Steve Aoki announces vinyl-only hardcore compilation, 'Year Zero', with Richard Orlinski

Steve Aoki is set to release a vinyl-only hardcore compilation with French artist Richard Orlinski. 'Year Zero' will land on 28th April, with an exclusive preview night at Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées set for the same date. 

The project is the latest in the 12on12 series, which bridges music and art via collectible records featuring unique visual work. Previous instalments have involved Run DMC, Travis Scott, and Swiss Beatz. 

Although best-known for contributions to EDM, Aoki's roots are found to the punk scene and its ideologies. While studying at the University of California, Santa Barbara, he produced a number of DIY records and held concerts in his student accommodation. Meanwhile, membership of bands like This Machine Kills and Rifoki, the latter alongside Bob Cornelius Rifo of The Bloody Beetroots, further evidence this longstanding passion. 

Limited to 500 copies, 'Year Zero' comprises 12 tracks by the likes of Running From Thieves, In Defence of Reality, Left Hand and Sperm Donor. Orlinski, who also DJs, is credited with art direction, and has produced 40 hand-numbered and hand-finished artist vinyls, 12 hand-finished and signed prints, a lifestyle fashion series, and unique character, Punk Kong. This work is also included in the box set.

"My 12on12 celebrates the music that made me who I am today. Through hardcore, I discovered a true sense of community and the power of DIY — doing it yourself, by any means necessary," Aoki said of the forthcoming release. 

"I've always said that art has no boundaries. Music and especially vinyl, is very important in my life, I'm a DJ myself, so it's something that is very close to my heart. Working with an artist like Steve Aoki with such a special universe has been an honour, and mixing our two worlds between music and art to create this artwork with 12on12 is unique," added Orlinski. 

Earlier this year, Aoki unveiled a collaboration between his lifestyle brand and record label Dim Mak and cult role playing game Dungeons & Dragons. Meanwhile, in December he was confirmed as part of the first all-civilian mission to the moon. The SpaceX flight will lift off later this year.  

Side A
Start Today - 'Gorilla Biscuits'
In Defense Of Reality - 'Shelter'
Pinned Up - 'AVAIL'
Running Like Thieves - 'Bold'
Firestorm - 'Earth Crisis'
New Noise - 'Refused'
 
Side B
Undertow - 'Function'
Break Down The Walls - 'Youth Of Today'
Blanket - 'Unbroken'
Sperm Donor - 'Rifoki'
Left Hand - 'envy'
One Question - 'The Fire Next Time'