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    • March 20, 2012 12:50 AM CDT
    • No worries. I'm not opposed to helping out underground bands. I just can't create a event calendar and start booking bands from here tho. The main reason I made this thread was so that bands can seriously think about what goes into touring in Japan since it's a lot different from other places. It's no so much that the culture is different, it's mostly that bands are expected to put up a lot of their own money, as it says in the article above touring in Japan is really a promotional expense. The part where culture comes into it is when, after playing a gig and the live house staff asks you to pay 1000yen for borrowing a guitar chord, save face and pay it and know that the other bands had to pay a lot more so you could play for free, just as an example.

      I'd be happy to hear about other bands experiences touring in Japan if there are any out there. It might verify or correct or give further insight to what I know about it.

    • March 19, 2012 11:06 AM CDT
    • Sorry, man.

      Post deleted, anyway ;)

      Marty Shane, Pacifiction Records said:

      Honestly I was afraid of these kinds of requests when I posted this. I am usually swamped with a bunch of projects. I don't always have time to check out bands stuff. It's possible I can help you, but I'd rather leave this thread open as a question and answer.

      And just remember the prime directive: be prepared to pay your own way... completely.

      Future posters, please don't ask me to check out your band. However, I will answer any questions you may have about the ins-and-outs of touring Japan. Thanks!

    • March 19, 2012 10:31 AM CDT
    • Honestly I was afraid of these kinds of requests when I posted this. I am usually swamped with a bunch of projects. I don't always have time to check out bands stuff. It's possible I can help you, but I'd rather leave this thread open as a question and answer.

      And just remember the prime directive: be prepared to pay your own way... completely.

      Future posters, please don't ask me to check out your band. However, I will answer any questions you may have about the ins-and-outs of touring Japan. Thanks!

    • March 19, 2012 6:41 AM CDT
    • I've been meaning to write up a kinda guidelines for those interested in coming to Japan. Before reading what I have to say, I recommend this article because it makes a lot of sense and in someway backs up my experiences as an event organizer and booking shows:

      http://japanmusicmarketing.com/article3.htm

      Gigging in Japan is much different from anywhere else in the world and a lot more difficult to arrange for any band on the underground spectrum. I'll start with some main points about the live house system and other details that might differ from the west and then I'll give some advice and finally go a bit into what I do and what kinda acts I'm mostly into booking. So here it goes...

      Be prepared to pay your own way for everything. This means airfare, accommodations, meals, and transportation within the country.

      Plan at least 6 months in advance. Live houses start booking very early and if you want to secure good dates without the hassle, then get it done early. 3 months in advance is usually too late or cutting it close.

      Most venues in Japan are considered "live houses" (kinda mini-hall type places) where an event organizer rents the place out for any number of bands but usually 5 or 6 to play for the evening. After rental fees, even if there is a great turnout, there is usually not enough to pay each band and most do not walk away with anything or even having to pay to play. The event organizer usually asks bands to help cover the rental fees (hall, green room, gear, etc.) and the visiting band is waived from having to pay anything, so understand that you are getting a privilege with no obligation to help cover the cost of the event. If there is a payout, it's usually just enough to cover drinking at the after party for 4 band members.

      There are also "live bars" that have no rental fees, but since the capacity is usually only 20 to 30 heads, the payout is about the same as playing in a decently packed live house.

      Since I've explained the basic live house system, I'll just go into a few other details that might come as a culture shock. First of all, don't expect free drinks. As I explained above, the bar usually is separate from the event organizer. In Tokyo drinks are not usually part of the deal. But it depends on the place. Outside of Tokyo, there is sometimes a discount at the bar for bands. Oddly enough, many places have no problem with outside booze, especially for bands, and you can easily bring a bottle or 6-pack back stage and chug away.

      Another thing is that there is usually no guest list or the guest list is a discount price. If you have your girlfriend with you and she's taking pictures or working the merch table, she can get a "staff pass" and won't have to pay, but that college buddy you haven't seen in 5 years, he should at least pay the guest ticket price. If he's been living in Japan for awhile he should know the score.

      A small note about accommodations. Some Japanese cats will gladly help you arrange hotels and help you book cheap ones and get deals and such, but it shows a lot more savvy if you can do it yourself and not rely on anyone for help. Also, couch space is not common in Japan, there's just no room, so sleeping at a Japanese person's flat is not usual and if you do happen to get an invite, it should be considered a privilege.

