Steve Aoki’s documentary I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead held its world premiere on April 15th at the Beacon Theater in New York City.
The documentary film, which was part of the 15th annual Tribeca Film Festival, was directed by Justin Krook and produced by Matthew Weaver, David Gelb, and Matt Colon (Aoki’s manager.) I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead provides a closer look at Aoki’s life, and features commentary from Aoki’s mother and siblings as well as other notable musicians, such as Diplo, Travis Baker, and Tiesto.
The film opens with a montage of music festivals complete with booty, masses of cake, and sprays of champagne over “Flight of the Valkyries.” The documentary shows Aoki for what he is—a rock star, jumping and head-banging on stage in front of thousands of people, crowdsurfing, and traveling the world. At the same time, it also reveals his intense work ethic (Aoki is, in terms of miles, the most-travelled musician in the world.) Much of the film also discusses his complicated relationship with his late father, Rocky Aoki, a former wrestler and restauranteur, and how Aoki’s principles and way of living originated from it.
After receiving a standing ovation, Aoki threw down a DJ set for the audience in Beacon Theater. Though the size of the venue didn’t compare to huge festivals, there was still a wild energy with Aoki and the crowd as they cheered, chanted his name, and danced the night away.
Throughout his career, Aoki has received criticisms of being a “silver-spoon DJ,” but after this film, no one can deny that his work ethic and drive are incomparable. Though he was the black sheep of his family and his father didn’t expect much from him, Aoki has worked to where he is the one who will carry the Aoki name and its legacy. Through his documentary, Aoki has given the world a glimpse of the humble, driven man who is too busy living and doing what he loves and, to quote the title, will “sleep when he’s dead.”
Photo from the film screening at Beacon Theater.
Photos from Steve Aoki’s Instagram.
