 12 o’clock last night I’m sitting in the bathroom which is where
sitting in the bathroom which is where
sitting in the bathroom which is where we watch most of it and I’m sitting
we watch most of it and I’m sitting
we watch most of it and I’m sitting there with my dog to my lip all the kids
there with my dog to my lip all the kids
there with my dog to my lip all the kids everybody asleep I’m watching this thing
everybody asleep I’m watching this thing
everybody asleep I’m watching this thing and I’m like I’m getting emotional I got
and I’m like I’m getting emotional I got
and I’m like I’m getting emotional I got tears coming out and I’m getting fired
tears coming out and I’m getting fired
tears coming out and I’m getting fired up and I’m getting jacked up and then I
up and I’m getting jacked up and then I
up and I’m getting jacked up and then I comments your mom makes your dad I mean
comments your mom makes your dad I mean
comments your mom makes your dad I mean that’s gotta be one of the best
that’s gotta be one of the best
that’s gotta be one of the best documentaries out there with your life
documentaries out there with your life
documentaries out there with your life thank you so with that being said prior
thank you so with that being said prior
thank you so with that being said prior to us getting into some of the business
to us getting into some of the business
to us getting into some of the business stuff what you’ve done where you’re at
stuff what you’ve done where you’re at
stuff what you’ve done where you’re at family your father rocky your mom how
family your father rocky your mom how
family your father rocky your mom how did this whole thing start like did you
did this whole thing start like did you
did this whole thing start like did you start off day one obviously I know this
start off day one obviously I know this
start off day one obviously I know this story but for some that don’t did you
story but for some that don’t did you
story but for some that don’t did you all over someone they say I want to be a
all over someone they say I want to be a
all over someone they say I want to be a DJ how did that come about yeah you know
DJ how did that come about yeah you know
DJ how did that come about yeah you know my story’s a little different because I
my story’s a little different because I
my story’s a little different because I think a lot of kids in the festival’s
think a lot of kids in the festival’s
think a lot of kids in the festival’s games they’re in the crowd there 14 15
games they’re in the crowd there 14 15
games they’re in the crowd there 14 15 and they like they see it on YouTube and
and they like they see it on YouTube and
and they like they see it on YouTube and like I want to be a DJ I want to be on
like I want to be a DJ I want to be on
like I want to be a DJ I want to be on that stage
that stage
that stage but my my world came very differently I
but my my world came very differently I
but my my world came very differently I I came from the rock world and I was
I came from the rock world and I was
I came from the rock world and I was playing in rooms this size you know when
playing in rooms this size you know when
playing in rooms this size you know when I first started I was in high school and
I first started I was in high school and
I first started I was in high school and I would play to as many people that’s in
I would play to as many people that’s in
I would play to as many people that’s in this room literally I was literally
this room literally I was literally
this room literally I was literally played at like five people and their
played at like five people and their
played at like five people and their parents five kids they’re all my friends
parents five kids they’re all my friends
parents five kids they’re all my friends and that’s really how it all started for
and that’s really how it all started for
and that’s really how it all started for me like I it’s all for me the most
me like I it’s all for me the most
me like I it’s all for me the most important thing I learned is that the
important thing I learned is that the
important thing I learned is that the barrier of entry to get in was
barrier of entry to get in was
barrier of entry to get in was conceivable because like when you’re a
conceivable because like when you’re a
conceivable because like when you’re a kid in the crowd you look at this stage
kid in the crowd you look at this stage
kid in the crowd you look at this stage you’re like the barrier of entry for me
you’re like the barrier of entry for me
you’re like the barrier of entry for me to become an artist is impossible like
to become an artist is impossible like
to become an artist is impossible like it never be as talented yeah I can never
it never be as talented yeah I can never
it never be as talented yeah I can never I could never have the courage or I can
I could never have the courage or I can
I could never have the courage or I can never have the voice or didn’t think
never have the voice or didn’t think
never have the voice or didn’t think that were you thinking not like while
that were you thinking not like while
that were you thinking not like while you’re looking at everybody oh yeah yeah
you’re looking at everybody oh yeah yeah
you’re looking at everybody oh yeah yeah I mean I think I think everyone does
I mean I think I think everyone does
I mean I think I think everyone does I think everyone’s like the barrier of
I think everyone’s like the barrier of
I think everyone’s like the barrier of entry is way too difficult i I know how
entry is way too difficult i I know how
entry is way too difficult i I know how the training I don’t I don’t not like
the training I don’t I don’t not like
the training I don’t I don’t not like trained or I don’t have the schools that
trained or I don’t have the schools that
trained or I don’t have the schools that I found this really vibrant underground
I found this really vibrant underground
I found this really vibrant underground scene of musicians and artists this is
scene of musicians and artists this is
scene of musicians and artists this is in Newport is in Newport Beach it was a
in Newport is in Newport Beach it was a
in Newport is in Newport Beach it was a the the scene itself was it’s called the
the the scene itself was it’s called the
the the scene itself was it’s called the hardcore scene and it’s a very
hardcore scene and it’s a very
hardcore scene and it’s a very specifically the straightedge hardcore
specifically the straightedge hardcore
specifically the straightedge hardcore scene which is a like really a drug
scene which is a like really a drug
scene which is a like really a drug drug-free about drug free lifestyle and
drug-free about drug free lifestyle and
drug-free about drug free lifestyle and you just go to shows the way you get
you just go to shows the way you get
you just go to shows the way you get cool points in the scene is not like
cool points in the scene is not like
cool points in the scene is not like with like like dope sneakers in like a
with like like dope sneakers in like a
with like like dope sneakers in like a dope track suit that you’re wearing but
dope track suit that you’re wearing but
dope track suit that you’re wearing but it’s like make a zine just put on a show
it’s like make a zine just put on a show
it’s like make a zine just put on a show start a band become a guitarist you know
start a band become a guitarist you know
start a band become a guitarist you know and you’re becoming like because it
and you’re becoming like because it
and you’re becoming like because it seems so small it’s like I’ll religion
seems so small it’s like I’ll religion
seems so small it’s like I’ll religion it’s like we are this small church and
it’s like we are this small church and
it’s like we are this small church and we need to expand our you know our base
we need to expand our you know our base
we need to expand our you know our base by giving out like flyers and all of you
by giving out like flyers and all of you
by giving out like flyers and all of you at this time like when you’re going I
at this time like when you’re going I
at this time like when you’re going I was like 15 16 no so that’s what I ended
was like 15 16 no so that’s what I ended
was like 15 16 no so that’s what I ended up doing I was making scenes I picked up
up doing I was making scenes I picked up
up doing I was making scenes I picked up guitar I picked up a microphone I picked
guitar I picked up a microphone I picked
guitar I picked up a microphone I picked up way to record music I started a band
up way to record music I started a band
up way to record music I started a band with like my friends that didn’t know
with like my friends that didn’t know
with like my friends that didn’t know how to play we’d set up everywhere we
how to play we’d set up everywhere we
how to play we’d set up everywhere we would set up in like in like a plaza and
would set up in like in like a plaza and
would set up in like in like a plaza and until it cops came and we just grabbed
until it cops came and we just grabbed
until it cops came and we just grabbed our drum set and run away like literally
our drum set and run away like literally
our drum set and run away like literally would set up everywhere would play
would set up everywhere would play
would set up everywhere would play everywhere and if five people came out
everywhere and if five people came out
everywhere and if five people came out we were super excited and then I got to
we were super excited and then I got to
we were super excited and then I got to the point when I went to college where
the point when I went to college where
the point when I went to college where we I started touring and we went from
we I started touring and we went from
we I started touring and we went from five
five
five playing for 20 people and it was so
playing for 20 people and it was so
playing for 20 people and it was so happy and 20 people yeah like you know
happy and 20 people yeah like you know
happy and 20 people yeah like you know like as 1920 I was like alright we’re
like as 1920 I was like alright we’re
like as 1920 I was like alright we’re gonna drive ten hours to Albuquerque and
gonna drive ten hours to Albuquerque and
gonna drive ten hours to Albuquerque and we made $20 at the door and we may play
we made $20 at the door and we may play
we made $20 at the door and we may play in front of 12 people and it’s amazing
in front of 12 people and it’s amazing
in front of 12 people and it’s amazing that you’re doing that it was my heart
that you’re doing that it was my heart
that you’re doing that it was my heart it was my passion it wasn’t about money
it was my passion it wasn’t about money
it was my passion it wasn’t about money it wasn’t about you know I mean I was a
it wasn’t about you know I mean I was a
it wasn’t about you know I mean I was a kid I just really believed in music now
kid I just really believed in music now
kid I just really believed in music now who were you in high school were you
who were you in high school were you
who were you in high school were you were you were you a cool cat on high
were you were you a cool cat on high
were you were you a cool cat on high school did everybody know who Steve was
school did everybody know who Steve was
school did everybody know who Steve was in high school no I mean I know I mean I
in high school no I mean I know I mean I
in high school no I mean I know I mean I definitely stood out because I was only
definitely stood out because I was only
definitely stood out because I was only like one of the few Asian people in the
like one of the few Asian people in the
like one of the few Asian people in the school you know when I was younger I was
school you know when I was younger I was
school you know when I was younger I was bullied and those you know the whole
bullied and those you know the whole
bullied and those you know the whole story I’m I could really get into that
story I’m I could really get into that
story I’m I could really get into that but one of the most important things
but one of the most important things
but one of the most important things that I recognize now is that when I was
that I recognize now is that when I was
that I recognize now is that when I was a kid when you’re when you’re like one
a kid when you’re when you’re like one
a kid when you’re when you’re like one of the few that look different or are
of the few that look different or are
of the few that look different or are different or ethnically different or
different or ethnically different or
different or ethnically different or whatever it might be you might think
whatever it might be you might think
whatever it might be you might think that life is help right you might think
that life is help right you might think
that life is help right you might think that like and some some kids
that like and some some kids
that like and some some kids unfortunately take their own lives
unfortunately take their own lives
unfortunately take their own lives because they they feel so pushed out to
because they they feel so pushed out to
because they they feel so pushed out to the side and where people say the
the side and where people say the
the side and where people say the horrible most horrible things you could
horrible most horrible things you could
horrible most horrible things you could possibly imagine
possibly imagine
possibly imagine so when you’re an Asian kid if you’re a
so when you’re an Asian kid if you’re a
so when you’re an Asian kid if you’re a like a kid of color you’re someone is
like a kid of color you’re someone is
like a kid of color you’re someone is different and you get made fun of it’s
different and you get made fun of it’s
different and you get made fun of it’s it’s like almost okay and to be accepted
it’s like almost okay and to be accepted
it’s like almost okay and to be accepted as that so for me I grew up under this
as that so for me I grew up under this
as that so for me I grew up under this guise of well I I’m not equal to you
guise of well I I’m not equal to you
guise of well I I’m not equal to you know my peers you would think that yeah
know my peers you would think that yeah
know my peers you would think that yeah because I mean like it just was that’s
because I mean like it just was that’s
because I mean like it just was that’s how it was so my mom was like we have to
how it was so my mom was like we have to
how it was so my mom was like we have to fit in here we have to fit in so don’t
fit in here we have to fit in so don’t
fit in here we have to fit in so don’t cause any trouble don’t rock the boat
cause any trouble don’t rock the boat
cause any trouble don’t rock the boat the thing is like you always find the
the thing is like you always find the
the thing is like you always find the gem in the rough some places and I was
gem in the rough some places and I was
gem in the rough some places and I was able to find this scene that was like a
able to find this scene that was like a
able to find this scene that was like a bunch of like outcasts every song every
bunch of like outcasts every song every
bunch of like outcasts every song every lyric from the bands that listened to
lyric from the bands that listened to
lyric from the bands that listened to was about like this is like we’re the
was about like this is like we’re the
was about like this is like we’re the outcasts we’re the we are the people
outcasts we’re the we are the people
outcasts we’re the we are the people that don’t fit in hey this is our world
that don’t fit in hey this is our world
that don’t fit in hey this is our world this or did you listen to who were you
this or did you listen to who were you
this or did you listen to who were you listening to at that time Gorilla
listening to at that time Gorilla
listening to at that time Gorilla Biscuits which is like I get my first
