Music is timeless, bands on the other hand are a fragile collaboration of human beings sacrificed to the random choices of life. Fate can indeed be cruel; bands that should have never made it have become main-stream, even though they deserved nothing more than a demo CD forgotten in a box on the back of a shelf-of-memories in their closet. So much depends upon breaks, luck, and sometimes not on talent.
Because of those acts of fate, we thankfully haven’t missed as many of the other professions; doctors, mechanics, teachers, etc that just happen to play an instrument. But, what music have we missed in this never ending culling of the artistic herd? A lot actually. Some bands I mourn less than others, and some bands I truly wish they had had a chance to evolve.
In the last year if you were looking for music comparable to the vision of Blankey Jet City - I’d have recommended Nipple6, a once high energy garage punk and party rock trio from Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. If you wanted something in the vein of Dry & Heavy; Magical Chameleon Rockers’ former soulful classic rock, with a reggae heart and pop appeal would of fulfilled that request. With life choices working against me, is it any wonder I recommend bands that seem (though in reality could be together for 10 years) to be so new, they literally haven’t released anything not even demos.
As frustrating as fate can be, I do take comfort in this: Music is Timeless. One of my favorite bands, and a friend’s vision is Darlin’onStage. In the coarse of 4 years (2006-2010) this rock trio took punk rhythms, driven guitar riffs and lyrical hooks, crafting rock melodies with a funky beat. Their last live show was in August 2010, soon after Darlin’onStage were no more. With 2 demos, and one single to their credit Darlin’onStage music lives on and I take heart in the fact that it does. What does make me sad is you may have not heard them yet. Let’s remedy that, and the reason for this blog post; The recommendation of Darlin’onStage.
I invite you to listen to vocalist and guitarist Shuji Yomogida, bass and keyboardist Tomomitsu Soga, and drummer Masahiro Enomoto, known collectively as Darlin’onStage.
Originally posted back in July to September 2005, these posts include more of keikaku’s staff recommendations.
Speaking of staff: “Like what you see here at Keikaku.net? Hate what you see here and want to improve things? If you think you would be a good addition to the staff here, drop us a line here. We’re looking for someone who’s willing to contribute an article at least once every two weeks. Tell us a bit about yourself - specifically your musical tastes (both Japanese and non) and anything else you think would make you a good candidate. We may ask for a writing sample, so be prepared to write up a profile or review.”
How too: k.net > about > drop down menu > select become staff > fill in name/emai/form > press send > done!
Please consider joining k.net, and I hope you enjoy your ride in the wayback machine.
Date: 2005.09.27 Artist: BAGDAD CAFÉ THE trench town Staff: Denise
Taking the stage at eleven members strong, BAGDAD CAFÉ THE trench town’s cool reggae sound comes alive under the strong female vocals of front-woman Mai. After surviving a few member changes in the last five years, BAGDAD CAFÉ THE trench town released their third album Movin’ On, on September 22nd. Samples from the album can be heard here. BAGDAD CAFÉ THE trench town members are Big Mama [Chorus], Mai [Vocal], Ran [Chorus], What’S Up Raita [Guitar], Iwai Long Seller [Organ], Yama [Bass], Ogi [T.Saxophone], Ume [Trombone], Michel Punch [Piano], Bancho [Drums] and Mura [Guitar].
Date: 2005.09.21 Artist: Onepercentres Staff: Denise
Onepercentres’ loud and in your face garage-rock sound is defined by an over-the-top energy that permiates everything this band plays. Onepercentres’ are releasing their newest album Platinum Bundle on 2005.11.02. You can listen to samples of the band here. Onepercentres members are Osamu Seino [Vocal. Guitar], Osm [Guitar], Yumi [Bass] and Yoshimi Moriyama [Drums].
Date: 2005.09.14 Artist: Hi-Standard Staff: Taylor Morris
Starting in 1991 and running until an indefinite hiatus stopped them cold 2000, Hi-Standard are largely responsible for bringing Punk music back to the mainstream in Japan during the mid-90’s. Three albums: 1995’s Growing Up, 1997’s Angry Fist and finally, 1999’s Making The Road. The band was also responsible for the legendary Air Jam festival each summer from 1997 to 2000 where tens of thousands of fans showed up to see the band play with some special guests along like bloodthirsty butchers and Cocobat. Band members: Akira Tsuneoka (Drums), Akihiro Nanba (Vocals, Bass), Ken Yokoyama (Vocals, Guitar). Ken Yokoyama went on to play in BBQ Chickens, another Pizza Of Death group, and his second solo CD comes out soon. Frontman Akihiro went on to form Tyunk whose first EP came out last month.
