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

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

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

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

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