Biscuits which is like I get my first
Biscuits which is like I get my first tattoo I was like so excited when I was
tattoo I was like so excited when I was
tattoo I was like so excited when I was 18 I was like my first tattoo young girl
18 I was like my first tattoo young girl
18 I was like my first tattoo young girl this kids in the band that kind of was
this kids in the band that kind of was
this kids in the band that kind of was one of the leaders of that see it sound
one of the leaders of that see it sound
one of the leaders of that see it sound and it’s like a way for us to feel like
and it’s like a way for us to feel like
and it’s like a way for us to feel like hey we are something like no one can no
hey we are something like no one can no
hey we are something like no one can no one can tear us down here’s
one can tear us down here’s
one can tear us down here’s the instrument be a voice for yourself
the instrument be a voice for yourself
the instrument be a voice for yourself be a voice for your community and and I
be a voice for your community and and I
be a voice for your community and and I just took that same the same kind of
just took that same the same kind of
just took that same the same kind of process into every business into every
process into every business into every
process into every business into every brand building into my music the
brand building into my music the
brand building into my music the underdog mentality type of thing or more
underdog mentality type of thing or more
underdog mentality type of thing or more of this kind of like DIY mentality where
of this kind of like DIY mentality where
of this kind of like DIY mentality where it’s DIY in my way of understanding it
it’s DIY in my way of understanding it
it’s DIY in my way of understanding it is you you must you have to figure out
is you you must you have to figure out
is you you must you have to figure out how to make ends meet
how to make ends meet
how to make ends meet with the resources in front of you so
with the resources in front of you so
with the resources in front of you so there’s no excuses if you have if you
there’s no excuses if you have if you
there’s no excuses if you have if you have a dollar to your name you got to
have a dollar to your name you got to
have a dollar to your name you got to learn how to use that dollar to to
learn how to use that dollar to to
learn how to use that dollar to to actually become a star as they’ve always
actually become a star as they’ve always
actually become a star as they’ve always been a hustler like that like even when
been a hustler like that like even when
been a hustler like that like even when you were a little kid or did that hustle
you were a little kid or did that hustle
you were a little kid or did that hustle part come later on the hustle part know
part come later on the hustle part know
part come later on the hustle part know the hustles part started because I found
the hustles part started because I found
the hustles part started because I found a scene that encouraged that it was all
a scene that encouraged that it was all
a scene that encouraged that it was all about that dog you want it you want to
about that dog you want it you want to
about that dog you want it you want to get your respect then you got to figure
get your respect then you got to figure
get your respect then you got to figure it out I graduated from college and I
it out I graduated from college and I
it out I graduated from college and I moved to Los Angeles and I was throwing
moved to Los Angeles and I was throwing
moved to Los Angeles and I was throwing parties and I’ve had my label I started
parties and I’ve had my label I started
parties and I’ve had my label I started a label when I was in college and no
a label when I was in college and no
a label when I was in college and no investment no marketing plan no
investment no marketing plan no
investment no marketing plan no investors you know very much like like a
investors you know very much like like a
investors you know very much like like a passion project to support artists and I
passion project to support artists and I
passion project to support artists and I found a few artists that blew up and and
found a few artists that blew up and and
found a few artists that blew up and and you know like no advance no money and by
you know like no advance no money and by
you know like no advance no money and by the way your first place your first
the way your first place your first
the way your first place your first office it is very interesting so that’s
office it is very interesting so that’s
office it is very interesting so that’s the actual first headquarters a year
the actual first headquarters a year
the actual first headquarters a year your operation yeah my first
your operation yeah my first
your operation yeah my first headquarters was a I’m not sure what was
headquarters was a I’m not sure what was
headquarters was a I’m not sure what was in the dock but my first real
in the dock but my first real
in the dock but my first real headquarters was an apartment that’s 900
headquarters was an apartment that’s 900
headquarters was an apartment that’s 900 square feet I share with my girlfriend
square feet I share with my girlfriend
square feet I share with my girlfriend of the time and we had 13 interns
of the time and we had 13 interns
of the time and we had 13 interns working for me because they were
working for me because they were
working for me because they were freaking us I didn’t have any money not
freaking us I didn’t have any money not
freaking us I didn’t have any money not underscore food plays yeah I mean it was
underscore food plays yeah I mean it was
underscore food plays yeah I mean it was tiny and then finally I got my first
tiny and then finally I got my first
tiny and then finally I got my first investors which were Benji and Joel from
investors which were Benji and Joel from
investors which were Benji and Joel from Good Charlotte who I taught them how to
Good Charlotte who I taught them how to
Good Charlotte who I taught them how to DJ back then I was hang out with them
DJ back then I was hang out with them
DJ back then I was hang out with them they were like my closest resident and
they were like my closest resident and
they were like my closest resident and they were in a successful band and
they were in a successful band and
they were in a successful band and they’re like diehard believers of you by
they’re like diehard believers of you by
they’re like diehard believers of you by the way yeah they’re just a really
the way yeah they’re just a really
the way yeah they’re just a really really good people they’re like let me
really good people they’re like let me
really good people they’re like let me see what you’re doing you’re you know
see what you’re doing you’re you know
see what you’re doing you’re you know how to sign you know how to find
how to sign you know how to find
how to sign you know how to find identify talent and we really love the
identify talent and we really love the
identify talent and we really love the culture and community that you’re
culture and community that you’re
culture and community that you’re creating and we want to help you so they
creating and we want to help you so they
creating and we want to help you so they helped take me out of my apartment and
helped take me out of my apartment and
helped take me out of my apartment and put
put
put into this like almost abandoned like
into this like almost abandoned like
into this like almost abandoned like little house and I just threw all my
little house and I just threw all my
little house and I just threw all my friends in there some of us lived there
friends in there some of us lived there
friends in there some of us lived there and and we had this like this such a
and and we had this like this such a
and and we had this like this such a really cool small little community in
really cool small little community in
really cool small little community in Hollywood that eventually became
Hollywood that eventually became
Hollywood that eventually became literally the place where you want to
literally the place where you want to
literally the place where you want to break artists it was at the DMACC
break artists it was at the DMACC
break artists it was at the DMACC parties there like amazing from Kid Cudi
parties there like amazing from Kid Cudi
parties there like amazing from Kid Cudi like Drake was coming through to Kanye
like Drake was coming through to Kanye
like Drake was coming through to Kanye was coming through – Skrillex was that
was coming through – Skrillex was that
was coming through – Skrillex was that way and will.i.am will.i.am was there
way and will.i.am will.i.am was there
way and will.i.am will.i.am was there every show and then I got to meet all
every show and then I got to meet all
every show and then I got to meet all these artists because we were breaking
these artists because we were breaking
these artists because we were breaking you know we had mi a s first show all
you know we had mi a s first show all
you know we had mi a s first show all these new artists who were coming up
these new artists who were coming up
these new artists who were coming up Kesha’s first shows like from pop to
Kesha’s first shows like from pop to
Kesha’s first shows like from pop to hip-hop to electronic it was the culture
hip-hop to electronic it was the culture
hip-hop to electronic it was the culture of breaking music the bigwigs would come
of breaking music the bigwigs would come
of breaking music the bigwigs would come through a Jimmy Iovine showed up like
through a Jimmy Iovine showed up like
through a Jimmy Iovine showed up like like you know I was meeting up with
like you know I was meeting up with
like you know I was meeting up with labels they would come to me to break
labels they would come to me to break
labels they would come to me to break their artists and then you know some of
their artists and then you know some of
their artists and then you know some of the guys were like I’ll take a risk with
the guys were like I’ll take a risk with
the guys were like I’ll take a risk with you and do music with you and I was like
you and do music with you and I was like
you and do music with you and I was like let’s get in a studio and so I was lucky
let’s get in a studio and so I was lucky
let’s get in a studio and so I was lucky I had that platform that we had to build
I had that platform that we had to build
I had that platform that we had to build our own little culture that just spawned
our own little culture that just spawned
our own little culture that just spawned into you know something that was there
into you know something that was there
into you know something that was there was actually have truly underground
was actually have truly underground
was actually have truly underground because back then there was no social
because back then there was no social
because back then there was no social media I mean the social media was like
media I mean the social media was like
media I mean the social media was like MySpace so there’s no snapchat what year
MySpace so there’s no snapchat what year
MySpace so there’s no snapchat what year is this by the way
is this by the way
is this by the way it’s like 2005 to 2009 and and if you
it’s like 2005 to 2009 and and if you
it’s like 2005 to 2009 and and if you want to hear about the underground if
want to hear about the underground if
want to hear about the underground if you want to know about the underground
you want to know about the underground
you want to know about the underground the only way you have to go into these
the only way you have to go into these
the only way you have to go into these clubs these small little places now it’s
clubs these small little places now it’s
clubs these small little places now it’s not so you don’t have to really go there
not so you don’t have to really go there
not so you don’t have to really go there it’s everywhere it’s just like you want
it’s everywhere it’s just like you want
it’s everywhere it’s just like you want to know about something that’s breaking
to know about something that’s breaking
to know about something that’s breaking you go online and and before you’d have
you go online and and before you’d have
you go online and and before you’d have to go and like people would travel
to go and like people would travel
to go and like people would travel around the world just to come to our
around the world just to come to our
around the world just to come to our little parties where where you’d see
little parties where where you’d see
little parties where where you’d see like all these different collaborations
like all these different collaborations
like all these different collaborations lancers and people that would all really
lancers and people that would all really
lancers and people that would all really value the time there and and then I
value the time there and and then I
value the time there and and then I would I would be able to work with some
would I would be able to work with some
would I would be able to work with some of these artists and they’re thinking
of these artists and they’re thinking
of these artists and they’re thinking about money were you at all thinking
about money were you at all thinking
about money were you at all thinking about what we’re gonna build a business
about what we’re gonna build a business
about what we’re gonna build a business we’re gonna build was that it was out on
we’re gonna build was that it was out on
we’re gonna build was that it was out on your mind as always they’re just purely
your mind as always they’re just purely
your mind as always they’re just purely art creativity you know let’s produce
art creativity you know let’s produce
art creativity you know let’s produce something nice here together you know
something nice here together you know
something nice here together you know what even to this day 2018 it’s always
what even to this day 2018 it’s always
what even to this day 2018 it’s always been about creativity it’s never been
been about creativity it’s never been
been about creativity it’s never been about money I mean at the end of the day
about money I mean at the end of the day
about money I mean at the end of the day of course I am thinking business now
of course I am thinking business now
of course I am thinking business now because I’m at a larger scale and I have
because I’m at a larger scale and I have
because I’m at a larger scale and I have to think about the business but if I put
to think about the business but if I put
to think about the business but if I put the money before the creativity then the
the money before the creativity then the
the money before the creativity then the authenticity like almost gets blocked
authenticity like almost gets blocked
authenticity like almost gets blocked you know so I have to really because my
you know so I have to really because my
you know so I have to really because my business is all about authentically
business is all about authentically
business is all about authentically being creative that’s my business it’s
being creative that’s my business it’s
being creative that’s my business it’s like I just I want to be authentically
like I just I want to be authentically
like I just I want to be authentically creative and share that experience
creative and share that experience
creative and share that experience because at the end of the day whatever I
because at the end of the day whatever I
because at the end of the day whatever I do is about I am I am making creations
do is about I am I am making creations
do is about I am I am making creations whether its product fashion this is not
whether its product fashion this is not
whether its product fashion this is not mine but like fashion to music to a live
mine but like fashion to music to a live