Date: 2005.08.29 Artist: Sugarhill Downtown Orchestra Staff: Bob Vielma (disbanded)
Sugarhill Downtown Orchestra is a two-tone ska band whose sound is spiced up by elements of hip-hop and saloon-style ragtime piano. Guitarist/pianist/lead songwriter Kota Tsukamoto was a member of the legendary 90’s ska-punk band Fruity. After having released a limited edition 7″, CD-EP, and full length album, Sugarhill Downtown Orchestra is releasing their second album on September 7th of this year.
Date: 2005.08.27 Artist: AndMarkHer Staff: Simon (disbanded)
Swirling guitars, melodic songs and impassioned vocals are the trademarks of this fledgling foursome, AndMarkHer are comprised of: U.D.A. (Vocals/Bass), Yukihiro (Guitar/Chorus), Ishida (Guitar/Chorus) and Uni (Drums). Formed in 2002, their first single was finally released in March of this year after a few previous demos.
Date: 2005.08.10 Artist: Soil & ‘Pimp’ Sessions Staff: Taylor Morris
Soil & ‘Pimp’ Sessions are leading a revolution across Japan bringing explosive club bebop to the forefront of today’s popular culture. Combining fierce solos and a blurrily quick pace to intricate instrumental jazz arrangements, the band has become widely noticed and critically lauded with their two albums, Pimpin’ and Pimp Master as well as with recent EP, Summer Goddess. In 2003, without any recordings to their name and a reputation built solely from live performances, the band was invited to perform at the Fuji Rock Festival of that year and soon a bidding war ensued with Victor coming out on top and currently releasing all of the band’s work. Soil & “Pimp” Sessions are Shacho (Agitator), Tabu Zombie (Trumpet), Motoharu (Sax), Josei (Piano), Akita Goldman (Bass) and Midorin (Drums).
Date: 2005.07.25 Artist: Movin` Jelly Staff: Denise
Movin` Jelly is considered by some to be one of the best Japanese power pop bands today. The band combines traditional Japanese pop with elements from bands like Cheap Trick and The Raspberries, giving them a definite rock edge. They released their debut album Girl’s Trouble on February 28, 2003. You can sample two tracks from the album here. Movin` Jelly members are Yutaka [Vocals, Guitar], Osadorako [Drums] and Gunji [Vocals, Guitar].
Date: 2005.07.20 Artist: The Court Staff: Denise (hiatus)
With a recent name change from O-Front to The Court, this band’s rock instrumentals are both driven and retrospective melodies, sometimes all in one song. These apparent contradictions in tempo and melody, meld together under the deeply moving vocals of front-man Tokizaki Satoshi. Samples of the band’s first single Sayonara, can be heard here. The Court members are Tokizaki Satoshi [Vocal, Guitar], Watanabe Masaya [Bass] and Tanokuchi Shinkai [Drums].
Date: 2005.07.16 Artist: The Emeralds Staff: Denise (changed name)
Advertised as the “Japanese R&R Samurai Trio,” and proclaimed “The New Agers of Japanese Rock and Roll.” The Emeralds live up to both advertising and reputation, by playing straight up rock and roll delivered with spirited guitar solos and pounding beats. The band released their latest single Surfing Baby, on May 25, 2005. You can sample two songs from the album, Talk About Love here. The Emeralds members are Kazuya [Guitar, Vocals], Osuke [Bass] and Akio [Drums].
Date: 2005.07.16 Artist: The Water Method Man Staff: Denise
Complicated instrumental arrangements and blues inspired vocals, characterize The Water Method Man’s cool jazz-fusion sound. The band released their first album Depth, on July 14, 2005. You can hear samples of the band’s music here. The Water Method Man members are Kounosuke Nakatsuka [Vocals], Yoichi Kobayashi [Keyboard], Yuuki Mizoi [Bass] and Shigenori Watanabe [Drums].
Date: 2005.07.12 Artist: The Havenot’s Staff: Denise
Reminiscent of the Ramones, The Havenot’s punk-rock sound is defined by catchy melodies and reverberating guitar. Apostrophe not optional, The Havenot’s can be seen and heard in a live video hosted at socketTV. The Havenot’s members are Matt Aoki [Guitar, Vocals], Shimmy [Bass] and Kohta [Drums].
