DJ Steve Aoki snuck into town for a private show at Muse Park 97, where he played alongside Diplo as part of the China launch of Diesel's youth spin-off brand 55DSL. We stole a quick word with him about his music, majoring in women's studies and such. You can listen to some Steve Aoki tracks here.

You plus music equals what?

Fun, loud and with lots of punch. This is music for the youth. It reminds me of when i was 14 and going to hardcore shows. same kind of energy and attitude.

Where do you draw your influences from?

From my pops, dj am, my mom and a few friends.

You started out making records and organising shows from “The Pickle Patch,” your living room when you were still at university. Why was your living room called “The Pickle Patch”?

Our friend OB named it pickle patch. it's actually a sex reference but I'm not sure of the details.

Why did you decide to major in Women’s Studies?

Long story short. the most radical professors on campus were either teaching WS courses or associated with them in one way or another. I took one class, got hooked and decided to go all the way. Best year of my college career.

Pitchfork gave a pretty scathing review of your album Pillowface and His Airplane Chronicles. Thoughts?

At first I was shocked because when the label sent off the CD to pitchfork before the review they gave it a positive mini review and thrive used it in all the ad campaigns ... thumbs up from Pitchfork but when it came down to that person who hated it and didn't get the concept it was definitely a bummer because I like Pitchfork a lot. But at the end of the day everyone has their own opinions and of course there will be people that will hate or not like stuff that I like or put time into.

What were your ambitions starting out?

I had no ambitions to become a producer. My only ambition was to make Dim Mak a self-sufficient running ship.

What’s next for Dim Mak?

Releases by The Bloody Beetroots, Mstrkrft, myself, Zuper blahq, Armand Van Helden, All Leather, Willowz, Scanners, Shinichi Osawa, Autoerotique, Felix Cartal, Pase Rock, Machines Dont Care, Herve, Rifoki, Mustard Pimp and more...

- Sharon Li