mine but like fashion to music to a live experience I’m creating something that
experience I’m creating something that
experience I’m creating something that that I’m sharing with you now if I’m
that I’m sharing with you now if I’m
that I’m sharing with you now if I’m like I need money first before you even
like I need money first before you even
like I need money first before you even see this you know if I start thinking
see this you know if I start thinking
see this you know if I start thinking like that then I’m gonna lose that that
like that then I’m gonna lose that that
like that then I’m gonna lose that that kind of disappears
kind of disappears
kind of disappears yeah the day you know like it’s you know
yeah the day you know like it’s you know
yeah the day you know like it’s you know money will come and I’ve realized that
money will come and I’ve realized that
money will come and I’ve realized that and is in its in some cases money
and is in its in some cases money
and is in its in some cases money doesn’t come and now I’m okay with that
doesn’t come and now I’m okay with that
doesn’t come and now I’m okay with that and I have to go back to that go like
and I have to go back to that go like
and I have to go back to that go like this isn’t about money this is about the
this isn’t about money this is about the
this isn’t about money this is about the love of what I do and sometimes you have
love of what I do and sometimes you have
love of what I do and sometimes you have to stop and think about that and and as
to stop and think about that and and as
to stop and think about that and and as a businessman you know you have to like
a businessman you know you have to like
a businessman you know you have to like take a step back like this isn’t about
take a step back like this isn’t about
take a step back like this isn’t about dollars and cents this is more about
dollars and cents this is more about
dollars and cents this is more about just just the pure love of creating and
just just the pure love of creating and
just just the pure love of creating and and sharing your art let’s transition to
and sharing your art let’s transition to
and sharing your art let’s transition to a whole different topic here one of the
a whole different topic here one of the
a whole different topic here one of the things that I’m fascinated with the
things that I’m fascinated with the
things that I’m fascinated with the stories like parents I look at my own
stories like parents I look at my own
stories like parents I look at my own family I grew up in a very weird family
family I grew up in a very weird family
family I grew up in a very weird family complete like one on this side one on
complete like one on this side one on
complete like one on this side one on the complete my mother sided with
the complete my mother sided with
the complete my mother sided with communist my dad said they were
communist my dad said they were
communist my dad said they were imperialists in Iran confusion like I
imperialists in Iran confusion like I
imperialists in Iran confusion like I grew up in the most craziest environment
grew up in the most craziest environment
grew up in the most craziest environment did you tell your story and I’m sinners
did you tell your story and I’m sinners
did you tell your story and I’m sinners saying oh my gosh so your mom on one end
saying oh my gosh so your mom on one end
saying oh my gosh so your mom on one end purely love you know she believed in you
purely love you know she believed in you
purely love you know she believed in you totally you can do this go get them do
totally you can do this go get them do
totally you can do this go get them do what you want to do you can do this you
what you want to do you can do this you
what you want to do you can do this you can pull this off you can see this woman
can pull this off you can see this woman
can pull this off you can see this woman your mother loves you believes in you
your mother loves you believes in you
your mother loves you believes in you you can do anything wrong by your mom
you can do anything wrong by your mom
you can do anything wrong by your mom and then your dad on the complete
and then your dad on the complete
and then your dad on the complete opposite end you know where it was high
opposite end you know where it was high
opposite end you know where it was high expectation you know a possible shadow
expectation you know a possible shadow
expectation you know a possible shadow how was that dynamic with your
how was that dynamic with your
how was that dynamic with your yeah yeah well you see it like that it’s
yeah yeah well you see it like that it’s
yeah yeah well you see it like that it’s true look like without both of them
true look like without both of them
true look like without both of them there’s no like I am the byproduct of
there’s no like I am the byproduct of
there’s no like I am the byproduct of these two very different personalities
these two very different personalities
these two very different personalities and thank God that that my mom raised me
and thank God that that my mom raised me
and thank God that that my mom raised me because I think the most important thing
because I think the most important thing
because I think the most important thing is you have to be founded with that love
is you have to be founded with that love
is you have to be founded with that love you have to be founded with that human
you have to be founded with that human
you have to be founded with that human connection and my dad lacked the human
connection and my dad lacked the human
connection and my dad lacked the human connection it was very very very like
connection it was very very very like
connection it was very very very like almost I wouldn’t say cold but he was
almost I wouldn’t say cold but he was
almost I wouldn’t say cold but he was very Japanese very masculine very tough
very Japanese very masculine very tough
very Japanese very masculine very tough love and you never asked for a thing
love and you never asked for a thing
love and you never asked for a thing from him you would never dare very
from him you would never dare very
from him you would never dare very samurai spirit I never asked anything
samurai spirit I never asked anything
samurai spirit I never asked anything from oh you oh you could it I mean one
from oh you oh you could it I mean one
from oh you oh you could it I mean one of the most important lessons I learned
of the most important lessons I learned
of the most important lessons I learned from him someone that that had wealth
from him someone that that had wealth
from him someone that that had wealth had the opportunity had everything that
had the opportunity had everything that
had the opportunity had everything that he built the one of the most important
he built the one of the most important
he built the one of the most important things I got from him is that he
things I got from him is that he
things I got from him is that he actually didn’t give me any financial
actually didn’t give me any financial
actually didn’t give me any financial you know like here’s her payday here
you know like here’s her payday here
you know like here’s her payday here like you need some help here some money
like you need some help here some money
like you need some help here some money so he never actually like gave me those
so he never actually like gave me those
so he never actually like gave me those handouts and I had to learn on my own
handouts and I had to learn on my own
handouts and I had to learn on my own like as if I didn’t have just insane
like as if I didn’t have just insane
like as if I didn’t have just insane like a superhero kind of Rockstar
like a superhero kind of Rockstar
like a superhero kind of Rockstar extravagant because that’s common you
extravagant because that’s common you
extravagant because that’s common you know a lot of time when the dad has the
know a lot of time when the dad has the
know a lot of time when the dad has the money it kind of gets you know yeah yeah
money it kind of gets you know yeah yeah
money it kind of gets you know yeah yeah of course
of course
of course Daniel I guess the part of your story
Daniel I guess the part of your story
Daniel I guess the part of your story that I think it’s people resonate about
that I think it’s people resonate about
that I think it’s people resonate about this guy didn’t he comes from money but
this guy didn’t he comes from money but
this guy didn’t he comes from money but he didn’t get you didn’t get money to
he didn’t get you didn’t get money to
he didn’t get you didn’t get money to finance your own company when you first
finance your own company when you first
finance your own company when you first guys not but I mean I I do have to say
guys not but I mean I I do have to say
guys not but I mean I I do have to say he helped me he paid for half of my
he helped me he paid for half of my
he helped me he paid for half of my education in college so I give him
education in college so I give him
education in college so I give him credit for that my mom paid for the
credit for that my mom paid for the
credit for that my mom paid for the other half UCSB the UC system awesome
other half UCSB the UC system awesome
other half UCSB the UC system awesome education for very I mean it was only
education for very I mean it was only
education for very I mean it was only thirteen thousand a year you know this
thirteen thousand a year you know this
thirteen thousand a year you know this is where this is a 90 right there’s 95
is where this is a 90 right there’s 95
is where this is a 90 right there’s 95 to 2000 so as far as I’m a fat check
to 2000 so as far as I’m a fat check
to 2000 so as far as I’m a fat check that but I think it was like less than
that but I think it was like less than
that but I think it was like less than 15 grand a year this is real education
15 grand a year this is real education
15 grand a year this is real education yeah yeah so he covered the education my
yeah yeah so he covered the education my
yeah yeah so he covered the education my mom bought me my car Isuzu Rodeo that I
mom bought me my car Isuzu Rodeo that I
mom bought me my car Isuzu Rodeo that I like drove the ground so something about
like drove the ground so something about
like drove the ground so something about your debt something like the some of the
your debt something like the some of the
your debt something like the some of the things I heard him say by the way
things I heard him say by the way
things I heard him say by the way believe me I relate a lot of the life is
believe me I relate a lot of the life is
believe me I relate a lot of the life is I’m reading them I’m watching I relate
I’m reading them I’m watching I relate
I’m reading them I’m watching I relate to this apart we I think your dad
to this apart we I think your dad
to this apart we I think your dad at one time first of all for some people
at one time first of all for some people
at one time first of all for some people that don’t know where your dad is the
that don’t know where your dad is the
that don’t know where your dad is the founder of Benihana
founder of Benihana
founder of Benihana he was a champion wrestler I think he
he was a champion wrestler I think he
he was a champion wrestler I think he was doing speedboating a couple times he
was doing speedboating a couple times he
was doing speedboating a couple times he almost killed myself it was a story
almost killed myself it was a story
almost killed myself it was a story about him and in hot-air-balloon going
about him and in hot-air-balloon going
about him and in hot-air-balloon going from Japan to us or whatever broke a
from Japan to us or whatever broke a
from Japan to us or whatever broke a world record you know all these are the
world record you know all these are the
world record you know all these are the things that he did he party with he’s
things that he did he party with he’s
things that he did he party with he’s been on Oprah Winfrey Show you know he
been on Oprah Winfrey Show you know he
been on Oprah Winfrey Show you know he was on all these Tony Curtis I think it
was on all these Tony Curtis I think it
was on all these Tony Curtis I think it was all these other names so you’re
was all these other names so you’re
was all these other names so you’re Muhammad Ali all these names he’d said
Muhammad Ali all these names he’d said
Muhammad Ali all these names he’d said something one time and I’m like you know
something one time and I’m like you know
something one time and I’m like you know I’m really curious how do you process on
I’m really curious how do you process on
I’m really curious how do you process on when you watch him say that I think one
when you watch him say that I think one
when you watch him say that I think one time he said I work 16 17 hours a day
time he said I work 16 17 hours a day
time he said I work 16 17 hours a day Venus comes number one
Venus comes number one
Venus comes number one and health number two and family comes
and health number two and family comes
and health number two and family comes number three is that what he meant
number three is that what he meant
number three is that what he meant or did he say because me you know
or did he say because me you know
or did he say because me you know sometimes media takes imagine somebody’s
sometimes media takes imagine somebody’s
sometimes media takes imagine somebody’s and they kind of spin it yeah is that
and they kind of spin it yeah is that
and they kind of spin it yeah is that what he said or does that really what he
what he said or does that really what he
what he said or does that really what he believed he lived that way he was he was
believed he lived that way he was he was
believed he lived that way he was he was like he wasn’t a typical father you know
like he wasn’t a typical father you know
like he wasn’t a typical father you know that was there like you know making sure
that was there like you know making sure
that was there like you know making sure like my mom was my father and my mother
like my mom was my father and my mother
like my mom was my father and my mother likes far as the what you expectation
likes far as the what you expectation
likes far as the what you expectation what a parent is he wasn’t that so
what a parent is he wasn’t that so
what a parent is he wasn’t that so that’s what I’m saying think I my mom
that’s what I’m saying think I my mom
that’s what I’m saying think I my mom raised me because I’d be a different
raised me because I’d be a different
raised me because I’d be a different person if I was with my dad but yeah he
person if I was with my dad but yeah he
person if I was with my dad but yeah he was business first and to be like the
was business first and to be like the
was business first and to be like the biggest it’s like when I see that when I
biggest it’s like when I see that when I
biggest it’s like when I see that when I saw that it is all it further for the
saw that it is all it further for the
saw that it is all it further for the first time in the documentary I started
first time in the documentary I started
first time in the documentary I started laughing so you haven’t seen him say
laughing so you haven’t seen him say
laughing so you haven’t seen him say that before no no I never I never saw
that before no no I never I never saw
that before no no I never I never saw the interview you know so I I and my
the interview you know so I I and my
the interview you know so I I and my first reaction I was laughing because he
first reaction I was laughing because he
first reaction I was laughing because he was just unabashed in a way where you
was just unabashed in a way where you
was just unabashed in a way where you just like you almost have to laugh it’s
just like you almost have to laugh it’s