Date: 2005.07.03 Artist: HeavensDust Staff: Denise
Taking their influence from bands like Korn and Nine Inch Nails, HeavensDust mixes traditional Japanese melodies and rhythms with alternative metal and rock. HeavensDust’s newest album Higher Than Heaven, Louder Than God, can be heard at the band’s homepage. HeavensDust members are Shinsaku [Vocals, Guitar], Mai [Bass], Atushi [Guitar], Ajo [Wadaiko], U-ky[koto],Yuta [Drums] and Nan-Zan [Shakuhachi].
June 2005, appears to have been a good month. I don’t particularly remember it, but it must of been. Because, the music recommended for that month was varied and surprising.
Date: 2005.06.29 Artist: The Jerry Staff: Denise
Exploring the harder side of rock. The Jerry combine pounding rhythms and drivin’ guitar riffs, with the tortured vocals of Yuta Osanai taking the band’s sound into a darker dimension. The Jerry are releasing their second mini album Drain Dry, in July. Samples of the band’s music can be heard at their site. The Jerry members are Yuta Osanai [Vocals, Guitar], Hirosi Ichimaru [Bass] and Amane Tsuji [Drums].
theFishBird’s punk sound runs the gambit between rock drivin’ guitars and catchy pop hooks. After being included on the compilation album Kono Senen ni Kui Nashi g (Great) in April 2005, theFishBird have released their first album the Fish Bird electronically over the internet. Samples of the album are available here. theFishBird members are Bamboo [Vocals], Naoki [Drums], Akira [Guitar] and 一y [Bass].
Date: 2005.06.15 Artist: Perfect Piano Lesson Staff: James Route
Perfect Piano Lesson combine the complicated riffs and rhythms of math rock, distortion of grunge and emo-tinged lyrics into one neat package. Artists they’ve been influenced by include Zazen Boys, Fugazi and The Dismemberment Plan. Members are Daioku (bass), Shirane (vocals, guitar), and Kachitani (drums). Samples are available at their page here.
Date: 2005.06.07 Artist: Balloons Staff: James Route
Balloons describe themselves as “post hc/emo math rock.” Though seemingly a tangle of genres, what this really amounts to is somewhat complicated, syncopated riffs and busy drumming with melodic, steady vocals (delivered in surprisingly proficient English) that bear more than a passing similarity to Dave Grohl’s voice. The band just wrapped up a 13-stop tour in the US as well. Song samples are available here (click the “Merchandise” button).
Date: 2005.06.04 Artist: it Staff: Chris McDougall (disbanded)
Not to be confused with the Stephen King novel of the same name, it (confusion abounds with the lowercase spelling) is a relatively unknown three piece alternarock band based in Tokyo that has been around since 1999. Their sound seems very centered on the indie/underground alternative movement that had its heyday in the early 90s. Some of their listed influences/favorites include Big Black, Joy Division, Mogwai, Sonic Youth, and especially bloodthirsty butchers. Since drummer Yamaoka Hiroshi will be leaving the band—his last show as a member of it is on 3/7/2005—vocalist/guitarist Tanaka Kensuke and bassist Suzuki Miho are currently looking for a new drummer.
Date: 2005.06.04 Artist: Real Age (リアルエイジ) Staff: Chris McDougall
At times a personification of the Bad Religion song “Along the Way,” Real Age (リアルエイジ) is a three piece punk outfit whose tight knit and sometimes soothing melodies may not seem punk in sound, but are definitely punk in spirit. Vocal duties are mainly handled by bassist Kanamori Shingo, while guitarist Endou Yuusuke provides backup and sometimes alternating vocals. Drummer Tanihara Akimitsu rounds out the band with choral and rhythm duties. You can see video of their passionate live performances on sound-tv.net. Go to the “punk” and “REAL AGE.”
Date: 2005.06.04 Artist: The Aprils (エイプリルズ) Staff: Denise
Catchy pop hooks, electronic and instrumental talents blend together to produce a unique electro-pop sound. The Aprils hold nothing back in creating music that entertains and keeps you coming back for more. The Aprils members are Kentaro Imai [vocal, guitar, and more], Miho Iguchi [vocal, synthesizer] and Yuhki Shotokuji [drums].
