Feature - Back Numbers
Japan at SXSW (2006.02.26)
South By South West has firmly established itself has the top music business event worldwide for checking out up and coming music artists. MIDEM has a longer history, and draws more lawyers having meetings in hotel lobbies and bars, but SXSW is the place to go if you are looking for the the widest variety of live music. Last year SXSW featured over 1,200 artists, many of them playing multiple venues. While initially SXSW drew American alternative rock types, today it brings together musicians from all over the world, playing a wide range of music. Austin is an ideal setting for the event, being home to a large college population and a thriving live music scene that allows it to proudly proclaim itself "the live music capital of the world".
This year marks the 20th anniversary of SXSW, and the 10th anniversary of Japan sending artists. Hoping to add some extra hoopla to the occasion, Japan is escalating its involvement this year by sending 20 bands, as well as a showcase of top shamisen players.
Of all Japanese bands, the two that will likely draw the most attention are Ellegarden and Dir en grey, both of which sell in the hundreds of thousands in Japan. Ellegarden (pronounced " LA garden") are a pop-punk band along the lines of Offspring or Zebrahead. Their vocalist sings in English well, and besides having strong hooks, the band also has a good sense of humor. Ellegarden are currently the biggest selling punk band in Japan, and have been getting bigger with each release. Dir en grey are a "visual kei" band, a bit on the dark and gloomy side, but with a good deal of originality and a sharp sense of theatre. They have already developed a substantial following internationally, as can been seen at Nippop's access rankings, where they weigh in at #1.
Also making the trip to the States are PE'Z, an instrumental band with a certain pizzazz, who call their sound "samurai jazz". The band broke in a big way by having their music used in a beer commercial, but have maintained a substantial following with their spirited live shows and a mix of originals and unusual covers, such as their popular version of the Rolling Stones song "She's A Rainbow". eX-Girl will be there also, bringing along with them their quirky, inspired by extraterrestrial frogs music. While not a major band in Japan, eX-Girl have developed a cult following around the world that has allowed them to tour far and wide.
Another well traveled band is the freak-out psychedelic blues rock band DMBQ. The band was getting rave reviews last year during an extensive tour of the UK and US when they were involved in a freeway accident which tragically killed their drummer China Nishiura, and injured the other members. The band has now re-grouped and played their first gig since in January at an event with Guitar Wolf, who themselves were coming back with a new line-up following the death of their bassist Billy.
On a brighter note, the raving lunacy of Polysics is sure to cheer many. The group is often described as "Japanese Devo", but live are more animated and freewheeling. Also this year, as in previous years, female bands will be well presented. Afrirampo have made just one official album, but have already created a substantial international buzz. The female freestyle freakout duo from Osaka have already played in the States and Europe, and shared the stage with the likes of Sonic Youth and Deerhoof. Cute and lively all-girl pop punk bands Gitogito Hustler and TsuShiMaMiRe are both making return visits to the States, where they have already made plenty of fans and friends. The more abstract units Limited Express (has gone?) and Luminous Orange have also previously toured internationally and have established fan bases in both the States and Europe.
The official "Japan Nite" show is March 18th at the Elysium, which is expected to showcase 6 of the 20 Japanese bands performing at SXSW. There will also be a touring Japan Nite. The line-up for each show varies slightly, but for those who might not have a chance to see the bands in Texas, make sure the check out the following:
March 17 San Antonio @ Sam's Burger Joint
March 20 NYC @ Knitting Factory
March 21 Cambridge, Mass. @ TT the Bear
March 22 Philadelphia @ Khyber
March 24 Denver @ Bluebird
March 26 Seattle @ Nuemos
March 27 Portland, Oregon @ Sabala's
March 28 SF @ Independent
March 29 LA @ Knitting Factory
This year Japan is also bringing a team of shamisen players - Mika Uchizato, Keisho Ohno, UMEKICHI, Takeharu Kunimoto and Yasukatsu. The shamisen is a traditional Japanese instrument, which is basically a three stringed lute, but sound-wise is often compared to the banjo. There are various types of shamisen, and of playing styles, and the performers going to the States represent a good variety of the various types. The shamisen players will perform March 17 at the Creekside, located in the Capitol Palace Hotel. There are also plans for the shamisen team to do a mini-tour of the States. The shamisen players are also represented on the promotional Japan Nite CD that will be given away at SXSW.