just like you almost have to laugh it’s like so gnarly and you have to laugh
like so gnarly and you have to laugh
like so gnarly and you have to laugh about it you know so I was laughing I’m
about it you know so I was laughing I’m
about it you know so I was laughing I’m now I’m looking at other people I’m
now I’m looking at other people I’m
now I’m looking at other people I’m because I watched it for the first time
because I watched it for the first time
because I watched it for the first time in beacon theatres with like 3,000 other
in beacon theatres with like 3,000 other
in beacon theatres with like 3,000 other people and for the Tribeca Film Festival
people and for the Tribeca Film Festival
people and for the Tribeca Film Festival and I looked over and people like home
and I looked over and people like home
and I looked over and people like home like God like that’s horrible I’m like
like God like that’s horrible I’m like
like God like that’s horrible I’m like I’m laughing I’m like only one laughing
I’m laughing I’m like only one laughing
I’m laughing I’m like only one laughing you know I’m like oh yeah this is like I
you know I’m like oh yeah this is like I
you know I’m like oh yeah this is like I shouldn’t be laughing but that’s just
shouldn’t be laughing but that’s just
shouldn’t be laughing but that’s just how he is
how he is
how he is so it was normally like I don’t want to
so it was normally like I don’t want to
so it was normally like I don’t want to go surprised this is the normal guy used
go surprised this is the normal guy used
go surprised this is the normal guy used to that’s how easy is just like what
to that’s how easy is just like what
to that’s how easy is just like what those guys that just says it how he
those guys that just says it how he
those guys that just says it how he thinks it so there’s a part of the
thinks it so there’s a part of the
thinks it so there’s a part of the interview
interview
interview we’re part of the documentary where you
we’re part of the documentary where you
we’re part of the documentary where you are you’re driving your team you’re
are you’re driving your team you’re
are you’re driving your team you’re telling your manager you know this is
telling your manager you know this is
telling your manager you know this is your job you’re doing this so you know
your job you’re doing this so you know
your job you’re doing this so you know sometimes you we see the final product
sometimes you we see the final product
sometimes you we see the final product right we see that we see the art we see
right we see that we see the art we see
right we see that we see the art we see art we see the music we see the
art we see the music we see the
art we see the music we see the entertain more like oh my gosh this
entertain more like oh my gosh this
entertain more like oh my gosh this guy’s amazing throwing cakes you know
guy’s amazing throwing cakes you know
guy’s amazing throwing cakes you know fifteen hundred cakes around and all the
fifteen hundred cakes around and all the
fifteen hundred cakes around and all the stuff that you’re doing put them behind
stuff that you’re doing put them behind
stuff that you’re doing put them behind the final product you tour in 250 you
the final product you tour in 250 you
the final product you tour in 250 you st. 250 tour stops per year that’s that
st. 250 tour stops per year that’s that
st. 250 tour stops per year that’s that leaves you a hundred days to yourself is
leaves you a hundred days to yourself is
leaves you a hundred days to yourself is there a part of it on behind closed
there a part of it on behind closed
there a part of it on behind closed doors of driving your team in a way
doors of driving your team in a way
doors of driving your team in a way where your expectation of the team is
where your expectation of the team is
where your expectation of the team is high and extremely high so how do you
high and extremely high so how do you
high and extremely high so how do you balance that with the fun and staying
balance that with the fun and staying
balance that with the fun and staying loose on at the same time hey we got to
loose on at the same time hey we got to
loose on at the same time hey we got to go out there and do our German doing it
go out there and do our German doing it
go out there and do our German doing it right there’s a part of it that’s
right there’s a part of it that’s
right there’s a part of it that’s perfection aside right the fun part is a
perfection aside right the fun part is a
perfection aside right the fun part is a very small part of the day it’s actually
very small part of the day it’s actually
very small part of the day it’s actually just 90 minutes to two hours that’s it
just 90 minutes to two hours that’s it
just 90 minutes to two hours that’s it the other hours we’re going to work and
the other hours we’re going to work and
the other hours we’re going to work and the team has to operate at that level so
the team has to operate at that level so
the team has to operate at that level so I have a high expectation and I’ll
I have a high expectation and I’ll
I have a high expectation and I’ll almost get that definitely at that for
almost get that definitely at that for
almost get that definitely at that for my father there’s no doubt like that
my father there’s no doubt like that
my father there’s no doubt like that that side for my father has come down
that side for my father has come down
that side for my father has come down and I and I had that high expectation
and I and I had that high expectation
and I and I had that high expectation and once my team meets that high
and once my team meets that high
and once my team meets that high expectation then I’m then I’m like I
expectation then I’m then I’m like I
expectation then I’m then I’m like I feel solid because you know what like I
feel solid because you know what like I
feel solid because you know what like I think a common phrase for a lot of CEOs
think a common phrase for a lot of CEOs
think a common phrase for a lot of CEOs a lot of entrepreneurs out there is that
a lot of entrepreneurs out there is that
a lot of entrepreneurs out there is that your team you have to be the dumbest
your team you have to be the dumbest
your team you have to be the dumbest person in the room if you have if you’re
person in the room if you have if you’re
person in the room if you have if you’re gonna have a successful company you know
gonna have a successful company you know
gonna have a successful company you know if you’re the CEO you want to be not the
if you’re the CEO you want to be not the
if you’re the CEO you want to be not the smartest person in the room you want
smartest person in the room you want
smartest person in the room you want your team to be the sharpest sword in
your team to be the sharpest sword in
your team to be the sharpest sword in the game so another thing also I learned
the game so another thing also I learned
the game so another thing also I learned is that as far as building a team I look
is that as far as building a team I look
is that as far as building a team I look at passion before skillset like you have
at passion before skillset like you have
at passion before skillset like you have to have a level of skill set of course
to have a level of skill set of course
to have a level of skill set of course just just enough where you know you can
just just enough where you know you can
just just enough where you know you can grow and nurture that but you have to
grow and nurture that but you have to
grow and nurture that but you have to have the passion you have to have to
have the passion you have to have to
have the passion you have to have to drive to learn and be hungry and and I
drive to learn and be hungry and and I
drive to learn and be hungry and and I also learned that hunger doesn’t also
also learned that hunger doesn’t also
also learned that hunger doesn’t also just come with with the youth I’m 40
just come with with the youth I’m 40
just come with with the youth I’m 40 years old now and I’m hungry as
years old now and I’m hungry as
years old now and I’m hungry as I’ve ever been seriously I still let’s
I’ve ever been seriously I still let’s
I’ve ever been seriously I still let’s tell me why because like others I look
tell me why because like others I look
tell me why because like others I look at like all the the things that I still
at like all the the things that I still
at like all the the things that I still need to do and there’s still so much
need to do and there’s still so much
need to do and there’s still so much more so as if I’m starting from one so
more so as if I’m starting from one so
more so as if I’m starting from one so that hunger is still there that
that hunger is still there that
that hunger is still there that Firestone the belly and the more I
Firestone the belly and the more I
Firestone the belly and the more I travel the more I learn
travel the more I learn
travel the more I learn that I I know very little about the
that I I know very little about the
that I I know very little about the world and I and I become you know hungry
world and I and I become you know hungry
world and I and I become you know hungry to be become that student and and
to be become that student and and
to be become that student and and embrace and absorb culture and absorb
embrace and absorb culture and absorb
embrace and absorb culture and absorb and learn that I need to educate on all
and learn that I need to educate on all
and learn that I need to educate on all these things and it’s all gonna it’s all
these things and it’s all gonna it’s all
these things and it’s all gonna it’s all gonna reverberate into my business
gonna reverberate into my business
gonna reverberate into my business whatever my business might be because
whatever my business might be because
whatever my business might be because the way the way I am as a person
the way the way I am as a person
the way the way I am as a person I think this is also part of my
I think this is also part of my
I think this is also part of my successes that the minute I feel
successes that the minute I feel
successes that the minute I feel something that’s that’s like really
something that’s that’s like really
something that’s that’s like really powerful inspirational to me mm-hmm the
powerful inspirational to me mm-hmm the
powerful inspirational to me mm-hmm the minute I feel that way I’m immediately
minute I feel that way I’m immediately
minute I feel that way I’m immediately going into my head and how can I
going into my head and how can I
going into my head and how can I construct this in a way to share it with
construct this in a way to share it with
construct this in a way to share it with the world and I share I share that
the world and I share I share that
the world and I share I share that feeling in different mediums through
feeling in different mediums through
feeling in different mediums through music through fashion through the live
music through fashion through the live
music through fashion through the live experience through different products
experience through different products
experience through different products through whatever it might be that all
through whatever it might be that all
through whatever it might be that all come from this abundant amount of
come from this abundant amount of
come from this abundant amount of inspiration and I can only get that by
inspiration and I can only get that by
inspiration and I can only get that by being around people connecting with
being around people connecting with
being around people connecting with people seeing different things that just
people seeing different things that just
people seeing different things that just like enlightened me and and then like I
like enlightened me and and then like I
like enlightened me and and then like I said it goes right back to see ya me
said it goes right back to see ya me
said it goes right back to see ya me going I need I still got so much more to
going I need I still got so much more to
going I need I still got so much more to go
go
go you know and it drives me it drives me
you know and it drives me it drives me
you know and it drives me it drives me and it keeps me hungry so so that’s the
and it keeps me hungry so so that’s the
and it keeps me hungry so so that’s the part where you’re always in recreation
part where you’re always in recreation
part where you’re always in recreation what you’re always recreating yourself
what you’re always recreating yourself
what you’re always recreating yourself constantly in the recreation mode well
constantly in the recreation mode well
constantly in the recreation mode well Steve you you got to be one of the most
Steve you you got to be one of the most
Steve you you got to be one of the most fascinating people I’ve met with men I
fascinating people I’ve met with men I
fascinating people I’ve met with men I mean seriously you’re just very
mean seriously you’re just very
mean seriously you’re just very interesting on a creative end and also
interesting on a creative end and also
interesting on a creative end and also on the execution end and you can see it
on the execution end and you can see it
on the execution end and you can see it here right now with the team that you
here right now with the team that you
here right now with the team that you put together brother thank you so much
put together brother thank you so much
put together brother thank you so much for taking the time to meet with us
for taking the time to meet with us
for taking the time to meet with us definitely thank you
[Music] I ever missing the show
[Music]
[Music] so every industry has a heart
so every industry has a heart
so every industry has a heart hardworking person well they said this
hardworking person well they said this
hardworking person well they said this guy’s the hardest-working guy in this
guy’s the hardest-working guy in this
guy’s the hardest-working guy in this industry in sports and business in any
industry in sports and business in any
industry in sports and business in any world I am sitting next to a guy that
world I am sitting next to a guy that
world I am sitting next to a guy that for those of you if you follow India and
for those of you if you follow India and
for those of you if you follow India and you know exactly who it is especially
you know exactly who it is especially
you know exactly who it is especially with the fact that he’s wearing is a
with the fact that he’s wearing is a
with the fact that he’s wearing is a conservative three-piece suit mr. Steve
conservative three-piece suit mr. Steve
conservative three-piece suit mr. Steve Aoki and if you don’t know him let me
Aoki and if you don’t know him let me
Aoki and if you don’t know him let me give you some stats for some of you that
give you some stats for some of you that
give you some stats for some of you that maybe don’t listen to EDM and maybe
maybe don’t listen to EDM and maybe
maybe don’t listen to EDM and maybe you’re hiding under a cave his peers
you’re hiding under a cave his peers
you’re hiding under a cave his peers like Tiesto calls them that you know
like Tiesto calls them that you know
like Tiesto calls them that you know he’s a whole different guy from a
he’s a whole different guy from a
he’s a whole different guy from a different planet there’s not even a guy
different planet there’s not even a guy
different planet there’s not even a guy like him in the world
like him in the world
like him in the world Afrojack says he changed the game they
Afrojack says he changed the game they
Afrojack says he changed the game they call him a beast the guy’s the
call him a beast the guy’s the
call him a beast the guy’s the hardest-working guy in business Guinness
hardest-working guy in business Guinness
hardest-working guy in business Guinness Book of World Record contacts them to
Book of World Record contacts them to
