tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152644162024-03-14T18:36:05.875+09:00Rock Japan Elec-tricElechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.comBlogger381125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-21050403672445656322011-03-09T20:43:00.000+09:002011-03-09T20:43:44.442+09:00ZY, PlanetariumI just found this on YouTube. This was at the end of a tiring Osaka-Nagoya-Tokyo tour and at first I couldn't tell where this was filmed! (Area.)<br />
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This might be the only time you see all 5 of us on stage. :)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nt8BNa0vJPY" title="YouTube video player" width="425"></iframe>Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-48740066340329908682011-02-02T17:44:00.001+09:002011-02-02T17:49:48.106+09:00JournalismI find myself grinding my teeth every time I come across an article about Japan in mainstream western publications, because they are so concerned about translating every little part of the word and getting it all wrong.<br />
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I was reading an article about Japanese food (link is unimportant) and it was talking about hachinoko, which is basically just wasp larvae.<br />
The word for "wasp" is "suzume-bachi", and the word for "bee" is "hachi".<br />
The article in question broke down "suzume-bachi" into its two components--swallow, and bee--and then made the claim that Japanese makes no distinction between bees and wasps.<br />
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this is dumb and you are dumb and you should turn in your press pass to me so i can start writing articles about how much of a dummy dumb dumb you are<br />
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Suzumebachi is wasp. Hachi is bee. A cursory glance at a dictionary or even Wikipedia is enough to clear this up, and Japanese people don't show apprehension when you mention hachis, but they will when you mention suzumebachis, specifically the species Osuzumebachi, because the huge crazy kind actually kill quite a few people every year.<br />
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By breaking down the Japanese language like this, so finely and so literally, it gives a further distance and further exoticism to the language that isn't there. <br />
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In short, this is not how language works. <br />
An example in English: No one confuses that a lion and an ant lion are two different creatures. Or any of the other dozens of animals named after other animals.<br />
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I may do more of this, because I grow more cantankerous by the month. D:Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-26540656865479795142011-02-02T16:11:00.000+09:002011-02-02T16:11:10.759+09:00Why I am no longer a Famous Celebrity BloggerI was hanging out with Tenten and Taku last night and they asked why I' d started a new blog. As we were talking about the process with Ameba (which is kind of convoluted), your representative management has to apply for Special Celebrity Blogger Status, and I guess when Front Mission turned in the applications for Taku's blog, Ameba people must have figured that I didn't need a blog anymore. Or something? It's not really a big deal. It all went down as I was in America and there really wasn't a way to get a hold of me in a jiffy, and I guess no one realized the implications. But everything's okay now, and I'm blorgin' and bloogin' away (i.e. i have written one post)!Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-77810400647557013342011-01-29T17:18:00.000+09:002011-01-29T17:18:09.753+09:00New Japanese BlogSince I am obviously no longer a celebrity, it seems that Ameba has revoked my Celebrity Blogger status without telling me and leaving all my Japanese fans seriously, worried. A minor annoyance, so I started a new Japanese blog here: <a href="http://ameblo.jp/jimi-the-electrick/">http://ameblo.jp/jimi-the-electrick/</a> .Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-90140894331736643202011-01-13T11:52:00.000+09:002011-01-13T11:52:12.997+09:00America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> The trip started out when I landed in San Francisco and met up with my mom, dad, brother, and sister. We immediately headed out to Napa, where I was born and lived until 4th grade.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aQY_rUZI/AAAAAAAAA1w/fvqwl-QJPTw/s1600/101222_0859%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aQY_rUZI/AAAAAAAAA1w/fvqwl-QJPTw/s320/101222_0859%257E01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is along the waterfront, and all this is new to me. It looks great. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aQ2A6WbI/AAAAAAAAA10/2rtdV9kzA20/s1600/101223_1612%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aQ2A6WbI/AAAAAAAAA10/2rtdV9kzA20/s320/101223_1612%257E01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>These are my Napa cousins. One on the left is the one that came to Japan while I was in Laverite. He is super awesome. One on the right is much, much bigger than I remember. He is a jazz bassist. He is also super awesome.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aRqyY09I/AAAAAAAAA14/aOLgIlwHKe0/s1600/101224_0544%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aRqyY09I/AAAAAAAAA14/aOLgIlwHKe0/s320/101224_0544%257E01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Typical Napa Valley scenery.<br />