Date: 2005.06.04 Artist: The Jerry Lee Phantom Staff: Denise (formed The Beaches)
Dance meets classic garage rock. Drawing inspiration from punk, soul, jazz, and house. The Jerry Lee Phantom smoothly combine elements from each genre, creating a unique musical experience. The Jerry Lee Phantom members are Hisashi [vocal, guitar], Hiroshi [drums], Ayuko [piano, keyboard, vocal] and Morio [bass].
Distinctively addictive, Apartment’s energized pop style is driven by melodic vocals, driving rhythms and skillful keyboards. Apartment’s “extraordinary pop music” is indeed that, extraordinary. Apartment members are Kanasugi Yuusuke [Vocals, Guitar], Chuuree Shinsuke [Bass], Uchikawa Koosei [Drums] and Ami [Keyboard].
Date: 2005.06.04 Artist: The Acoustics Staff: Denise (disbanded)
Inspired by The Beatles and The Who, this independent band performs in the underground live house circuit in Tokyo. The Acoustics rock-pop sound is reminiscent of their idols’ earlier works. The Acoustics members are Keiji Kadokura [Vocal, Guitar, Piano, etc], Michi Nakao [Vocal, Bass, Guitar, Recording Engineer], Seiji Yamaguchi [Guitar, Chorus] and Yuji Sugawara [Drums].
Syrup16g revitalize vintage-rock. With their classic guitar riffs and melodic vocals Syrup16g bring a unique and fresh perspective to this classic genre. Syrup16g members are Igaarashi Takatsugu [vocal, guitar], Nakabatake Taiki [drums], and Kitada Maki [bass].
Whichever phrase you choose to describe them, Club Pop or Shibuya-kei. Qypthone’s pop melodies are a distinctive blending of 60s retro sounds and modern dance music. Qypthone members are Izumi Ookawara [Vocals], Ishikaki Kentarou [Bass, Samples] and Takeshi Nakatsuka [Keyboard].
This alternative rock band’s improvisational sound takes on a dreamy quality with the angelic vocal interpretations of front woman Asami. Clams members are Asami [Vocal, Maraca, Tambourine], Hisashi [Guitar, 12 bowstring guitar, Mac, Drum, Bass], Takayuki [Bass].
A blast from the past. A look at today. A Glimpse of the future. A Walk down memory lane and a revisit of the recommends of yesterday - 2005.02.27 thru 2005.05.24.
I would post the bands’ old pics, but it would be rather unfair of me. In 2005, band pictures were not chosen for their beauty, sometimes they were the only choice. Kind of like a former VK band after they’ve moved on to male-idol status, with a taste for flashy cars, fast woman and even faster dressing times - But still having fangirls on the internet posting those now embarrassing pics, to be ridiculed, drooled over, debated, and worshiped.
Hmmm.
Here at K.net - We aim to please.
Enjoy.
Date: 2005.05.24 Artist: The Garcia Staff: Denise (disbanded)
Dubbed “Japanese Desert Rock.” The Garcia play a mix of hard rock and metal, with a southern-rock flair. You can download the band’s songs on their website. The Garcia members are Ryota Ito [Vocal, Guitar], Masayuki Tateishi [Bass] and Nobuhisa Nakagami [Drums].
Date: 2005.05.24 Artist: Dry & Heavy Staff: Denise
Named out of respect for reggae legend Burning Spear, Dry & Heavy’s roots reggae influences can be heard in the band’s dub sound. You can sample the album Full Contact @artistdirect.com. Dry & Heavy members are Shigemoto Nanao [Drums], Pata [Bass], Likkle Mai [ Vocal], Ao Inoue [Vocal], Mitsuhiro Toike [Keyboard], The K [Guitar] and Naoyuki Uchida [Dub Control].
Lyrics’ punk-pop style is reminiscent of the first wave of the British Invasion and that early sixties rock sound. The band is releasing their third album Love is for All on May 18th. You can sample the album on their homepage. Lyrics members are Akira Ohki [Drums], Shuji Horino [Bass], Jun Tawarada [Vocals, Guitar] and Kenichiro Oda [Guitar].
