K3ONI has secured a major career milestone, winning Steve Aoki’s #AokiChallenge on SoundCloud with his electrifying track “Want More.” The rap-infused tech house anthem, featuring fiery vocals from Zach Settle and Vasili Varlamos, is set to release on Dim Mak Records on December 19.
Launched as a talent discovery initiative, the #AokiChallenge invited artists to submit their best tracks, and “Want More” captured Aoki’s attention with its punchy bassline and dynamic energy. Initially released exclusively on SoundCloud, the track will now reach global audiences through Dim Mak.
About K3ONI
Hailing from the small fishing town of Ilwaco in Southwest Washington, K3ONI (born John Glenn) began producing music at 13, inspired by the euphoric sounds of electronic dance music’s 2014 global surge. Drawing influence from pioneers like Martin Garrix, he honed his craft with FL Studio, embracing experimentation and evolving his sound through various artist monikers.
A pivotal chapter in K3ONI’s career unfolded during his college years at Washington State University, where he became the creative force behind the Pullman Collective, a rap group reflecting the spirit of the surrounding wheat fields and college culture. Collaborating with artists Zach Settle, Vasili Varlamos, and Sam Coulon, the group reached a high point in 2022, opening for Tai Verdes at a university-hosted event.
While the group eventually disbanded, K3ONI saw the potential in an unfinished track from their archives, transforming it into the dance-ready hit “Want More.” This moment reinforced his belief in nurturing the spark of creativity, no matter how dormant it may seem.
Crafting a Distinctive Sound
In 2022, K3ONI embraced his identity as a solo artist, channeling his passion for electronic music into energetic remixes and original tracks. Known for blending sub-genres and defying conventions, K3ONI adopts a philosophy of “no rules in music production, and no sound is off-limits.” His mission is to create vibrant, engaging atmospheres that leave a lasting impression.
With “Want More” marking his arrival on Dim Mak, K3ONI’s infectious energy and dedication to innovation signal a bright future in the electronic music scene.