Book of World Record contacts them to say no one works harder than he’s the
say no one works harder than he’s the
say no one works harder than he’s the hardest-working musician in the world
hardest-working musician in the world
hardest-working musician in the world Forbes ranked him top five highest paid
Forbes ranked him top five highest paid
Forbes ranked him top five highest paid DJ’s I think twenty nine and a half
DJ’s I think twenty nine and a half
DJ’s I think twenty nine and a half million dollars in 2017 that’s what we
million dollars in 2017 that’s what we
million dollars in 2017 that’s what we sit in with today so with that being
sit in with today so with that being
sit in with today so with that being said Steve brother thank you listen
said Steve brother thank you listen
said Steve brother thank you listen we’re taking the time man this is really
we’re taking the time man this is really
we’re taking the time man this is really cool to sit in and talk to you
cool to sit in and talk to you
cool to sit in and talk to you especially after watching your
especially after watching your
especially after watching your documentary thank you I got a two story
documentary thank you I got a two story
documentary thank you I got a two story about how I watch a documentary so we
about how I watch a documentary so we
about how I watch a documentary so we just moved into a new house okay and I
just moved into a new house okay and I
just moved into a new house okay and I obviously I know your music but we moved
obviously I know your music but we moved
obviously I know your music but we moved into this new house the the team says
into this new house the the team says
into this new house the the team says Pat you gotta watch his documentary your
Pat you gotta watch his documentary your
Pat you gotta watch his documentary your documentary guy you’ll flip I want to
documentary guy you’ll flip I want to
documentary guy you’ll flip I want to watch his documentary I said okay I’ll
watch his documentary I said okay I’ll
watch his documentary I said okay I’ll get to it so I get on the Netflix phone
get to it so I get on the Netflix phone
get to it so I get on the Netflix phone and it’s 12 o’clock last night I’m
and it’s 12 o’clock last night I’m
and it’s 12 o’clock last night I’m sitting in the bathroom which is where
sitting in the bathroom which is where
sitting in the bathroom which is where we watch most of it and I’m sitting
we watch most of it and I’m sitting
we watch most of it and I’m sitting there with my dog to my lip all the kids
there with my dog to my lip all the kids
there with my dog to my lip all the kids everybody asleep I’m watching this thing
everybody asleep I’m watching this thing
everybody asleep I’m watching this thing and I’m like I’m getting emotional I got
and I’m like I’m getting emotional I got
and I’m like I’m getting emotional I got tears coming out and I’m getting fired
tears coming out and I’m getting fired
tears coming out and I’m getting fired up and I’m getting jacked up and then I
up and I’m getting jacked up and then I
up and I’m getting jacked up and then I comments your mom makes your dad I mean
comments your mom makes your dad I mean
comments your mom makes your dad I mean that’s gotta be one of the best
that’s gotta be one of the best
that’s gotta be one of the best documentaries out there with your life
documentaries out there with your life
documentaries out there with your life thank you so with that being said prior
thank you so with that being said prior
thank you so with that being said prior to us getting into some of the business
to us getting into some of the business
to us getting into some of the business stuff what you’ve done where you’re at
stuff what you’ve done where you’re at
stuff what you’ve done where you’re at family your father rocky your mom how
family your father rocky your mom how
family your father rocky your mom how did this whole thing start like did you
did this whole thing start like did you
did this whole thing start like did you start off day one obviously I know this
start off day one obviously I know this
start off day one obviously I know this story but for some that don’t did you
story but for some that don’t did you
story but for some that don’t did you all over someone they say I want to be a
all over someone they say I want to be a
all over someone they say I want to be a DJ how did that come about yeah you know
DJ how did that come about yeah you know
DJ how did that come about yeah you know my story’s a little different because I
my story’s a little different because I
my story’s a little different because I think a lot of kids in the festival’s
think a lot of kids in the festival’s
think a lot of kids in the festival’s games they’re in the crowd there 14 15
games they’re in the crowd there 14 15
games they’re in the crowd there 14 15 and they like they see it on YouTube and
and they like they see it on YouTube and
and they like they see it on YouTube and like I want to be a DJ I want to be on
like I want to be a DJ I want to be on
like I want to be a DJ I want to be on that stage
that stage
that stage but my my world came very differently I
but my my world came very differently I
but my my world came very differently I I came from the rock world and I was
I came from the rock world and I was
I came from the rock world and I was playing in rooms this size you know when
playing in rooms this size you know when
playing in rooms this size you know when I first started I was in high school and
I first started I was in high school and
I first started I was in high school and I would play to as many people that’s in
I would play to as many people that’s in
I would play to as many people that’s in this room literally I was literally
this room literally I was literally
this room literally I was literally played at like five people and their
played at like five people and their
played at like five people and their parents five kids they’re all my friends
parents five kids they’re all my friends
parents five kids they’re all my friends and that’s really how it all started for
and that’s really how it all started for
and that’s really how it all started for me like I it’s all for me the most
me like I it’s all for me the most
me like I it’s all for me the most important thing I learned is that the
important thing I learned is that the
important thing I learned is that the barrier of entry to get in was
barrier of entry to get in was
barrier of entry to get in was conceivable because like when you’re a
conceivable because like when you’re a
conceivable because like when you’re a kid in the crowd you look at this stage
kid in the crowd you look at this stage
kid in the crowd you look at this stage you’re like the barrier of entry for me
you’re like the barrier of entry for me
you’re like the barrier of entry for me to become an artist is impossible like
to become an artist is impossible like
to become an artist is impossible like it never be as talented yeah I can never
it never be as talented yeah I can never
it never be as talented yeah I can never I could never have the courage or I can
I could never have the courage or I can
I could never have the courage or I can never have the voice or didn’t think
never have the voice or didn’t think
never have the voice or didn’t think that were you thinking not like while
that were you thinking not like while
that were you thinking not like while you’re looking at everybody oh yeah yeah
you’re looking at everybody oh yeah yeah
you’re looking at everybody oh yeah yeah I mean I think I think everyone does
I mean I think I think everyone does
I mean I think I think everyone does I think everyone’s like the barrier of
I think everyone’s like the barrier of
I think everyone’s like the barrier of entry is way too difficult i I know how
entry is way too difficult i I know how
entry is way too difficult i I know how the training I don’t I don’t not like
the training I don’t I don’t not like
the training I don’t I don’t not like trained or I don’t have the schools that
trained or I don’t have the schools that
trained or I don’t have the schools that I found this really vibrant underground
I found this really vibrant underground
I found this really vibrant underground scene of musicians and artists this is
scene of musicians and artists this is
scene of musicians and artists this is in Newport is in Newport Beach it was a
in Newport is in Newport Beach it was a
in Newport is in Newport Beach it was a the the scene itself was it’s called the
the the scene itself was it’s called the
the the scene itself was it’s called the hardcore scene and it’s a very
hardcore scene and it’s a very
hardcore scene and it’s a very specifically the straightedge hardcore
specifically the straightedge hardcore
specifically the straightedge hardcore scene which is a like really a drug
scene which is a like really a drug
scene which is a like really a drug drug-free about drug free lifestyle and
drug-free about drug free lifestyle and
drug-free about drug free lifestyle and you just go to shows the way you get
you just go to shows the way you get
you just go to shows the way you get cool points in the scene is not like
cool points in the scene is not like
cool points in the scene is not like with like like dope sneakers in like a
with like like dope sneakers in like a
with like like dope sneakers in like a dope track suit that you’re wearing but
dope track suit that you’re wearing but
dope track suit that you’re wearing but it’s like make a zine just put on a show
it’s like make a zine just put on a show
it’s like make a zine just put on a show start a band become a guitarist you know
start a band become a guitarist you know
start a band become a guitarist you know and you’re becoming like because it
and you’re becoming like because it
and you’re becoming like because it seems so small it’s like I’ll religion
seems so small it’s like I’ll religion
seems so small it’s like I’ll religion it’s like we are this small church and
it’s like we are this small church and
it’s like we are this small church and we need to expand our you know our base
we need to expand our you know our base
we need to expand our you know our base by giving out like flyers and all of you
by giving out like flyers and all of you
by giving out like flyers and all of you at this time like when you’re going I
at this time like when you’re going I
at this time like when you’re going I was like 15 16 no so that’s what I ended
was like 15 16 no so that’s what I ended
was like 15 16 no so that’s what I ended up doing I was making scenes I picked up
up doing I was making scenes I picked up
up doing I was making scenes I picked up guitar I picked up a microphone I picked
guitar I picked up a microphone I picked
guitar I picked up a microphone I picked up way to record music I started a band
up way to record music I started a band
up way to record music I started a band with like my friends that didn’t know
with like my friends that didn’t know
with like my friends that didn’t know how to play we’d set up everywhere we
how to play we’d set up everywhere we
how to play we’d set up everywhere we would set up in like in like a plaza and
would set up in like in like a plaza and
would set up in like in like a plaza and until it cops came and we just grabbed
until it cops came and we just grabbed
until it cops came and we just grabbed our drum set and run away like literally
our drum set and run away like literally
our drum set and run away like literally would set up everywhere would play
would set up everywhere would play
would set up everywhere would play everywhere and if five people came out
everywhere and if five people came out
everywhere and if five people came out we were super excited and then I got to
we were super excited and then I got to
we were super excited and then I got to the point when I went to college where
the point when I went to college where
the point when I went to college where we I started touring and we went from
we I started touring and we went from
we I started touring and we went from five
five
five playing for 20 people and it was so
playing for 20 people and it was so
playing for 20 people and it was so happy and 20 people yeah like you know
happy and 20 people yeah like you know
happy and 20 people yeah like you know like as 1920 I was like alright we’re
like as 1920 I was like alright we’re
like as 1920 I was like alright we’re gonna drive ten hours to Albuquerque and
gonna drive ten hours to Albuquerque and
gonna drive ten hours to Albuquerque and we made $20 at the door and we may play
we made $20 at the door and we may play
we made $20 at the door and we may play in front of 12 people and it’s amazing
in front of 12 people and it’s amazing
in front of 12 people and it’s amazing that you’re doing that it was my heart
that you’re doing that it was my heart
that you’re doing that it was my heart it was my passion it wasn’t about money
it was my passion it wasn’t about money
it was my passion it wasn’t about money it wasn’t about you know I mean I was a
it wasn’t about you know I mean I was a
it wasn’t about you know I mean I was a kid I just really believed in music now
kid I just really believed in music now
kid I just really believed in music now who were you in high school were you
who were you in high school were you
who were you in high school were you were you were you a cool cat on high
were you were you a cool cat on high
were you were you a cool cat on high school did everybody know who Steve was
school did everybody know who Steve was
school did everybody know who Steve was in high school no I mean I know I mean I
in high school no I mean I know I mean I
in high school no I mean I know I mean I definitely stood out because I was only
definitely stood out because I was only
definitely stood out because I was only like one of the few Asian people in the
like one of the few Asian people in the
like one of the few Asian people in the school you know when I was younger I was
school you know when I was younger I was
school you know when I was younger I was bullied and those you know the whole
bullied and those you know the whole
bullied and those you know the whole story I’m I could really get into that
story I’m I could really get into that
story I’m I could really get into that but one of the most important things
but one of the most important things
but one of the most important things that I recognize now is that when I was
that I recognize now is that when I was
that I recognize now is that when I was a kid when you’re when you’re like one
a kid when you’re when you’re like one
a kid when you’re when you’re like one of the few that look different or are
of the few that look different or are
of the few that look different or are different or ethnically different or
different or ethnically different or
different or ethnically different or whatever it might be you might think
whatever it might be you might think
whatever it might be you might think that life is help right you might think
that life is help right you might think
that life is help right you might think that like and some some kids
that like and some some kids
that like and some some kids unfortunately take their own lives
unfortunately take their own lives
unfortunately take their own lives because they they feel so pushed out to
because they they feel so pushed out to
because they they feel so pushed out to the side and where people say the
the side and where people say the
the side and where people say the horrible most horrible things you could
horrible most horrible things you could
horrible most horrible things you could possibly imagine
possibly imagine
possibly imagine so when you’re an Asian kid if you’re a
so when you’re an Asian kid if you’re a
so when you’re an Asian kid if you’re a like a kid of color you’re someone is
like a kid of color you’re someone is