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Then down to the Fresno/Clovis area, where I spent the rest of my life until college!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aRwFwOOI/AAAAAAAAA18/n6UiPKGBIHg/s1600/101225_0626%257E02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aRwFwOOI/AAAAAAAAA18/n6UiPKGBIHg/s320/101225_0626%257E02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here is my super awesome grandma. She is a multi-instrumentalist (piano, marimba, guitar), award-winning painter, and soon-to-be great-grandmother of 4 (already 2!). We lost grandpa in November, and it's been difficult sometimes, but she's a super trooper and I love her dearly. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aSS8vdiI/AAAAAAAAA2A/hu27kh9FQ5Y/s1600/101225_1113%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aSS8vdiI/AAAAAAAAA2A/hu27kh9FQ5Y/s320/101225_1113%257E01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Christmas Eve service at a church we've never been to. That was actually nice. (And short!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aS-dM2cI/AAAAAAAAA2E/zA7cCnpOS1I/s1600/101226_0236%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aS-dM2cI/AAAAAAAAA2E/zA7cCnpOS1I/s320/101226_0236%257E01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Christmas morning. Good haul.<br />
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Then, off to LA!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aTSl5oyI/AAAAAAAAA2I/aJKNTQln4Ig/s1600/101227_1202%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aTSl5oyI/AAAAAAAAA2I/aJKNTQln4Ig/s320/101227_1202%257E01.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>MY NEPHEW!!! :D I taught him harmonica. Literally, before I showed up he'd been trying to make a sound for days and couldn't, but I taught him. I am the best teacher ever. (Technically, he is my cousin's child, which makes him "first cousin once removed", but that is dumb because he is a baby and there's no way that some little baby is my first cousin, so he is my 'nephew') <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aT8hG3rI/AAAAAAAAA2M/n9Q-59SRyIE/s1600/101227_1206%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aT8hG3rI/AAAAAAAAA2M/n9Q-59SRyIE/s320/101227_1206%257E01.jpg" width="192" /></a></div> MY NIECE!!!!! I taught her recorder. Literally, before I showed up she'd been trying to make a sound for days and couldn't, but I taught her. I am the best teacher ever. (Technically, she is my cousin's child, which makes her "first cousin once removed", but that is dumb because she is a baby and there's no way that some little baby is my first cousin, so she is my 'niece')<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aUQu2TAI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/VVZxGHIuFJE/s1600/101228_0550%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aUQu2TAI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/VVZxGHIuFJE/s320/101228_0550%257E01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Aw yeah, mountains <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aU9FS5-I/AAAAAAAAA2U/njVYyGwHNt0/s1600/101229_0523%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aU9FS5-I/AAAAAAAAA2U/njVYyGwHNt0/s320/101229_0523%257E01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is another super-awesome cousin. He is a swimmer, and entomologist at UC Davis. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aVPL9nCI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/faOJvnBFERE/s1600/101229_0523%257E02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aVPL9nCI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/faOJvnBFERE/s320/101229_0523%257E02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is another super awesome cousin. He is a swim coach and totally bomb basketballer. I hope he makes it because he is seriously super good. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aVmerUkI/AAAAAAAAA2c/ND0s1GFZYFs/s1600/101229_0524%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aVmerUkI/AAAAAAAAA2c/ND0s1GFZYFs/s320/101229_0524%257E01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is yet another super awesome cousin. He lives in Texas and teaches psychology. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aWJAPT3I/AAAAAAAAA2g/WxI3paNAAPM/s1600/101229_1230%257E02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aWJAPT3I/AAAAAAAAA2g/WxI3paNAAPM/s320/101229_1230%257E02.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>Here is one more super awesome cousin, the father of the little boy and the uncle of the little girl. He is a talented graphic designer, and he and his wife (honorary super awesome cousin) are expecting another little one. Absolutely everyone in my family is way cooler than me.<br />
