If You Can't Ditch Social Media Entirely, Try This Instead | Steve Aoki on Impact Theory

TL;DR

If you cannot leave social media entirely, stop comparing yourself with people who already have large success and make what is in front of you meaningful. Steve Aoki recalls focusing on just five engaged listeners while earning 20 to 40 per show and sleeping in a van. His approach is to stay present with the people in the room and build genuine connections. Read on for how that mindset fueled his music and wider creative work.

Transcript

when i started djing i remember when like five people would be like yeah and there's like everyone else just doesn't give a i'm like those are my five people i focus on them and after the show i like hung out with all of them and one of the guys let us stay in their in their house because we were sleeping in our van the whole time we're making 20 t... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ Steve Aoki's journey showcases the power of resilience, authenticity, and passion in achieving success in the music industry.
• 🥹 Managing expectations and staying grounded in gratitude helps Aoki navigate challenges and setbacks.
• 🆕 Aoki's willingness to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and continuously discover new talent keeps his creative process fresh and innovative.

Questions & Answers

Q: What should you do if you cannot ditch social media entirely?

Stop comparing yourself with people who already have large success and focus on what is directly in front of you. Steve Aoki recommends making your current opportunities and connections meaningful before aspiring to a bigger stage.

Q: How did Steve Aoki handle performing for a disengaged audience?

When only about five people responded enthusiastically, Aoki treated them as his five people and focused on them. He also spent time with them after the show, turning a small audience into meaningful personal connections.

Q: What were Steve Aoki's early touring conditions like?

Aoki says he and his group were sleeping in their van and making 20 to 40 per show. After one performance, an audience member let them stay at his house.

Q: How does Steve Aoki stay present while performing?

He tries not to think about anyone outside the four walls of the venue. His attention stays on the people who came for him and on his responsibility to connect with them.

Q: What primarily drives Steve Aoki to keep working?

Aoki says his main drive is music-based, especially the connection he experiences with fans during shows. Sharing a deeper feeling with an audience gives his work value and strengthens his passion.

Q: How demanding is Steve Aoki's touring schedule?

He describes spending more than 200 days on the road and averaging 250 shows. He says this pattern had remained consistent for the previous 12 years.

Q: Why did Steve Aoki start a label and pursue projects beyond music?

He says these projects are rooted in creating and sharing work that has an impact. Starting a label, being in a band, and working on the Neon Future comic all gave him ways to connect with people and pursue meaning and purpose.

Q: Why is music Steve Aoki's first creative approach?

Aoki describes music as his natural way of expressing himself. As his platform grew, it also allowed him to meet people from unfamiliar worlds, learn about their ideas, and share those ideas with others.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Steve Aoki recounts his early days of performing for small audiences, building connections with fans, and hustling to make a name for himself.

• Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Aoki's relentless pursuit of his passion led to international fame and success in the music industry.

• By focusing on authenticity, meaningful connections, and gratitude, Aoki continues to push boundaries and inspire others.