With an almost 60’s rock feel, Zanzow Café’s albums are journeys for the listener. Formed in 2001, Zanzow Café’s rock-pop sound is an eclectic mix of pop, rock and instrumental styles. They released their 2nd album “Atarashii Hibi,” on 2005/02/09. You can hear samples of the album on their bandpage. Zanzow Café members are Ootomo Hiroyuki [Bass], Omori Genki [Vocals, Guitar] and Sawada Shuuichi [Drums].
Formed in 2003, Journal Spy Effort plays largely instrumental indie rock seasoned with spastic guitars and odd rhythms that recall American eclectics The Dismemberment Plan. When he does sing, even vocalist Kimoto is quite similar in timbre to Plan’s Travis Morrison. To date, Journal Spy Effort has one official release under their belt, a self-titled EP (samples available). Members include Kimoto Takahiro (vocals, guitar), Kaneda Masashi (bass) and Ookura Daisuke (drums).
The psychedelic reggae flavor of Inushiki’s (a.k.a.Dogggystyle) sound is high-energy rock at its best. The band will release their first full album Life is Beatfull on May 11th. You can hear samples of the new album at their site. Inushiki (a.k.a.Dogggystyle) members are Miyake Youhei [Vocal, Guitar], Mine Seitarou [Guitar], Ishiguro Shoji [Bass] and Kakinuma Kazunari [Drums].
Date: 2005.04.23 Artist: Samurai Delicatessen Band Staff: Denise (disbanded)
Influenced by such artists as The Clash and Jimmy Cliff, Samurai Delicatessen Band’s retro style is a return to blues inspired rock. The band’s first album, Doranuma de Dance, is being distributed in the US by YesJapan. Samurai Delicatessen Band [s.d.t.b.] members are Kyaputen Kokoa [Guitar], Yuda Tsuyoshi Akira [Vocal, Guitar], Tamiya Wataru [Bass] and Watanabe Taichi [Drums].
Date: 2005.04.12 Artist: The Great Rollingflower Staff: Denise
The Great Rollingflower’s epic improvisational rock intrumentals are an inspiration to the listener and a testament to this band’s artistic approach to musical composition. The Great Rollingflower members are Otsuka [Guitar], Fuse [Drums], Yoshida [Vocal,Guitar] and Deguchi [Bass].
Aeronauts‘ garage-rock style is defined by both a smooth and unrefined garage-rock sound. Aeronauts‘ contrasting musical style may seem to be a contradiction in terms, but these contrasts are what sets this bandapart and inspires fans to describe Aeronauts‘ music as defining the word indie. Aeronauts members are Tadayasu Kitade, Gendai Matsuyama, Tomowo Morikawa and Arat Ikemoto.
Described as a genuine rock band and mentioned as a favorite of the band apart’s. Unchain’s in name only punk-rock sound is influenced by jazz, blues, pop and rock. Though predominantly pop as evidenced in the songs “Light Your Shadow” and “The Age Stream,” Unchain’s catchy rhythms and vocals are a refreshing change of pace. After being included on the compilation albums Grand Slam and Punk Rock Camp!! Next 2, they recently released their third demo In a Moment of the Birds Flying. Unchain members are Tanigawa Masanori [Vocal, Guitar], Sakigaya Hiroaki [Vocal, Bass], Yoshida Shougo [Drums] and Satou Masafumi [Chorus, Guitar].
Date: 2005.02.27 Artist: Nongrow Chairs Staff: James Route (hiatus)
One of the bands from Fukuoka’s indie scene I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live, the Nongrow Chairs seem like a bipolar group, channeling both the pleasant ballads of Mr. Children and the loud distortion of grunge. Vocalist Kaz sounds uncannily like Mr. Children’s Sakurai Kazutoshi, while Takeshi’s Seattle-styled guitar adds some gravity to the band’s compositions and Kunito’s keyboards chime in at key points to imbue the Chairs with some extra personality. Tsubasa and Nori on bass and drums, respectively, round out the band’s rhythmic section. Be sure to check out the Nongrow Chairs’ full-song samples at their website under the Music(CD) section.
Kamaboiler (かまボイラー) have a warm inviting rock sound somewhere between Okuda Tamio and Hermann H. & The Pacemakers. At the core of this interesting four piece are brothers Shimuizu Narushin (bass) and Shimizu Sadashin (guitars and vocals), they are completed by Watanabe Shigeru (guitar) and Suzuki Hisaya (Drums). Though they formed in October 1998, they have only just released their debut EP ‘ Kamaboiler First’ (かまボイラーファースト) which was produced by none other than Sambomaster’s Takashi Yamaguchi.