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I didn't get a picture with her for some reason but the above cousin's sister, my last super awesome cousin and my only girl cousin, is the mother of the little girl and expecting another one soon. She works at a school and is a great pianist. Her husband is similarly a cool dude.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aWiZZzEI/AAAAAAAAA2k/RLLxgOvmIlw/s1600/101230_0920%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aWiZZzEI/AAAAAAAAA2k/RLLxgOvmIlw/s320/101230_0920%257E01.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>This is my sister. She works with autistic children. She is so dang cool. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aW2VCpQI/AAAAAAAAA2o/DcwqqOD4vjQ/s1600/101230_0922%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aW2VCpQI/AAAAAAAAA2o/DcwqqOD4vjQ/s320/101230_0922%257E01.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>This is my brother. He is a freshman in college, great athlete, funny, and yeah, my hair would probably look like that if I didn't have it straightened. His major, he tells me, is "being better than you." <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aXarZZbI/AAAAAAAAA2s/biCaDM1DVlg/s1600/110104_0100%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5aXarZZbI/AAAAAAAAA2s/biCaDM1DVlg/s320/110104_0100%257E01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
At LAX with my parents before I went through security. Best parents I've ever had.<br />
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A couple more highlights: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5nHxZ2HXI/AAAAAAAAA20/2uDLgJ4YIbs/s1600/101222_1547%257E01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TS5nHxZ2HXI/AAAAAAAAA20/2uDLgJ4YIbs/s320/101222_1547%257E01.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>This is my best-friend-since-kindergarten. I moved away in 4th grade, but we kept in touch because were were writing stories together. It hasn't ended and we're still going strong. It's like a majillion pages. No plans to put it out.<br />
He studied political science at Occidental, got a masters degree at the Monterey Institute, knows Russian, is extremely knowledgeable about Roman, military, and other history, politics, is interested in nuclear disarmament, and is all-around a super awesome dude.<br />
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Everyone in my life is super awesome, and I hope this is clear.<br />
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My last night in Japan in 2010, right after our final show with me. Just spoke to them yesterday; they're in the recording studio and playing shows. Can't wait to hear it. :)Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-58454230747380243732011-01-05T11:13:00.000+09:002011-01-05T11:13:43.037+09:00Twenty ElevenAmerica was great times.<br />
Insane schedule though! I came into SFO, family picked me up and headed back down to Clovis for Christmas, then drove to LA to see lots of family, picked someone up at LAX, back to Fresno, back to SFO to send someone off on their flight, back to Fresno, then a drive down to LAX again for my flight. And I-5 and the grapevine were closed, so we took 101 the whole way down, and 41 (one-lane highway) was clogged for half the way.<br />
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And now I'm back in Japan.<br />
I was so glad to see family again, so glad to finally feel unanimously encouraged for my decisions for the first time in a long while. Life is pretty much right where I like it, and despite all the busy-ness and difficulties I'm really quite excited for whatever happens next.<br />
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In my case, this mostly means work. I really like my jobs, and I feel like I can finally be open about that. I was working in kindergartens until March, and since then I've been working at a real estate place doing web and marketing stuff, geared toward foreigners. (So if you need short- to long-term accommodations in Tokyo, let me know! ;) ) I also have been doing lots of freelance translation work and now that I'm back and have more time on my hands I'm looking to expand. It is not my main source of income yet but I'm hoping to get that way within the calendar year. And of course, if Tommy or Steve or anyone else needs a guitarist or bassist or drummer or keyboardist, I am totally okay with doing work like that.<br />
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I will be sharing pictures definitely, probably next week as I try to settle back into my home and work.<br />