      The best case scenario would be to get the backing of a Japanese label. This is not so easy, but if you can get the connection, they will pay for just about everything. You might not walk away with extra cash, but you won't lose money.

      Another good suggestion is find a Japanese band with a similar sound and just ask them to help booking some shows. Chances are they will be very helpful and get you some great gigs, just remember what I wrote above and don't expect any big payout.

      Whenever a band asks me if they want to play in Japan, I immediately tell them they must pay their own way for everything. I can book a few shows in the Tokyo area and I also have connections in several other cities, but they should be prepared to cover the cost the whole way. I try very hard to get payouts but it's just a drop in the bucket compared to the whole cost of a tour.

      If a band agrees to pay their own way, then I try to match their sound to some of the Japanese bands I know. Honestly I prefer raw primitive garage bands with sounds heavily routed in the 60's and a killer stage show with some kinda gimmicky appeal. That's just what the Japanese garage audience wants and since I do mostly garage events it's easier for me to give the kids what they want. That being said, I've helped all types of bands get gigs and if I think you're cool, I will most likely help you out... assuming you can agree to the primary condition that you be prepared to pay your own way!

      Most of what I've written applies to Tokyo area. I don't consider it a proper tour if you just play 5 shows in the same city, so I tend to book bands in Yokohama or Chiba if they come for a 3 or 4 show stint and even that's cheating a bit cause it's all kinda the same city. A proper tour would be getting down to Osaka and hitting a number of cities on the way. The bullet train is expensive but will get you there on time for sound checks. Renting a car is another possibility but gas prices and highway tolls are a lot pricier than what you might be used to, so this takes a lot of planning as well.

      I think I covered most of what you should think about when considering a jaunt to Japan. I've tried to be as lucid as possible and I may edit this in the future or add more in the comments. In any case, feel free to ask questions!

    • March 16, 2012 4:29 PM CDT
    • hi,

      ill be in panama & columbia from 11th april - 2nd may. is there anything happening out there like cool gigs, records stores..?

      greetings

    • March 14, 2012 8:45 AM CDT
    • Thanks!

      Hooowwwlll

    • March 14, 2012 5:24 AM CDT
    • HEY guys!

      Maybe Marty from Swamp Fiction can help? Also Atomic Suplex have been touring (and will again pretty soon as I hear) and might know something, don't know?

      Let the WolfWolfs out to Japan!

    • March 14, 2012 3:10 AM CDT
    • Yes. The tour dates aren't well promoted. I think the stadiums and halls are to blame, they should invest more on the bands that need to get fans. Spend some money on them, and get a flowing of events with more bands.

    • March 14, 2012 2:56 AM CDT
    • I've noticed we have a few bands here, but it's really hard to find them, they are mostly at São Paulo.

      About the fans I think its something rare, I actually don't know anyone here with this music taste.

      And last but not least, the events. I'm never aware of what's happening and its something really important to spread this scene, not only will it make the brazilian bands better known, but will increase the chance of calling some bands from other countries.

    • February 28, 2012 6:43 PM CST
    • REBEL CATS (ROCKABILLY-MEX). SONIDO MARTINES (PSYCHEDELIC CUMBIA-ARG) INTERVIEWS AND MORE!!!

      Hi! I'll be posting the show more often. We've been doing it for maybe 12 years. Every monday at 11 P.M. Just listen, you'll get it. Ask around, I'm sure most of the garage-punk bands travelin' around Mexico have been guests on the show.

      HERE'S THE LINK: http://goo.gl/3Iq8g

    • February 25, 2012 5:56 AM CST
    • So it's that time of year again when the cherry blossoms bloom and the geezers lay out their blue tarps and drink sake under the pink flowers dreaming of samurai & geisha of old and then ATOMIC SUPLEX lands tearing a hole in the fabric of the collective conscious of thousands of years of Japanese culture! Three rip-roaring RnR shows celebrating the release of the new Crypt Records LP "Bathroom Party!" A bunch of Japanese kids are going to be cramming into the local park's WC to listen to this one while their parents get drunk under the beautiful sakura trees!

      http://mysterynights.blogspot.com


    • February 24, 2012 10:11 PM CST
    • Last night Bunt had a killer night with our good mates 'the Sunday Reeds' at the Pony.