Dates for the Japan Shamisen Nite US tour are as follows:
March 19 NYC @ Joe's Pub
March 20 Chicago @ Schubas Tavern
March 22 Oakland @ Yoshi's
March 23 LA @ McCabe's Guitar Shop
This year marks the 20th anniversary of SXSW, and the 10th anniversary of Japan sending artists. Hoping to add some extra hoopla to the occasion, Japan is escalating its involvement this year by sending 20 bands, as well as a showcase of top shamisen players.
Of all Japanese bands, the two that will likely draw the most attention are Ellegarden and Dir en grey, both of which sell in the hundreds of thousands in Japan. Ellegarden (pronounced " LA garden") are a pop-punk band along the lines of Offspring or Zebrahead. Their vocalist sings in English well, and besides having strong hooks, the band also has a good sense of humor. Ellegarden are currently the biggest selling punk band in Japan, and have been getting bigger with each release. Dir en grey are a "visual kei" band, a bit on the dark and gloomy side, but with a good deal of originality and a sharp sense of theatre. They have already developed a substantial following internationally, as can been seen at Nippop's access rankings, where they weigh in at #1.
Also making the trip to the States are PE'Z, an instrumental band with a certain pizzazz, who call their sound "samurai jazz". The band broke in a big way by having their music used in a beer commercial, but have maintained a substantial following with their spirited live shows and a mix of originals and unusual covers, such as their popular version of the Rolling Stones song "She's A Rainbow". eX-Girl will be there also, bringing along with them their quirky, inspired by extraterrestrial frogs music. While not a major band in Japan, eX-Girl have developed a cult following around the world that has allowed them to tour far and wide.
Another well traveled band is the freak-out psychedelic blues rock band DMBQ. The band was getting rave reviews last year during an extensive tour of the UK and US when they were involved in a freeway accident which tragically killed their drummer China Nishiura, and injured the other members. The band has now re-grouped and played their first gig since in January at an event with Guitar Wolf, who themselves were coming back with a new line-up following the death of their bassist Billy.
On a brighter note, the raving lunacy of Polysics is sure to cheer many. The group is often described as "Japanese Devo", but live are more animated and freewheeling. Also this year, as in previous years, female bands will be well presented. Afrirampo have made just one official album, but have already created a substantial international buzz. The female freestyle freakout duo from Osaka have already played in the States and Europe, and shared the stage with the likes of Sonic Youth and Deerhoof. Cute and lively all-girl pop punk bands Gitogito Hustler and TsuShiMaMiRe are both making return visits to the States, where they have already made plenty of fans and friends. The more abstract units Limited Express (has gone?) and Luminous Orange have also previously toured internationally and have established fan bases in both the States and Europe.
The official "Japan Nite" show is March 18th at the Elysium, which is expected to showcase 6 of the 20 Japanese bands performing at SXSW. There will also be a touring Japan Nite. The line-up for each show varies slightly, but for those who might not have a chance to see the bands in Texas, make sure the check out the following:
March 17 San Antonio @ Sam's Burger Joint
March 20 NYC @ Knitting Factory
March 21 Cambridge, Mass. @ TT the Bear
March 22 Philadelphia @ Khyber
March 24 Denver @ Bluebird
March 26 Seattle @ Nuemos
March 27 Portland, Oregon @ Sabala's
March 28 SF @ Independent
March 29 LA @ Knitting Factory
This year Japan is also bringing a team of shamisen players - Mika Uchizato, Keisho Ohno, UMEKICHI, Takeharu Kunimoto and Yasukatsu. The shamisen is a traditional Japanese instrument, which is basically a three stringed lute, but sound-wise is often compared to the banjo. There are various types of shamisen, and of playing styles, and the performers going to the States represent a good variety of the various types. The shamisen players will perform March 17 at the Creekside, located in the Capitol Palace Hotel. There are also plans for the shamisen team to do a mini-tour of the States. The shamisen players are also represented on the promotional Japan Nite CD that will be given away at SXSW.
Dates for the Japan Shamisen Nite US tour are as follows:
March 19 NYC @ Joe's Pub
March 20 Chicago @ Schubas Tavern
March 22 Oakland @ Yoshi's
March 23 LA @ McCabe's Guitar Shop
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Originally submitted by: Keith Cahoon | See Edit History | Edit Article
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