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The other guys in Chemical Pictures and I are still close, and they have been busy with recording, their new radio show, and tons of lives. The new bassist is Taku, formerly from the Vambie, and he and I got close as I volunteered to coach him and teach him all my riffs and backing vocals, and he is very hard-working so I hope you guys can continue to support them. He is a different bass player than me, but I think he plays much more melodically than I do, which is a plus. Putting aside modesty for a moment, it is very, very rare for an outgoing musician to stick around to train the one to replace him, and the other members' gratitude toward me, plus how fun the experience was for me (plus my relief in knowing that an end was in sight) made the whole potentially stressful situation surprisingly enjoyable. I also helped out on the new mini-album, doing all piano and synth parts, all vocal arrangements--pretty much what I'd done with the last 5 singles, minus actually playing bass--so it feels like a gradual fadeout, rather than an abrupt cut.<br />
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Just to get this out of the way: I have no plans to join a band again, nor, really, the desire. That is not to say that the opportunity has not presented itself: once word that I was quitting got out amongst the scene, I got many, many invitations. Some of them would surprise you. They surprised me, at least. But I think my time in visual bands, at least, is over, as is perhaps my time as one of the main members in a band.<br />
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Again, as I neglected the blog for so long (as I am not a very good editor of myself, and it often takes me a bit of free-form writing before even I can figure out what I'm really trying to say), I can open the floor for questions again? I know Go wanted to do an interview or something, and in fact I trust him the most to keep me concise and his ability to find something insightful in perhaps the most innocuous of statements. In the meantime, I shall eat breakfast. :)Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-49603616257034251032010-12-21T00:06:00.001+09:002010-12-21T00:06:27.091+09:00Alchemy<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TQ9w83s6RAI/AAAAAAAAA08/yRPBkmUkWI8/s1600/101220_2055%257E01-787092.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TQ9w83s6RAI/AAAAAAAAA08/yRPBkmUkWI8/s320/101220_2055%257E01-787092.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552781056617890818" /></a></p>Today was my last show with Chemical Pictures.<p>It was fun.<p>I fly to California tomorrow.<p>More later. (but we played with ROACH today; remember them!?)<p>Thanks for all your support. :)Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-81696268660003284322010-11-15T14:13:00.000+09:002010-11-15T14:13:03.209+09:00new chemicals(Saving this as a draft and not posting it until it goes live somewhere, just to be safe!)<br />
Okay, seems like some people have heard about this so here it is. Wrote this a few days ago. <br />
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Just got a text from Schwarz.<br />
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<a href="http://aim-officialsite.com/">http://aim-officialsite.com/</a><br />
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Shota was our drummer after Masami and before Shiun. I'm glad they're both still goin' for it. :)<br />
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That super funky-sounding song you hear, the 2nd and 3rd clips after the flash intro (why do bands still do that!!) was one of my favorite songs we'd done together when he was still with us in Chemical, even played it live a few times. It hasn't changed much, but I'm glad he's putting it out. I hope they do a version of Suffering; that song was cool too and we played the heck out of it.Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-22736986777774808042010-11-09T13:10:00.001+09:002010-11-09T13:18:41.894+09:00To answer some questionsFirst of all, I am so lucky to have such awesome readers/friends as all y'all. Thanks for your comments.<br />
The comments from my Japanese blog have been similarly touching, so thanks.<br />
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Oh, first of all, I am not leaving Japan. Stayin' right here.<br />
Here's my visa sitch: I'm on a Humanities visa, which seems to be one of the broadest kinds of working visa. My work in music or TV hasn't netted me an income more than X amount (I forget what it is, but the ceiling is very high) to warrant any sort of funny business. It's side income and totally fine. How else would it be legal for people to teach private English lessons, I guess is a good way to look at it.<br />
Anyway, it's up at the end of the year. I changed from "Instructor" to "Humanities" when I started working for private kindergartens after JET, and I've already notified the various govt's that I've moved, changed jobs, etc. I pay taxes on the money I make doing TV or PV's and all's good. Which isn't really even all that much, or often. Seriously; add up all I've done and it's pretty paltry. <br />