like a kid of color you’re someone is different and you get made fun of it’s
different and you get made fun of it’s
different and you get made fun of it’s it’s like almost okay and to be accepted
it’s like almost okay and to be accepted
it’s like almost okay and to be accepted as that so for me I grew up under this
as that so for me I grew up under this
as that so for me I grew up under this guise of well I I’m not equal to you
guise of well I I’m not equal to you
guise of well I I’m not equal to you know my peers you would think that yeah
know my peers you would think that yeah
know my peers you would think that yeah because I mean like it just was that’s
because I mean like it just was that’s
because I mean like it just was that’s how it was so my mom was like we have to
how it was so my mom was like we have to
how it was so my mom was like we have to fit in here we have to fit in so don’t
fit in here we have to fit in so don’t
fit in here we have to fit in so don’t cause any trouble don’t rock the boat
cause any trouble don’t rock the boat
cause any trouble don’t rock the boat the thing is like you always find the
the thing is like you always find the
the thing is like you always find the gem in the rough some places and I was
gem in the rough some places and I was
gem in the rough some places and I was able to find this scene that was like a
able to find this scene that was like a
able to find this scene that was like a bunch of like outcasts every song every
bunch of like outcasts every song every
bunch of like outcasts every song every lyric from the bands that listened to
lyric from the bands that listened to
lyric from the bands that listened to was about like this is like we’re the
was about like this is like we’re the
was about like this is like we’re the outcasts we’re the we are the people
outcasts we’re the we are the people
outcasts we’re the we are the people that don’t fit in hey this is our world
that don’t fit in hey this is our world
that don’t fit in hey this is our world this or did you listen to who were you
this or did you listen to who were you
this or did you listen to who were you listening to at that time Gorilla
listening to at that time Gorilla
listening to at that time Gorilla Biscuits which is like I get my first
Biscuits which is like I get my first
Biscuits which is like I get my first tattoo I was like so excited when I was
tattoo I was like so excited when I was
tattoo I was like so excited when I was 18 I was like my first tattoo young girl
18 I was like my first tattoo young girl
18 I was like my first tattoo young girl this kids in the band that kind of was
this kids in the band that kind of was
this kids in the band that kind of was one of the leaders of that see it sound
one of the leaders of that see it sound
one of the leaders of that see it sound and it’s like a way for us to feel like
and it’s like a way for us to feel like
and it’s like a way for us to feel like hey we are something like no one can no
hey we are something like no one can no
hey we are something like no one can no one can tear us down here’s
one can tear us down here’s
one can tear us down here’s the instrument be a voice for yourself
the instrument be a voice for yourself
the instrument be a voice for yourself be a voice for your community and and I
be a voice for your community and and I
be a voice for your community and and I just took that same the same kind of
just took that same the same kind of
just took that same the same kind of process into every business into every
process into every business into every
process into every business into every brand building into my music the
brand building into my music the
brand building into my music the underdog mentality type of thing or more
underdog mentality type of thing or more
underdog mentality type of thing or more of this kind of like DIY mentality where
of this kind of like DIY mentality where
of this kind of like DIY mentality where it’s DIY in my way of understanding it
it’s DIY in my way of understanding it
it’s DIY in my way of understanding it is you you must you have to figure out
is you you must you have to figure out
is you you must you have to figure out how to make ends meet
how to make ends meet
how to make ends meet with the resources in front of you so
with the resources in front of you so
with the resources in front of you so there’s no excuses if you have if you
there’s no excuses if you have if you
there’s no excuses if you have if you have a dollar to your name you got to
have a dollar to your name you got to
have a dollar to your name you got to learn how to use that dollar to to
learn how to use that dollar to to
learn how to use that dollar to to actually become a star as they’ve always
actually become a star as they’ve always
actually become a star as they’ve always been a hustler like that like even when
been a hustler like that like even when
been a hustler like that like even when you were a little kid or did that hustle
you were a little kid or did that hustle
you were a little kid or did that hustle part come later on the hustle part know
part come later on the hustle part know
part come later on the hustle part know the hustles part started because I found
the hustles part started because I found
the hustles part started because I found a scene that encouraged that it was all
a scene that encouraged that it was all
a scene that encouraged that it was all about that dog you want it you want to
about that dog you want it you want to
about that dog you want it you want to get your respect then you got to figure
get your respect then you got to figure
get your respect then you got to figure it out I graduated from college and I
it out I graduated from college and I
it out I graduated from college and I moved to Los Angeles and I was throwing
moved to Los Angeles and I was throwing
moved to Los Angeles and I was throwing parties and I’ve had my label I started
parties and I’ve had my label I started
parties and I’ve had my label I started a label when I was in college and no
a label when I was in college and no
a label when I was in college and no investment no marketing plan no
investment no marketing plan no
investment no marketing plan no investors you know very much like like a
investors you know very much like like a
investors you know very much like like a passion project to support artists and I
passion project to support artists and I
passion project to support artists and I found a few artists that blew up and and
found a few artists that blew up and and
found a few artists that blew up and and you know like no advance no money and by
you know like no advance no money and by
you know like no advance no money and by the way your first place your first
the way your first place your first
the way your first place your first office it is very interesting so that’s
office it is very interesting so that’s
office it is very interesting so that’s the actual first headquarters a year
the actual first headquarters a year
the actual first headquarters a year your operation yeah my first
your operation yeah my first
your operation yeah my first headquarters was a I’m not sure what was
headquarters was a I’m not sure what was
headquarters was a I’m not sure what was in the dock but my first real
in the dock but my first real
in the dock but my first real headquarters was an apartment that’s 900
headquarters was an apartment that’s 900
headquarters was an apartment that’s 900 square feet I share with my girlfriend
square feet I share with my girlfriend
square feet I share with my girlfriend of the time and we had 13 interns
of the time and we had 13 interns
of the time and we had 13 interns working for me because they were
working for me because they were
working for me because they were freaking us I didn’t have any money not
freaking us I didn’t have any money not
freaking us I didn’t have any money not underscore food plays yeah I mean it was
underscore food plays yeah I mean it was
underscore food plays yeah I mean it was tiny and then finally I got my first
tiny and then finally I got my first
tiny and then finally I got my first investors which were Benji and Joel from
investors which were Benji and Joel from
investors which were Benji and Joel from Good Charlotte who I taught them how to
Good Charlotte who I taught them how to
Good Charlotte who I taught them how to DJ back then I was hang out with them
DJ back then I was hang out with them
DJ back then I was hang out with them they were like my closest resident and
they were like my closest resident and
they were like my closest resident and they were in a successful band and
they were in a successful band and
they were in a successful band and they’re like diehard believers of you by
they’re like diehard believers of you by
they’re like diehard believers of you by the way yeah they’re just a really
the way yeah they’re just a really
the way yeah they’re just a really really good people they’re like let me
really good people they’re like let me
really good people they’re like let me see what you’re doing you’re you know
see what you’re doing you’re you know
see what you’re doing you’re you know how to sign you know how to find
how to sign you know how to find
how to sign you know how to find identify talent and we really love the
identify talent and we really love the
identify talent and we really love the culture and community that you’re
culture and community that you’re
culture and community that you’re creating and we want to help you so they
creating and we want to help you so they
creating and we want to help you so they helped take me out of my apartment and
helped take me out of my apartment and
helped take me out of my apartment and put
put
put into this like almost abandoned like
into this like almost abandoned like
into this like almost abandoned like little house and I just threw all my
little house and I just threw all my
little house and I just threw all my friends in there some of us lived there
friends in there some of us lived there
friends in there some of us lived there and and we had this like this such a
and and we had this like this such a
and and we had this like this such a really cool small little community in
really cool small little community in
really cool small little community in Hollywood that eventually became
Hollywood that eventually became
Hollywood that eventually became literally the place where you want to
literally the place where you want to
literally the place where you want to break artists it was at the DMACC
break artists it was at the DMACC
break artists it was at the DMACC parties there like amazing from Kid Cudi
parties there like amazing from Kid Cudi
parties there like amazing from Kid Cudi like Drake was coming through to Kanye
like Drake was coming through to Kanye
like Drake was coming through to Kanye was coming through – Skrillex was that
was coming through – Skrillex was that
was coming through – Skrillex was that way and will.i.am will.i.am was there
way and will.i.am will.i.am was there
way and will.i.am will.i.am was there every show and then I got to meet all
every show and then I got to meet all
every show and then I got to meet all these artists because we were breaking
these artists because we were breaking
these artists because we were breaking you know we had mi a s first show all
you know we had mi a s first show all
you know we had mi a s first show all these new artists who were coming up
these new artists who were coming up
these new artists who were coming up Kesha’s first shows like from pop to
Kesha’s first shows like from pop to
Kesha’s first shows like from pop to hip-hop to electronic it was the culture
hip-hop to electronic it was the culture
hip-hop to electronic it was the culture of breaking music the bigwigs would come
of breaking music the bigwigs would come
of breaking music the bigwigs would come through a Jimmy Iovine showed up like
through a Jimmy Iovine showed up like
through a Jimmy Iovine showed up like like you know I was meeting up with
like you know I was meeting up with
like you know I was meeting up with labels they would come to me to break
labels they would come to me to break
labels they would come to me to break their artists and then you know some of
their artists and then you know some of
their artists and then you know some of the guys were like I’ll take a risk with
the guys were like I’ll take a risk with
the guys were like I’ll take a risk with you and do music with you and I was like
you and do music with you and I was like
you and do music with you and I was like let’s get in a studio and so I was lucky
let’s get in a studio and so I was lucky
let’s get in a studio and so I was lucky I had that platform that we had to build
I had that platform that we had to build
I had that platform that we had to build our own little culture that just spawned
our own little culture that just spawned
our own little culture that just spawned into you know something that was there
into you know something that was there
into you know something that was there was actually have truly underground
was actually have truly underground
was actually have truly underground because back then there was no social
because back then there was no social
because back then there was no social media I mean the social media was like
media I mean the social media was like
media I mean the social media was like MySpace so there’s no snapchat what year
MySpace so there’s no snapchat what year
MySpace so there’s no snapchat what year is this by the way
is this by the way
is this by the way it’s like 2005 to 2009 and and if you
it’s like 2005 to 2009 and and if you
it’s like 2005 to 2009 and and if you want to hear about the underground if
want to hear about the underground if
want to hear about the underground if you want to know about the underground
you want to know about the underground
you want to know about the underground the only way you have to go into these
the only way you have to go into these
the only way you have to go into these clubs these small little places now it’s
clubs these small little places now it’s
clubs these small little places now it’s not so you don’t have to really go there
not so you don’t have to really go there
not so you don’t have to really go there it’s everywhere it’s just like you want
it’s everywhere it’s just like you want
it’s everywhere it’s just like you want to know about something that’s breaking
to know about something that’s breaking
to know about something that’s breaking you go online and and before you’d have
you go online and and before you’d have
you go online and and before you’d have to go and like people would travel
to go and like people would travel
to go and like people would travel around the world just to come to our
around the world just to come to our
around the world just to come to our little parties where where you’d see
little parties where where you’d see
little parties where where you’d see like all these different collaborations
like all these different collaborations
like all these different collaborations lancers and people that would all really
lancers and people that would all really
lancers and people that would all really value the time there and and then I
value the time there and and then I
value the time there and and then I would I would be able to work with some
would I would be able to work with some
would I would be able to work with some of these artists and they’re thinking
of these artists and they’re thinking
of these artists and they’re thinking about money were you at all thinking
about money were you at all thinking
about money were you at all thinking about what we’re gonna build a business
about what we’re gonna build a business
about what we’re gonna build a business we’re gonna build was that it was out on
we’re gonna build was that it was out on
we’re gonna build was that it was out on your mind as always they’re just purely
