He has more than 16 million followers on Twitter and Facebook combined, more than six million followers on Instagram and another two-plus million on Youtube. More than 12 million people listen to him on Spotify each month, and his music has been streamed more than two billion times. So who is this mega-star? It’s none other than the inimitable Steve Aoki, two-time Grammy Award nominated DJ and producer, and founder of Dim Mak Records, where he executive produces and collaborates on hit songs for artists like Louis Tomlinson, Migos, BTS, Daddy Yankee and more.

Since starting his career in 1996, Aoki’s live concerts, which are consistently sold-out worldwide, have become a showcase for his frenetic and positive energy, enrapturing whole stadiums of devoted fans (comprised mostly of millennials). He’s joined forces this year with The Yogen Früz Pinkberry Brain Project in support of Baycrest as its 2018 celebrity artist promoting brain health and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

It’s a cause he holds dear. BrainMatters found out just how important it is to him to be involved with The Brain Project in a recent interview with the world-renowned performer, music executive and president of The Aoki Foundation, which supports organizations in the brain science and research areas with a specific focus on regenerative medicine and brain preservation.

Why did you decide to support The Yogen Früz Pinkberry Brain Project?

The Brain Project brings awareness to brain health and research in an engaging way by using art and sculpture to connect with people and helps educate them. As an artist and a philanthropist focusing on brain research, this was a great way to combine two of my passions for a great cause.

Describe your personal connection to art?

I have been a fan and collector since I was a teenager. I was designing and screen-printing my own t-shirts and merchandise in my teens, and today I am the designer of my own brand, Dim Mak Collection, where we have done amazing collaborations with great artists like David Choe. Today, I am still a huge collector and my house is a shrine to art.

Have you ever used your music to shine a light on brain health? If so, how did you do it?

My albums Neon Future 1, 2 and the upcoming 3 later this year – and Neon Future 4 scheduled for 2019 – are all about the future and what the future holds. I believe if we support the right people and organizations we will find cures for all human ailments and diseases.

So you created a brain sculpture for the 2018 Brain Project? Tell us about it.

I am so excited to be one of the 50 artists this year for the Brain Project in support of the Baycrest Foundation. This is a cause close to my heart. My sculpture, Neon Future, will sit beside the creations of so many other talented artists in this year’s project. My hope is that it will help raise funds for Baycrest, which will go toward research, care and education to promote brain health. Supporting the future of scientific discovery in brain health means everything [to me]; and that is the essence of my Neon Future brain sculpture.

The Aoki Foundation’s mission dovetails nicely with the vision of Baycrest. What made you start your foundation and what does it mean to you to be partnering with Baycrest on the Brain Project?

I decided to focus my philanthropy on brain research after reading a book called Ending Aging by Aubrey de Grey. It was eye-opening and pushed me to want to find ways to keep the brain healthier so we can all live longer, healthier and vibrant lives. Baycrest is helping to achieve that goal and helping patients currently suffering from degenerative brain disorders, so I was excited to be part of this campaign.

How do you feel about Toronto?

Toronto is one of my favorite cities in the world. I have been playing in Toronto for well over a decade and look forward every time I get to go there. I have so many friends there. Can’t wait to go back!

Have you had a chance to tour or learn about Baycrest? What are your thoughts about the organization?

I haven’t had a chance but I hope I do one day soon. I love learning more about how institutions like Baycrest are helping to treat patients with brain disease and talk to doctors about what the future holds, and what research needs funding for the future.

Neon Future

“You can be who you want to be, become what you want to be, and how you want to change the world starts with you. So start with a positive mental attitude, feed your brain and change within yourself first.”