How do you get gigs in Japan?

[Danny om]

I am not sure where to start! I would be very grateful for any advice or links.

 

[Kinsao]

Okay you mean to play your music in Japan, right?

It's pretty difficult. Actually, bands in Japan (when they are not well known) have to pay the livehouse to let them perform, they kinda buy a performance slot (usually about 20 minutes in a gig of several bands). That is the way most Japanese bands start off...

 

[Danny om]

I see.. it would be more of a DJ set rather than a band really. And I`m not bothered about where I play; clubs, bars, parties...etc. Does the same rule apply? Are there promoters or agents who have a booking policy for foreign acts? Sorry for all the questions, but I really have no idea!
Thanks for your reply!

 

[Kinsao]

okay... well I'm really not sure about DJs, sorry! It could be different, I don't know...

I guess there might be promotions companys that specialise in foreign acts but I don't know of any... (I only went to japan one time and only for 9 days )

 

[Danny om]

Cool stuff!

Just checked out you on myspace page. Nice one!! Very filmscore. Some of the tracks I can see the Tachicomas! I`ve sent you a friend request....

 

[Danny om]

Its a start.....

OK...been scanning and searching around. And I found a site which will set up a Japan specific site with all the usual trimmings (widgets ,link, etc). Its pretty easy to use; check it out... http :// japanmusicmarketing.com/" http: // japanmusicmarketing . com
If this site has any use to anyone please let me know. PEACE. I can`t post URLs yet (its getting annoying!!) So I`ve added spaces in between the http`s and //`s
How many posts do I have to make?

 

[ElectroSoul]

Top Music Japan - Japan Music Marketing

I got a Japanese web+mobile page from the link you mentioned. It actually refers you to topmusic.jp where when you apply for a web+mobile page they put you in the topmusic.jp online music guide and you also get your own independent web+mobile page...all in Japanese! I even added the Artist Shop option so I can sell my CD and t-shirts in Japan directly from the Japanese web page. I have gotten quite popular on the music guide and I sold some CD's and merch to Japanese customers. They also list the links to your iTunes, Napster and other places where you sell your music so I also get Japanese sales coming from there now. You can also access the Japanese music marketing resources which lists the main music distributor/licensors in Japan, concert planners/managers (booking agents) in Japan and music festivals in Japan that book foreign artists. I can't say enough about it...It helped me get sales in Japan even though I have no big record company budget.

 

[Numark]

You need to get a Japanese label interested in your band... many small or niche labels will set up and even pay for part of a tour. Really you need to expose your music to japanese people that might like it. ex: if you do prog rock- find some online outlet where you can share your music with other indie japanese prog rock bands... if people like it you might get an opportunity.

 

[Kinsao]

Hey, just to say, thank you Danny for your friend add on MySpace!
Sorry, I am not very active on there these days hopefully one day .......

 

[Danny om]

If you want to hear a cross section of my music check up Dan Om (dan_om) on Myspace Enjoy!

 

[Dogen Z]

Blue Note Tokyo

Just wanted to pass this on. Diners' Club is offering musicians that pass its Youtube jazz audition an opportunity to play at Blue Note Tokyo, with Bob James and other jazz pros. Details in this vid clip. Sorry, there's no English version/subs.