your mind as always they’re just purely
your mind as always they’re just purely art creativity you know let’s produce
art creativity you know let’s produce
art creativity you know let’s produce something nice here together you know
something nice here together you know
something nice here together you know what even to this day 2018 it’s always
what even to this day 2018 it’s always
what even to this day 2018 it’s always been about creativity it’s never been
been about creativity it’s never been
been about creativity it’s never been about money I mean at the end of the day
about money I mean at the end of the day
about money I mean at the end of the day of course I am thinking business now
of course I am thinking business now
of course I am thinking business now because I’m at a larger scale and I have
because I’m at a larger scale and I have
because I’m at a larger scale and I have to think about the business but if I put
to think about the business but if I put
to think about the business but if I put the money before the creativity then the
the money before the creativity then the
the money before the creativity then the authenticity like almost gets blocked
authenticity like almost gets blocked
authenticity like almost gets blocked you know so I have to really because my
you know so I have to really because my
you know so I have to really because my business is all about authentically
business is all about authentically
business is all about authentically being creative that’s my business it’s
being creative that’s my business it’s
being creative that’s my business it’s like I just I want to be authentically
like I just I want to be authentically
like I just I want to be authentically creative and share that experience
creative and share that experience
creative and share that experience because at the end of the day whatever I
because at the end of the day whatever I
because at the end of the day whatever I do is about I am I am making creations
do is about I am I am making creations
do is about I am I am making creations whether its product fashion this is not
whether its product fashion this is not
whether its product fashion this is not mine but like fashion to music to a live
mine but like fashion to music to a live
mine but like fashion to music to a live experience I’m creating something that
experience I’m creating something that
experience I’m creating something that that I’m sharing with you now if I’m
that I’m sharing with you now if I’m
that I’m sharing with you now if I’m like I need money first before you even
like I need money first before you even
like I need money first before you even see this you know if I start thinking
see this you know if I start thinking
see this you know if I start thinking like that then I’m gonna lose that that
like that then I’m gonna lose that that
like that then I’m gonna lose that that kind of disappears
kind of disappears
kind of disappears yeah the day you know like it’s you know
yeah the day you know like it’s you know
yeah the day you know like it’s you know money will come and I’ve realized that
money will come and I’ve realized that
money will come and I’ve realized that and is in its in some cases money
and is in its in some cases money
and is in its in some cases money doesn’t come and now I’m okay with that
doesn’t come and now I’m okay with that
doesn’t come and now I’m okay with that and I have to go back to that go like
and I have to go back to that go like
and I have to go back to that go like this isn’t about money this is about the
this isn’t about money this is about the
this isn’t about money this is about the love of what I do and sometimes you have
love of what I do and sometimes you have
love of what I do and sometimes you have to stop and think about that and and as
to stop and think about that and and as
to stop and think about that and and as a businessman you know you have to like
a businessman you know you have to like
a businessman you know you have to like take a step back like this isn’t about
take a step back like this isn’t about
take a step back like this isn’t about dollars and cents this is more about
dollars and cents this is more about
dollars and cents this is more about just just the pure love of creating and
just just the pure love of creating and
just just the pure love of creating and and sharing your art let’s transition to
and sharing your art let’s transition to
and sharing your art let’s transition to a whole different topic here one of the
a whole different topic here one of the
a whole different topic here one of the things that I’m fascinated with the
things that I’m fascinated with the
things that I’m fascinated with the stories like parents I look at my own
stories like parents I look at my own
stories like parents I look at my own family I grew up in a very weird family
family I grew up in a very weird family
family I grew up in a very weird family complete like one on this side one on
complete like one on this side one on
complete like one on this side one on the complete my mother sided with
the complete my mother sided with
the complete my mother sided with communist my dad said they were
communist my dad said they were
communist my dad said they were imperialists in Iran confusion like I
imperialists in Iran confusion like I
imperialists in Iran confusion like I grew up in the most craziest environment
grew up in the most craziest environment
grew up in the most craziest environment did you tell your story and I’m sinners
did you tell your story and I’m sinners
did you tell your story and I’m sinners saying oh my gosh so your mom on one end
saying oh my gosh so your mom on one end
saying oh my gosh so your mom on one end purely love you know she believed in you
purely love you know she believed in you
purely love you know she believed in you totally you can do this go get them do
totally you can do this go get them do
totally you can do this go get them do what you want to do you can do this you
what you want to do you can do this you
what you want to do you can do this you can pull this off you can see this woman
can pull this off you can see this woman
can pull this off you can see this woman your mother loves you believes in you
your mother loves you believes in you
your mother loves you believes in you you can do anything wrong by your mom
you can do anything wrong by your mom
you can do anything wrong by your mom and then your dad on the complete
and then your dad on the complete
and then your dad on the complete opposite end you know where it was high
opposite end you know where it was high
opposite end you know where it was high expectation you know a possible shadow
expectation you know a possible shadow
expectation you know a possible shadow how was that dynamic with your
how was that dynamic with your
how was that dynamic with your yeah yeah well you see it like that it’s
yeah yeah well you see it like that it’s
yeah yeah well you see it like that it’s true look like without both of them
true look like without both of them
true look like without both of them there’s no like I am the byproduct of
there’s no like I am the byproduct of
there’s no like I am the byproduct of these two very different personalities
these two very different personalities
these two very different personalities and thank God that that my mom raised me
and thank God that that my mom raised me
and thank God that that my mom raised me because I think the most important thing
because I think the most important thing
because I think the most important thing is you have to be founded with that love
is you have to be founded with that love
is you have to be founded with that love you have to be founded with that human
you have to be founded with that human
you have to be founded with that human connection and my dad lacked the human
connection and my dad lacked the human
connection and my dad lacked the human connection it was very very very like
connection it was very very very like
connection it was very very very like almost I wouldn’t say cold but he was
almost I wouldn’t say cold but he was
almost I wouldn’t say cold but he was very Japanese very masculine very tough
very Japanese very masculine very tough
very Japanese very masculine very tough love and you never asked for a thing
love and you never asked for a thing
love and you never asked for a thing from him you would never dare very
from him you would never dare very
from him you would never dare very samurai spirit I never asked anything
samurai spirit I never asked anything
samurai spirit I never asked anything from oh you oh you could it I mean one
from oh you oh you could it I mean one
from oh you oh you could it I mean one of the most important lessons I learned
of the most important lessons I learned
of the most important lessons I learned from him someone that that had wealth
from him someone that that had wealth
from him someone that that had wealth had the opportunity had everything that
had the opportunity had everything that
had the opportunity had everything that he built the one of the most important
he built the one of the most important
he built the one of the most important things I got from him is that he
things I got from him is that he
things I got from him is that he actually didn’t give me any financial
actually didn’t give me any financial
actually didn’t give me any financial you know like here’s her payday here
you know like here’s her payday here
you know like here’s her payday here like you need some help here some money
like you need some help here some money
like you need some help here some money so he never actually like gave me those
so he never actually like gave me those
so he never actually like gave me those handouts and I had to learn on my own
handouts and I had to learn on my own
handouts and I had to learn on my own like as if I didn’t have just insane
like as if I didn’t have just insane
like as if I didn’t have just insane like a superhero kind of Rockstar
like a superhero kind of Rockstar
like a superhero kind of Rockstar extravagant because that’s common you
extravagant because that’s common you
extravagant because that’s common you know a lot of time when the dad has the
know a lot of time when the dad has the
know a lot of time when the dad has the money it kind of gets you know yeah yeah
money it kind of gets you know yeah yeah
money it kind of gets you know yeah yeah of course
of course
of course Daniel I guess the part of your story
Daniel I guess the part of your story
Daniel I guess the part of your story that I think it’s people resonate about
that I think it’s people resonate about
that I think it’s people resonate about this guy didn’t he comes from money but
this guy didn’t he comes from money but
this guy didn’t he comes from money but he didn’t get you didn’t get money to
he didn’t get you didn’t get money to
he didn’t get you didn’t get money to finance your own company when you first
finance your own company when you first
finance your own company when you first guys not but I mean I I do have to say
guys not but I mean I I do have to say
guys not but I mean I I do have to say he helped me he paid for half of my
he helped me he paid for half of my
he helped me he paid for half of my education in college so I give him
education in college so I give him
education in college so I give him credit for that my mom paid for the
credit for that my mom paid for the
credit for that my mom paid for the other half UCSB the UC system awesome
other half UCSB the UC system awesome
other half UCSB the UC system awesome education for very I mean it was only
education for very I mean it was only
education for very I mean it was only thirteen thousand a year you know this
thirteen thousand a year you know this
thirteen thousand a year you know this is where this is a 90 right there’s 95
is where this is a 90 right there’s 95
is where this is a 90 right there’s 95 to 2000 so as far as I’m a fat check
to 2000 so as far as I’m a fat check
to 2000 so as far as I’m a fat check that but I think it was like less than
that but I think it was like less than
that but I think it was like less than 15 grand a year this is real education
15 grand a year this is real education
15 grand a year this is real education yeah yeah so he covered the education my
yeah yeah so he covered the education my
yeah yeah so he covered the education my mom bought me my car Isuzu Rodeo that I
mom bought me my car Isuzu Rodeo that I
mom bought me my car Isuzu Rodeo that I like drove the ground so something about
like drove the ground so something about
like drove the ground so something about your debt something like the some of the
your debt something like the some of the
your debt something like the some of the things I heard him say by the way
things I heard him say by the way
things I heard him say by the way believe me I relate a lot of the life is
believe me I relate a lot of the life is
believe me I relate a lot of the life is I’m reading them I’m watching I relate
I’m reading them I’m watching I relate
I’m reading them I’m watching I relate to this apart we I think your dad
to this apart we I think your dad
to this apart we I think your dad at one time first of all for some people
at one time first of all for some people
at one time first of all for some people that don’t know where your dad is the
that don’t know where your dad is the
that don’t know where your dad is the founder of Benihana
founder of Benihana
founder of Benihana he was a champion wrestler I think he
he was a champion wrestler I think he
he was a champion wrestler I think he was doing speedboating a couple times he
was doing speedboating a couple times he
was doing speedboating a couple times he almost killed myself it was a story
almost killed myself it was a story
almost killed myself it was a story about him and in hot-air-balloon going
about him and in hot-air-balloon going
about him and in hot-air-balloon going from Japan to us or whatever broke a
from Japan to us or whatever broke a
from Japan to us or whatever broke a world record you know all these are the
world record you know all these are the
world record you know all these are the things that he did he party with he’s
things that he did he party with he’s
things that he did he party with he’s been on Oprah Winfrey Show you know he
been on Oprah Winfrey Show you know he
been on Oprah Winfrey Show you know he was on all these Tony Curtis I think it
was on all these Tony Curtis I think it
was on all these Tony Curtis I think it was all these other names so you’re
was all these other names so you’re
was all these other names so you’re Muhammad Ali all these names he’d said
Muhammad Ali all these names he’d said
Muhammad Ali all these names he’d said something one time and I’m like you know
something one time and I’m like you know
something one time and I’m like you know I’m really curious how do you process on
I’m really curious how do you process on
I’m really curious how do you process on when you watch him say that I think one
when you watch him say that I think one
when you watch him say that I think one time he said I work 16 17 hours a day
time he said I work 16 17 hours a day
time he said I work 16 17 hours a day Venus comes number one
Venus comes number one
Venus comes number one and health number two and family comes
and health number two and family comes
and health number two and family comes number three is that what he meant
number three is that what he meant
number three is that what he meant or did he say because me you know
or did he say because me you know
or did he say because me you know sometimes media takes imagine somebody’s
sometimes media takes imagine somebody’s
sometimes media takes imagine somebody’s and they kind of spin it yeah is that
and they kind of spin it yeah is that
and they kind of spin it yeah is that what he said or does that really what he
