Steve Aoki has traveled a long road from starting a record label in his apartment to becoming one of electro house music’s biggest names. We’ll get to join him for the ride in a new documentary coming to Netflix. The streaming service revealed a new I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead trailer today and announced the film’s August premiere date.
The aptly named documentary delves into more than just how Aoki became so successful — it explores the forces and principles that have driven him to extreme lengths, like cracking 300 shows in a single year. He admits that he grew up trying to impress his father, Rocky Aoki, a man who not only founded Benihana Restaurant, but was an offshore boat racer and even once qualified for the Olympics in wrestling.
It is easy to see how Aoki would take away the message that working hard is necessary to success. The trailer shows footage of the elder Aoki — who says he worked 16- and 17-hour days — explaining his career philosophy: “Business comes number one,” he says, “and health comes number two.” He finally rates family number three.
Steve Aoki’s determination has paid off, with his accomplishments including a 2013 Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronica Album. Leading up to his biggest concert ever, the documentary’s telling of his story is described as “heart-pumping yet heart-wrenching.” The film comes from producers Matthew Weaver (Rock of Ages), Matt Colon, Happy Weaver, and David Gelb (Chef’s Table), as well as executive producer Michael Mailis.
Netflix highlighted Aoki’s legacy in a tweet today that included the documentary’s trailer and premiere date.
Every legacy has a beginning. I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead with @SteveAoki comes to Netflix August 19th.https://t.co/Ph3dotTNLL
— Netflix US (@netflix) July 25, 2016
I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead hits Netflix on August 19.