      We're at the Blue Tile in an hour or so and at the Barleycorn later tonight.

      Come down and say g'day. Speak to Chuckles (bass player) and I'll give you a Bunt t-shirt.

    • February 15, 2012 2:14 AM CST
    • Yeah I am really happy that the Hoodoo Gurus did this (I believe it was their idea). Hope it goes really well and we see some more like it ...

      I heard Brisbane has sold out now ....

    • February 13, 2012 1:23 AM CST
    • Oh yeah... never thought I'd see the Sonics!!!

      And so... we bit the bullet! We're going over to Melbourne... the tickets arrived the other day... just too good to miss out on!

      What a GREAT lineup!

      And even apart from the headliners, we're hanging to see Beaches and the Frowning Clouds and the Lovetones... and if the Gurus are sticking to the early stuff, well....

      It's the best one-day concert/festival/whatever I can think of since.... I dunno... the Anti-Nazi Rally in London with the Clash and the Damned etc etc! maybe?

      Sure makes up for this year's dud Laneway/BDO/[name your festival here!]

      It's basically garage/punk/psych heaven!

      Woo Hoo!

    • February 12, 2012 10:05 PM CST
    • Yeah, it's a cool line up.
      I'm still in shock, as I never thought I'd see the sonics!
      Never have been a gurus fan, but hey in this instant I'm not complaining.

    • January 26, 2012 9:11 PM CST
    • Presale is on now - http://digitup.net.au/

      Cool, Rodney Todd will be doin' comedy ..hehehe. Check out his band The Escapes :-)

       

    • January 26, 2012 5:00 PM CST
    • Despite being driveable we normally fly to Sydney cause my wife hates the drive - not complaining about that though. I was more referring to the fact that a lot of bands bypass Canberra completely. Sydney is the best option given that all of the bands I want to see will be there. I'm looking forward to the Sonics and 5678s a bit more than the Hoodoo Gurus. Last time I saw the Gurus was about 82 or 83 at the Ballroom!

    • January 26, 2012 4:33 PM CST
    • Weeeeelll, at least it's driveable. I'd def. being going to Sydney if I lived in Canberra! You'll have to give us a review of the Sydney event.

      mel

      Fuzzmeister said:

      Try living in Canberra!!!!

      I'm gonna end up forking out big time to go to the Sydney event, but it will be worth it!



      Peter Brat von Staben said:

      Course they're not coming to Adelaide...

      All the tour agencies are on the east coast and so we don't exist!

      But I having said that........ can't wait to see the Sonics!!!!!!

    • February 14, 2012 7:06 PM CST
    • Yeah big daddy K rocks ;)

    • February 11, 2012 9:05 PM CST
    • Love the show!

    • February 11, 2012 4:40 PM CST
    • Sydney Sounds radio show on 2RRR 88.5FM 11/02/2012. Alan Creed from Hell Crab City joins Big Daddy K in the studio -http://ning.it/zUIRam

    • February 14, 2012 8:59 AM CST
    • buvar- a delicious beer

      panama- a dining room with a massive bar- 231 level 3 smith street fitzroy/kind of collingwood

      lets get this thing rocking as it could be a lot of fun to get this happening!

    • February 14, 2012 8:52 AM CST
    • Well.... Ive always loved ridiculous music of several varieties and now i have been chosen to play some records at the place where i wait tables.  Its going to be hick, its going to be totally grovel- alt county garage rock n roll.  Hope all you Melbournian tramps see this here's a brief lowdown on the set list just to get your lips wet. Ps Panama is a massive space on Smith St top level with free pool, awesome beverages and fucking awesome tapas menu- did anyone say budvar and chorizo baked in cider??  Would you like some Sonics with that?

      Radiacs

      Minutemen

      The Gories

      6Ft Hick

      Guitar Wolf

      The Glee Club is Dead

      The Sonics

      The Avengers

      Why is this double spacing this?

      Movie Star Junkies

      The Electric Eeels

      Just a few from the first night starting next Tuesday the 21st of February. Get yee self to smith street and then i dont know go to Yahs Yahs after.