Like those 1st band images; the very existence forgotten by the bands’ that posed for them. The information maybe dated (2005), their bandpage gone, but the music lives on - good and bad.
Once upon a time the English Invasion kicked the world’s ass taking no prisoners - While many artists fell to the wayside under the avalanche of all that was British. I once pointed out that Japanese artists were leading the forefront of a new invasion, much quieter and under the radar of the less hip and adventurous but none the less a true invasion. A lot of time has passed since that report and times change. Not the music, it has expanded to include the world.
What I have discovered is those bands that took my imagination and sent it souring are aging as I am. With new artists up and coming - The enemy, no longer 13 to 24 year old Visual Kei fans monopolizing the music conversation to scream “SO’KAWAI!!” But those sites that take p2p share to a complete new level.
Without information - how do you spread the word about an artist? Where p2p limited the share of an artist’s music by the bandwidth of two individuals, you now have blogs and forums built just for that purpose. No information - just the music in convenient unlimited downloads. Tagged right or wrong, shared pop and rock idols, good or bad, the artist lost in a sea of; “how big is your music folder?”
Music bloggers will tell you, they can make or break a band. Sure they can, if they actually cover the band and write about the music. But in most cases, legit isn’t what we are looking at. We are looking at the new mp3-blogs and in your zeal to find your chosen genre, or next big thing you have wandered into the world of pay per click, google adsense, and file share premium accounts.
It isn’t about the music or the artist anymore. It isn’t about a community sharing and learning together. P2p was pretty much one on one, social and a lot of information passed between fans. What it’s about is money and not for the artist, but revenue for the blog and the poster behind it. Because, we can’t say they are a writer, when all you do is cut and paste the album cover and a link to their premium download (not even an anon link to the band’s homepage).
I prefer not to be dumbed down, or regulated to everybody-does-it apathy.
Please, sir, I want some more.
You should demand it too.
~D
I neither condone, nor condemn sharing music - It is the life blood of a musician on the internet and to many fans music is life.
I couldn’t in all good conscience change the recommend (to a band) - without something to replace it.
On March 11, 2011, an earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, churning up a devastating tsunami that swept over cities and farmland in the northern part of the country and set off warnings as far away the west coast of the United States and South America. Recorded as 9.0 on the Richter scale, it was the most powerful quake ever to hit the country. As the nation struggled with a rescue effort, it also faced the worst nuclear emergency since Chernobyl; explosions and leaks of radioactive gas took place in three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station that suffered partial meltdowns, while spent fuel rods at another reactor overheated and caught fire, releasing radioactive material directly into the atmosphere. Japanese officials turned to increasingly desperate measures, as traces of radiation were found in Tokyo’s water and in water pouring from the reactors into the ocean. A month after the quake, nuclear officials put the crisis in the same category of severity as the Chernobyl disaster.
As of April 7, the official death toll had been raised to 12,600, and more than 14,700 people were listed as missing, although there may be some overlap between the two groups. The final toll is expected to reach nearly 20,000. More than 160,000 people remained housed in temporary shelters; tens of thousands of others evacuated their homes due to the nuclear crisis.
One of the ways you can help Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami survivors, is by donating.
There are other countries that need help too: Ivory Coast, Haiti, Pakistan, New Zealand, etc — Get involved, a disaster doesn’t go away because it no longer is front page news.
As he stared at her ample bosom, he daydreamed of the dual Stromberg carburetors in his vintage Triumph Spitfire, highly functional yet pleasingly formed, perched prominently on top of the intake manifold, aching for experienced hands, the small knurled caps of the oil dampeners begging to be inspected and adjusted as described in chapter seven of the shop manual. by Dan McKay, Fargo — Yes Dan, we know exactly what you mean.
What you may find more memorable than that hunk of cheese — K.net’s last interview and recommends.
Interview with Metro-Ongen by Shawn Grover.