The band is getting too big for me to continue. Visa's up at the end of the year. To continue, I need to be a viable wage-earner. Not possible while touring the country making 0 yen. So either go home and not do a band, or stay in Japan and not do a band. Bummer! D: :-P<br />
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EDIT: Oh, and to answer some other questions about work and stuff. I am working full-time. I have been since I set foot in the country. In fact, most, most, most musicians are working. Even on major labels. I think you'll find that bands who don't have to work are in the minority.<br />
There was no option to approach our management because we don't have management (Speed Disk only financed and distributed our releases). <br />
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On to some of your comments:<br />
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Anonymous wrote:<br />
"<i>I paid 3800 yen to see you, and you played with six other bands; it was a relatively large venue, but still: I don't see how that makes enough money for food and rent for everyone involved, while still covering costs.</i>"<br />
-It doesn't. :)<br />
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Ken said: "<i>If you ever want to grab a beer or bounce song ideas off somebody after everything settles down, let me know, I don't see myself leaving Japan for quite awhile.</i>"<br />
-Absolutely!!! <br />
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cryptomayhem said:<br />
"<i>Now it'll be way easier to visit you next time we come over. :P</i>"<br />
-I know, right?!<br />
<br />
Silv said:<br />
"<i>I'm just glad I was able to see you guys live. That experience is easily in my top ten shows.</i>"<br />
-You're silly. :-* Kidding, kidding; that is really cool to hear. I sincerely hope we get displaced, though! :D<br />
<br />
another Anonymous wrote:<br />
"<i>I'd been pretty scared about going to see Tenten live, after some rumours in the English-speaking community about him being rude to white girls in the audience in some live. You definitely cleared that up for me, haha. I was excited to see you two on stage together.</i>"<br />
<br />
-Haha, I wonder what that could have been about. His mom is a white girl so I really see no reason that he would have done something like that. Maybe he was trying to be fun and got misconstrued, or they were being annoying, or he really was a jerk. I find all three scenarios equally baffling, though. Maybe it's just some weird telephone game thing!<br />
<br />
"<i>Myself and the huge, scary Jimi fangirl I call a friend (she's too afraid to comment to you herself as well) are wishing you success and happiness in whatever your future endeavors are!</i>"<br />
<br />
-Thank you! And to your friend: DON'T BE SHY :|<br />
<br />
"<i>PS: Maybe those roleplayers will stop playing you now, haha.</i>"<br />
-Hahahaha wait whaaaaaaaaaaat D:Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-57568303394795746692010-11-09T11:47:00.001+09:002010-11-09T11:50:22.756+09:00Interview<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S1dA1e8r05M?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S1dA1e8r05M?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
We did this awhile ago, and it was pretty fun. I'll transcribe it later, maybe?Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-71494815516566929002010-11-08T18:19:00.001+09:002010-11-08T18:19:10.158+09:00dattaiDecember 20th is my last show with Chemical Pictures.<p>There are lots of reasons I'm leaving--wanting to get my visa straight, wanting a more stable life, ftc.--but none are due to 'musical differences' or internal struggles. <p>I still believe CPS is a strong group of great musicians and friends who should and will go all the way. I just won't be there with them. <p>You've all been great supporters and friends and I hope you've enjoyed watching my little foray into music and such. And I'm sorry if this is a sudden shock.<p>I don't see myself being in bands anymore, at least not as a main member in an active vk band, but it wouldn't be fair to disappear forever. I'll be around in some capacity, maybe, though it may not be soon. And I'll still be in Japan.<p><br>Thank you all so much!!Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-33133937846724406222010-11-01T19:11:00.001+09:002010-11-01T19:11:27.833+09:00karaokeI forgot to say!<p>Choice Chemical Pictures songs can now be sung at karaoke now. :)<p>Feels like an accomplishment!Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-21307736971919698212010-10-15T20:02:00.001+09:002010-10-15T20:02:31.787+09:00RYTYesterday was Saburou/Zill's memorial live. It was neat.<p>Since Sizna joined Moran, Ryota was there as a roadie. Was nice to see him again and catch up. I hope he can restart something soon.<p>Before I left Laverite we had jammed with a singer named Kousei, who is now in a band called Levia with former Seven Seas members. He's really very good and I think that's a good fit.<p><br>Gift had a one-day revival so Shinno was there, and Dancho and Kyrie so you know how fun things get when nogod and cps are in the same room.