what he said or does that really what he
what he said or does that really what he believed he lived that way he was he was
believed he lived that way he was he was
believed he lived that way he was he was like he wasn’t a typical father you know
like he wasn’t a typical father you know
like he wasn’t a typical father you know that was there like you know making sure
that was there like you know making sure
that was there like you know making sure like my mom was my father and my mother
like my mom was my father and my mother
like my mom was my father and my mother likes far as the what you expectation
likes far as the what you expectation
likes far as the what you expectation what a parent is he wasn’t that so
what a parent is he wasn’t that so
what a parent is he wasn’t that so that’s what I’m saying think I my mom
that’s what I’m saying think I my mom
that’s what I’m saying think I my mom raised me because I’d be a different
raised me because I’d be a different
raised me because I’d be a different person if I was with my dad but yeah he
person if I was with my dad but yeah he
person if I was with my dad but yeah he was business first and to be like the
was business first and to be like the
was business first and to be like the biggest it’s like when I see that when I
biggest it’s like when I see that when I
biggest it’s like when I see that when I saw that it is all it further for the
saw that it is all it further for the
saw that it is all it further for the first time in the documentary I started
first time in the documentary I started
first time in the documentary I started laughing so you haven’t seen him say
laughing so you haven’t seen him say
laughing so you haven’t seen him say that before no no I never I never saw
that before no no I never I never saw
that before no no I never I never saw the interview you know so I I and my
the interview you know so I I and my
the interview you know so I I and my first reaction I was laughing because he
first reaction I was laughing because he
first reaction I was laughing because he was just unabashed in a way where you
was just unabashed in a way where you
was just unabashed in a way where you just like you almost have to laugh it’s
just like you almost have to laugh it’s
just like you almost have to laugh it’s like so gnarly and you have to laugh
like so gnarly and you have to laugh
like so gnarly and you have to laugh about it you know so I was laughing I’m
about it you know so I was laughing I’m
about it you know so I was laughing I’m now I’m looking at other people I’m
now I’m looking at other people I’m
now I’m looking at other people I’m because I watched it for the first time
because I watched it for the first time
because I watched it for the first time in beacon theatres with like 3,000 other
in beacon theatres with like 3,000 other
in beacon theatres with like 3,000 other people and for the Tribeca Film Festival
people and for the Tribeca Film Festival
people and for the Tribeca Film Festival and I looked over and people like home
and I looked over and people like home
and I looked over and people like home like God like that’s horrible I’m like
like God like that’s horrible I’m like
like God like that’s horrible I’m like I’m laughing I’m like only one laughing
I’m laughing I’m like only one laughing
I’m laughing I’m like only one laughing you know I’m like oh yeah this is like I
you know I’m like oh yeah this is like I
you know I’m like oh yeah this is like I shouldn’t be laughing but that’s just
shouldn’t be laughing but that’s just
shouldn’t be laughing but that’s just how he is
how he is
how he is so it was normally like I don’t want to
so it was normally like I don’t want to
so it was normally like I don’t want to go surprised this is the normal guy used
go surprised this is the normal guy used
go surprised this is the normal guy used to that’s how easy is just like what
to that’s how easy is just like what
to that’s how easy is just like what those guys that just says it how he
those guys that just says it how he
those guys that just says it how he thinks it so there’s a part of the
thinks it so there’s a part of the
thinks it so there’s a part of the interview
interview
interview we’re part of the documentary where you
we’re part of the documentary where you
we’re part of the documentary where you are you’re driving your team you’re
are you’re driving your team you’re
are you’re driving your team you’re telling your manager you know this is
telling your manager you know this is
telling your manager you know this is your job you’re doing this so you know
your job you’re doing this so you know
your job you’re doing this so you know sometimes you we see the final product
sometimes you we see the final product
sometimes you we see the final product right we see that we see the art we see
right we see that we see the art we see
right we see that we see the art we see art we see the music we see the
art we see the music we see the
art we see the music we see the entertain more like oh my gosh this
entertain more like oh my gosh this
entertain more like oh my gosh this guy’s amazing throwing cakes you know
guy’s amazing throwing cakes you know
guy’s amazing throwing cakes you know fifteen hundred cakes around and all the
fifteen hundred cakes around and all the
fifteen hundred cakes around and all the stuff that you’re doing put them behind
stuff that you’re doing put them behind
stuff that you’re doing put them behind the final product you tour in 250 you
the final product you tour in 250 you
the final product you tour in 250 you st. 250 tour stops per year that’s that
st. 250 tour stops per year that’s that
st. 250 tour stops per year that’s that leaves you a hundred days to yourself is
leaves you a hundred days to yourself is
leaves you a hundred days to yourself is there a part of it on behind closed
there a part of it on behind closed
there a part of it on behind closed doors of driving your team in a way
doors of driving your team in a way
doors of driving your team in a way where your expectation of the team is
where your expectation of the team is
where your expectation of the team is high and extremely high so how do you
high and extremely high so how do you
high and extremely high so how do you balance that with the fun and staying
balance that with the fun and staying
balance that with the fun and staying loose on at the same time hey we got to
loose on at the same time hey we got to
loose on at the same time hey we got to go out there and do our German doing it
go out there and do our German doing it
go out there and do our German doing it right there’s a part of it that’s
right there’s a part of it that’s
right there’s a part of it that’s perfection aside right the fun part is a
perfection aside right the fun part is a
perfection aside right the fun part is a very small part of the day it’s actually
very small part of the day it’s actually
very small part of the day it’s actually just 90 minutes to two hours that’s it
just 90 minutes to two hours that’s it
just 90 minutes to two hours that’s it the other hours we’re going to work and
the other hours we’re going to work and
the other hours we’re going to work and the team has to operate at that level so
the team has to operate at that level so
the team has to operate at that level so I have a high expectation and I’ll
I have a high expectation and I’ll
I have a high expectation and I’ll almost get that definitely at that for
almost get that definitely at that for
almost get that definitely at that for my father there’s no doubt like that
my father there’s no doubt like that
my father there’s no doubt like that that side for my father has come down
that side for my father has come down
that side for my father has come down and I and I had that high expectation
and I and I had that high expectation
and I and I had that high expectation and once my team meets that high
and once my team meets that high
and once my team meets that high expectation then I’m then I’m like I
expectation then I’m then I’m like I
expectation then I’m then I’m like I feel solid because you know what like I
feel solid because you know what like I
feel solid because you know what like I think a common phrase for a lot of CEOs
think a common phrase for a lot of CEOs
think a common phrase for a lot of CEOs a lot of entrepreneurs out there is that
a lot of entrepreneurs out there is that
a lot of entrepreneurs out there is that your team you have to be the dumbest
your team you have to be the dumbest
your team you have to be the dumbest person in the room if you have if you’re
person in the room if you have if you’re
person in the room if you have if you’re gonna have a successful company you know
gonna have a successful company you know
gonna have a successful company you know if you’re the CEO you want to be not the
if you’re the CEO you want to be not the
if you’re the CEO you want to be not the smartest person in the room you want
smartest person in the room you want
smartest person in the room you want your team to be the sharpest sword in
your team to be the sharpest sword in
your team to be the sharpest sword in the game so another thing also I learned
the game so another thing also I learned
the game so another thing also I learned is that as far as building a team I look
is that as far as building a team I look
is that as far as building a team I look at passion before skillset like you have
at passion before skillset like you have
at passion before skillset like you have to have a level of skill set of course
to have a level of skill set of course
to have a level of skill set of course just just enough where you know you can
just just enough where you know you can
just just enough where you know you can grow and nurture that but you have to
grow and nurture that but you have to
grow and nurture that but you have to have the passion you have to have to
have the passion you have to have to
have the passion you have to have to drive to learn and be hungry and and I
drive to learn and be hungry and and I
drive to learn and be hungry and and I also learned that hunger doesn’t also
also learned that hunger doesn’t also
also learned that hunger doesn’t also just come with with the youth I’m 40
just come with with the youth I’m 40
just come with with the youth I’m 40 years old now and I’m hungry as
years old now and I’m hungry as
years old now and I’m hungry as I’ve ever been seriously I still let’s
I’ve ever been seriously I still let’s
I’ve ever been seriously I still let’s tell me why because like others I look
tell me why because like others I look
tell me why because like others I look at like all the the things that I still
at like all the the things that I still
at like all the the things that I still need to do and there’s still so much
need to do and there’s still so much
need to do and there’s still so much more so as if I’m starting from one so
more so as if I’m starting from one so
more so as if I’m starting from one so that hunger is still there that
that hunger is still there that
that hunger is still there that Firestone the belly and the more I
Firestone the belly and the more I
Firestone the belly and the more I travel the more I learn
travel the more I learn
travel the more I learn that I I know very little about the
that I I know very little about the
that I I know very little about the world and I and I become you know hungry
world and I and I become you know hungry
world and I and I become you know hungry to be become that student and and
to be become that student and and
to be become that student and and embrace and absorb culture and absorb
embrace and absorb culture and absorb
embrace and absorb culture and absorb and learn that I need to educate on all
and learn that I need to educate on all
and learn that I need to educate on all these things and it’s all gonna it’s all
these things and it’s all gonna it’s all
these things and it’s all gonna it’s all gonna reverberate into my business
gonna reverberate into my business
gonna reverberate into my business whatever my business might be because
whatever my business might be because
whatever my business might be because the way the way I am as a person
the way the way I am as a person
the way the way I am as a person I think this is also part of my
I think this is also part of my
I think this is also part of my successes that the minute I feel
successes that the minute I feel
successes that the minute I feel something that’s that’s like really
something that’s that’s like really
something that’s that’s like really powerful inspirational to me mm-hmm the
powerful inspirational to me mm-hmm the
powerful inspirational to me mm-hmm the minute I feel that way I’m immediately
minute I feel that way I’m immediately
minute I feel that way I’m immediately going into my head and how can I
going into my head and how can I
going into my head and how can I construct this in a way to share it with
construct this in a way to share it with
construct this in a way to share it with the world and I share I share that
the world and I share I share that
the world and I share I share that feeling in different mediums through
feeling in different mediums through
feeling in different mediums through music through fashion through the live
music through fashion through the live
music through fashion through the live experience through different products
experience through different products
experience through different products through whatever it might be that all
through whatever it might be that all
through whatever it might be that all come from this abundant amount of
come from this abundant amount of
come from this abundant amount of inspiration and I can only get that by
inspiration and I can only get that by
inspiration and I can only get that by being around people connecting with
being around people connecting with
being around people connecting with people seeing different things that just
people seeing different things that just
people seeing different things that just like enlightened me and and then like I
like enlightened me and and then like I
like enlightened me and and then like I said it goes right back to see ya me
said it goes right back to see ya me
said it goes right back to see ya me going I need I still got so much more to
going I need I still got so much more to
going I need I still got so much more to go
go
go you know and it drives me it drives me
you know and it drives me it drives me
you know and it drives me it drives me and it keeps me hungry so so that’s the
and it keeps me hungry so so that’s the
and it keeps me hungry so so that’s the part where you’re always in recreation
part where you’re always in recreation
part where you’re always in recreation what you’re always recreating yourself
what you’re always recreating yourself
what you’re always recreating yourself constantly in the recreation mode well
constantly in the recreation mode well
constantly in the recreation mode well Steve you you got to be one of the most
Steve you you got to be one of the most
Steve you you got to be one of the most fascinating people I’ve met with men I
fascinating people I’ve met with men I
fascinating people I’ve met with men I mean seriously you’re just very
mean seriously you’re just very
mean seriously you’re just very interesting on a creative end and also
interesting on a creative end and also
interesting on a creative end and also on the execution end and you can see it
on the execution end and you can see it
on the execution end and you can see it here right now with the team that you
here right now with the team that you
here right now with the team that you put together brother thank you so much
put together brother thank you so much
put together brother thank you so much for taking the time to meet with us
for taking the time to meet with us
for taking the time to meet with us definitely thank you
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