Metro-Ongen are a Tokyo-based rock band that have been playing together since 2002. Keikaku finally caught up with the band to learn more about who they are, their history, and their upcoming album, Eden. Metro-Ongen are (from left to right): Yuta Ryuzaki, Wakae Moran-Douglas, Fumie Omata, and Magata Minami. http://www.keikaku.net/features/93
LAMP
Heavily influenced by 60s American music, ethereal tunes, and bossa nova Lamp is an indie pop, jazz, and alternative trio from Japan. Formed in 2000, Lamp members are Taiyou Someya (guitarist), Yusuke Nagai (vocal, multi-instrument) and Kaori Sakakibara (vocal, flute, accordion). homepage - myspace
About Tess
About Tess is an instrumental post rock band consisting of drummers Tetsuro and DKO, bassists Kanz and Miya-Ken, and guitarists Takuto and Kazuya. Their music incorporates extended riffs and rhythms meshing into a seemingly conflicting but intricate dance in sound. You will feel, rather than just watch or listen to About Tess’ music. homepage - myspace
Described as “Pitchfork for the Japanese music scene” — Keikaku recommends it’s own forum for the latest concert news, music discussion, and general conversation. What doesn’t happen on the front page, is often discussed in forum.
Keikaku staff will be taking a short frontpage and blog hiatus for the coming holiday season and will be back 2011.01.15! In the meantime if you need your fix of little known Japanese artists — Get immediate updates on twitter, facebook. and pop into the forums for the latest music news.
As always, Happy Music and Happy New Year!
See you in 2011!
Amazon Japan has finally launched a DRM-free (digital rights management) mp3 download service.
With only the support of EMI Music Japan and no other major Japanese labels climbing on board — the new service isn’t likely to have a big impact on local retail-music.
Most Japanese record companies refuse to make their product available digitally without DRM. That’s why Japan is the only country where the iTunes Music Store uses Apple’s FairPlay DRM system.
Prices vary widely on the new service, but affordable. For example, Mass of the Fermenting Dregs’ new album Zero Comma, Iro Toridori No Sekaigoes for 1,200 yen ($14.50), FujiFabric’s SINGLES 2004-2009 album sells for 1,500 yen ($18.13) and Base Ball Bear’s CYPRESS GIRLS is priced at 1,200 yen ($14.50). Single tracks retail for 150 yen ($1.83).
I have yet to familiarize myself with the requirements and restrictions of the service. I hope I am not disappointed.
Posted by Dasr | Comments (0)
Canadian and Internet Japanese Music fans heads up! You are needed!
“The next tour is tentatively scheduled for late May 2011, but in order for it to happen more people need to get involved in helping me organize and promote it…” reads the latest blog entry from Steven at Next music From Tokyo (http://www.nextmusicfromtokyo.com/?p=1652).
You ask yourself, what can I do? First join the Next Music From Tokyo forum (http://www.nextmusicfromtokyo.com/forum/)and voice your appreciation of the project.
Second - Vancouver! Toronto! Montreal! What can you do?
Volunteer to contact (all local, High School, College) newspapers, radio stations, and magazines in your area. Post in forums, blogs and comment on those posts already out there (ie youtube). Pick a city - Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal, and blanket the town with posters the week before the event! Get organized and grab some friends and head to the concert! Then write about it, post pics and videos in forum and blog!
Thirdly - Internet Community! We all know it is a worthy project and though we may not be able to attend, everyone can help!
Post the event in forum, blog, and send it to your Canadian friends (In chat, vent, skype and by steam). Support Japanese Music around the world (especially in Canada) and post till it hurts! And if you have to take a ban for the TNMFT Tour - wear your ban proudly!!
Cheers,
D
PS
If you missed it. Read keikaku.net’s interview with organizer Steven Tanaka, first tour veteran Ryogo Kobata (Violin, Guitar, Vocal） グーミ (goomi), Next Music from TOKYO!!! vol 2 Vocalist & Guitarist Kenta Oshikiri of susquatch, Kim (Bass, Guitar, Trumpet, Beatbox) of uhnellys and the members of Sgt — about the first and second tour!
Then download: The concert group cooperated with online Japanese music store HearJapan to release a sampler of some of the groups in both tours. Though Volume 1 is no longer available, Next Music from Tokyo Vol 2 is still free and downloadable at HearJapan.
Next Music from TOKYO vol 2 - susquatch “3 chords” @ Biltmore Cabaret
Next Music from TOKYO vol 2 - sgt. “Tears Of Na-ga” @ Biltmore Cabaret
020 Next Music from TOKYO vol. 2 - MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS
This here blog is one small step for Keikaku, one giant step for the staff's collective ego. Unimportant news and many ramblings (sometimes about music) will likely be a big part of the posts. Enjoy.
