#AokiChallenge Winner K3ONI Earns His Debut Label Release
K3ONI, the winner on Steve Aoki’s #AokiChallenge contest on Soundcloud secures his track “Want More” a spot on Dim Mak Records. The single features a punchy Tech House bassline and fiery vocals from Zach Settle and Vasili Varlamos.
Steve Aoki created the #AokiChallenge to find the best new track to drop on his label Dim Mak, and the SoundCloud community swarmed. After weeks of listening, the track that moved Steve the most is “WANT MORE,” a rap-infused tech house banger by K3ONI.
The Portland-based producer linked up with Zach Settle and Vasili Valramos to combine lyrical prowess with a funk-laden bassline on this dance-floor anthem.
Through the #AokiChallange, “Want More” was released exclusively through SoundCloud, and is now going to be available worldwide on Dim Mak on December 19.
MORE ABOUT K3ONI:
John Glenn, professionally known as K3ONI (key-OH-nee), has been producing music since the age of 13 in Ilwaco, a small fishing town in Southwest Washington. During the height of Electronic Dance Music’s global popularity in 2014, K3ONI found his passion in the genre’s euphoric soundscapes. He credits Martin Garrix as a pivotal influence in his introduction to FL Studio, which sparked his lasting devotion to music production. Throughout his music career, K3ONI has embraced experimentation, developing his craft under various artist names. His breakthrough came during his college years, where he gained recognition as the producer behind the music of the Pullman Collective, a local college rap group.
A fortuitous meeting with alternative artist Zach Settle during his college years, set the stage for further musical collaborations. United by a shared love for music and interest in production, Settle introduced K3ONI to talented rap artists Vasili Varlamos and Sam Coulon. The four artists came together to form a distinctive musical group, creating innovative, upbeat tracks. Their debut album embodied the heart of Pullman, Washington—a college town centered around Washington State University, surrounded by vast, golden wheat fields. The group reached a career milestone in 2022, when they opened for pop artist, Tai Verdes, an opportunity made possible through the college’s Student Entertainment Board. After the album’s release and their peak performance, the members pursued their respective careers, leaving behind several unreleased tracks brimming with potential.
Among these unreleased pieces, K3ONI recognized the promise in an abandoned track and transformed it into a vibrant, dance-ready anthem known as SoundCloud’s Aoki Challenge winning song, “WANT MORE” by K3ONI, featuring Zach Settle and Vasili Varlamos. This experience taught him a valuable lesson: to never give up on a song when the initial spark of potential is felt.
In 2022, K3ONI fully embraced his artist identity, establishing himself as a brand. Drawing inspiration from various sub-genres of electronic music, K3ONI has become known for his energetic remixes and original tracks that feature memorable sounds and infectious energy. He believes that there are “no rules in music production, and no sound is off-limits,” a philosophy evident throughout his work. K3ONI’s goal is to create an inviting, energetic atmosphere that captivates and engages his audience, delivering a musical experience that resonates long after the last beat.