<p>Miki from Mix Speakers Inc was in Scissor with Shiun so he and Yuki came to our dressing room and Yuki and I became friends.<p>Soan/Towa and Hitomi worked really hard so I'm glad it all went well.<p><br>I think its finally time for a birthday partyElechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-33735968043975660332010-10-12T20:03:00.001+09:002010-10-12T20:03:02.966+09:00tv<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TLRAZ0jrS_I/AAAAAAAAA0c/1JP0Rd1nBlI/s1600/101008_1305~01-782967.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TLRAZ0jrS_I/AAAAAAAAA0c/1JP0Rd1nBlI/s320/101008_1305~01-782967.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527113455039630322" /></a></p>We just filmed a TV show with Jinkaku Radio. Lots of fun!<p>Also thanks to all who wished me a happy birthday last Friday! I was on tour so I was exhausted. I think this weekend shall be celebration time.<p>Aaaand thats it :DElechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-33759021027671154382010-10-08T04:19:00.001+09:002010-10-08T04:19:33.305+09:00oh yeah<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TK4dRQCH2uI/AAAAAAAAA0U/IN02TyLfUUE/s1600/101008_000129001-773306.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TK4dRQCH2uI/AAAAAAAAA0U/IN02TyLfUUE/s320/101008_000129001-773306.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525385975029029602" /></a></p>forgot the picture!Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-35192750103142886452010-10-08T03:07:00.001+09:002010-10-08T03:07:06.703+09:00bdayaw yeah, time to do the birthday dance<p>for me<p><br>2 years in a row with lives on my birthday. Whee!Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-4701696751448070162010-09-22T19:45:00.001+09:002010-09-22T19:45:30.086+09:003rd oneman<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TJneSjXIG5I/AAAAAAAAA0M/kvwUjjVcyXw/s1600/0917_9161-730087.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TJneSjXIG5I/AAAAAAAAA0M/kvwUjjVcyXw/s320/0917_9161-730087.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519687228630506386" /></a></p>That was fun. Sorry I'm late.<p>Has anyone heard case 5 yet? :D<p>New guitarist is rui from The PumpkinHead.<p>So many people came to see me, which was great. Nathan from HearJapan, JJ, Mackaz from High and Mighty Color, Yuki and Hizaki (who later wrote on the Versalles blog that he's the one who recommended me :-P), Shizna, and tons of others.<p>It was a loooong set. We played everything from our catalogue except for Rubbish and,Sick Boy. We even played most of the SE tracks live.<p>Cryptomayhem and biju_ska came out from the US, and I was lucky to have dinner with them the night before. They are wonderful friends.<p>CPS is planning a mini-album and 3 months of one-mans for January. Yes we are kinda dumb.<p>Thank goodness for a 3-day weekend plus another national holiday afterward!Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-38980285540920560922010-09-16T12:04:00.000+09:002010-09-16T12:04:40.365+09:00In Rock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TJGGC-YJjPI/AAAAAAAAA0E/xR_MY0kBg-c/s1600/162343765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TJGGC-YJjPI/AAAAAAAAA0E/xR_MY0kBg-c/s320/162343765.jpg" /></a></div><br />
In Rock magazine. I am in an uncomfortable amount of these shots!Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-55848884406818766862010-09-08T19:23:00.001+09:002010-09-08T19:23:50.018+09:00uh<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TIdkNjZ38lI/AAAAAAAAAz0/VzWkQcHycFA/s1600/100907_1546~02-730019.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/TIdkNjZ38lI/AAAAAAAAAz0/VzWkQcHycFA/s320/100907_1546~02-730019.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514486452743303762" /></a></p>whoa wait whats thisElechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-26679165711549551332010-08-23T18:41:00.001+09:002010-08-23T18:41:27.426+09:00instore<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/THJCR4ZlRZI/AAAAAAAAAzc/ddGzhSroLDI/s1600/100814_2125~01-787427.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RTYUNUWZRLc/THJCR4ZlRZI/AAAAAAAAAzc/ddGzhSroLDI/s320/100814_2125~01-787427.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508538169192433042" /></a></p>Man, I just can't pull this off!Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-17019626544906470442010-08-22T14:43:00.000+09:002010-08-22T14:43:37.927+09:00Qs from KenKen asks:<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>"As a musician (albeit an inactive one) in Japan with a lot of old VK influences, I'm always surprised to talk with guys who play Japanese rock because generally, the influences they cite are predominately American or British. A lot of musicians (and mainstream music fans) over here seem to think of Jrock as less cool/authentic than American rock. Why do you think think that is, and do you and the other CPS dudes have any all time favorite Jrock bands? :)"</i><br />
<br />
I do suspect that some of the reason they find British/American/etc music so exciting is the same reason you find Japanese music so exciting.<br />
