Dim Mak Records is an American independent electronic and rock label founded in 1996 by Steve Aoki in Los Angeles. It has released music across electronic dance music, indie rock, and punk. Dim Mak's roster has included Bloc Party, The Kills, Diplo, Deadmau5, and MSTRKRFT in their early careers, establishing the label as a launching pad for both electronic and indie acts. The label is known for its cross-genre approach and its role in breaking acts in the 2000s and 2010s.
Dim Mak built its reputation on its early signings of acts that went on to global success. Bloc Party's early Dim Mak releases helped launch the British post-punk revival. Diplo, Deadmau5, and MSTRKRFT all had early releases on Dim Mak before becoming global electronic stars. The label's cross-genre approach (electronic, indie rock, punk) reflects Aoki's own genre-blending career as a DJ and producer. Dim Mak has continued to release electronic dance music through the 2020s, with a focus on electro house and festival EDM.
How Dim Mak Operates
Dim Mak runs dedicated A&R under founder Steve Aoki from its Los Angeles headquarters. The label is built around Aoki's brand and his cross-genre curation. Its model favors artists who blend electronic music with rock or punk energy. The label's strength is its history of breaking acts that go on to global success and its connection to Aoki's global festival and DJ network.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you make electronic dance music, electro house, or genre-blending electronic and rock, Dim Mak is a recognized independent label with a history of breaking acts that go on to global success. Its track record of early signings (Bloc Party, Diplo, Deadmau5) shows it can identify talent before broader recognition. Its connection to Aoki's global festival network gives signings exposure to large audiences.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- Founder-led: Dim Mak is built around Steve Aoki's brand. New signings benefit from but also live in that shadow.
- No unsolicited demos: Dim Mak does not accept cold submissions.
- Cross-genre expectations: Dim Mak favors genre-blending music. Pure underground electronic or rock artists may find it less relevant.
- Legacy roster: Many of Dim Mak's biggest signings (Bloc Party, Diplo, Deadmau5) moved on to other labels. The current roster is less prominent.
Notable Artists and Releases
| Artist | Release | Year | Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloc Party | Silent Alarm | 2005 | Billboard 200 No. 114, Billboard Independent Albums No. 7, UK Albums Chart No. 3, over 1 million copies sold worldwide |
| Steve Aoki | Wonderland | 2012 | Billboard 200 No. 59, Billboard Top Dance Albums No. 6, Grammy Nominee Best Electronic/Dance Album |
| Steve Aoki | Neon Future I | 2014 | Billboard 200 No. 32, Billboard Top Dance Albums No. 1 (10,000 first week) |
| Steve Aoki | Neon Future II | 2015 | Billboard 200 No. 66, Billboard Top Dance Albums No. 2 |
| The Kills | No Wow | 2005 | Billboard Heatseekers Albums No. 18, UK Albums Chart No. 56, UK Independent Albums No. 4 |
| MSTRKRFT | Fist of God | 2009 | "Bounce" reached No. 14 Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs, featured Ghostface Killah and E-40 |
| Steve Aoki | Kolony | 2017 | Billboard 200 No. 195, Billboard Top Dance Albums No. 5 |
Video Highlights
Deal Structures
Dim Mak Records operates as a founder-led independent label built around Steve Aoki's brand. The label offers a mix of deal types depending on the artist and genre. For electronic artists, Dim Mak offers single and EP deals with digital distribution focus. For indie rock and punk acts, the label has offered traditional recording contracts with master ownership retained during the contract term. Dim Mak has co-release agreements with larger labels (Ultra Records for Steve Aoki albums, Vice Records for Bloc Party's US releases). Distribution runs through an independent network. The label does not offer 360 deals. Licensing deals are available for established artists seeking digital distribution. Dim Mak's cross-genre approach means deal terms vary significantly between electronic and rock signings.
How Artists Get Signed
- A&R scouting: Steve Aoki and label staff identify artists through DJ sets, festival performances, and online buzz.
- Personal network: Aoki signs artists through his personal connections in the electronic and indie rock communities.
- Manager or agent submissions: Artists submit through established representation. Cold demos are not accepted.
- Live performance evaluation: The label prioritizes artists with strong live shows and festival appeal.
- Genre fit review: Dim Mak evaluates whether the artist fits its cross-genre approach (electronic, indie rock, punk).
- Contract negotiation: The label offers a deal type specific to the artist's genre and career stage (single deal, EP deal, or album deal).
Similar Labels
- Mad Decent - Artist-founded electronic label with similar cross-genre approach
- mau5trap - Artist-founded electronic label focused on EDM and electro house
- Astralwerks - Electronic dance music label with major-label distribution
- Monstercat - Independent electronic label with digital-first approach
- Ed Banger Records - French electronic label with similar artist-founder model
Related Resources
- Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Dim Mak deal contains
- Independent Labels vs Major Labels - The artist-founded electronic label model
- How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building an electronic music profile
- Mad Decent - A related artist-founded electronic label
- Dim Mak Records Official Site - Roster and releases