<br />
Another thing is, they are surrounded by Japanese music, inundated by it, every day. They have experienced the stagnation and homogenization first hand, and in real time. They will tire of it quicker than you do.<br />
<br />
Another thing I have found is that, unlike in the west, to most young Japanese people, it does not matter what a group's <i>fans </i>are like, it just matters if they think the music is cool. Thus they have no cultural analog to show them why some people don't like the kind of people that bands like, say, Linkin Park, Fall Out Boy, Slipknot, etc. might attract. And that is really neat to me. I have deepened my appreciation for pop music by ignoring what I used to think of as the teeny bopper contingent, as well as my appreciation for heavier bands by disregarding stereotypes of angsty hot topic shoppers. Because an audience should have no bearing on the merits of a piece of music. (There was a great review of Scott Pilgrim that touched on this point that Neil Gaiman linked to on twitter, and I would search for it but it's too hot and I'm going to use that as an excuse.)<br />
<br />
Anyway. Thanks to the internet we can know a lot more than we used to be able to about the Japanese scene, but unless you are subjected to the entire machine at once, every day--TV, magazines, billboards, radio, commercials, etc.--you can't really see why things seem a bit more boring to the musicians over here. Though, I suspect that since you're here, you'll start to be able to put it into words better than I can very soon.<br />
<br />
As for the jrock bands that are universally respected, it would be Luna Sea all around, I think. You don't meet too many guys who admit to liking X anymore. Tenten and Joe grew up really liking The Brilliant Green, too. Tenten got into vk thanks to Rouage and really likes Ellegarden. Joe likes Plastic Tree, Number Girl and stuff like that. We all like 9mm Parabellum Bullet and Radwimps, and MAN there is this one band we're really into but I canNOT remember their name right now. This is going to bug me all day. Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-17909666592346354402010-08-22T14:25:00.000+09:002010-08-22T14:25:20.225+09:00More Qs from CosmosCosmos asks some more:<br />
<br />
<i>"Ok, here goes another: have you faced any kind of discrimination in the visual scene because of your origin? I mean, being and American in the middle of the Japanese, wasn't it a bit strange?"</i><br />
<br />
Here's the deal: if you can communicate easily and are good at your instrument, you will have no problems. Young people are not that bigoted. They may be misinformed, ignorant, and wrong about a lot of the world, but they are curious and will take the time to get to know you. It takes patience on both sides.<br />
<br />
Actually, I have noticed that the reverse is true: I didn't face discrimination, so much as I faced some sort of...Charisma Man transformation. People were interested in me, people thought I was interesting or talented solely <i>because </i>of my non-Japanese origin. I'm actually not all that interesting but somehow they hear about the other things I've done and they think I am. Then again, these are people who don't remember much of their Jr. High English class and have probably never traveled outside Japan, so I guess it makes sense. It's slow going trying to convince people I'm just as normal as they are!<br />
<br />
I have found at this point that I will not be discriminated against because I am a white American; if I am disparaged at all it will be because I was a jerk or I sucked or something. Sometimes it isn't about race.<br />
<br />
Basically, communication is key!!!!!Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-21875989903321549472010-08-21T17:46:00.000+09:002010-08-21T17:46:05.330+09:00More Qs from MizuhaMizuka also asks:<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>"Anyway, I read on your twitter that you're not even a little japanese, then, must how do you get in a visual kei band? You already knew some of the members? And how you live in Japan without being Japanese?"</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes I forget that there are a lot of readers of this blog who weren't with me at the beginning, which is really neat. So I forget that people sort of don't know where I come from or how or why I'm here. Let me bring you up to speed, which will double as a resume of sorts:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am a white American born in Napa, California but raised in Clovis, California. I grew up playing lots of music and lots of instruments and lots of genres in lots of formations. I also did dance, and lots of acting and theater, dramatic and comedic.<br />
<br />
<br />
I started learning Japanese language at the local Japanese school at the Buddhist temple for Japanese Americans when I was 16, mostly because I just wanted to learn a language that didn't use the Roman alphabet for kicks.<br />
I went to the University of California, Davis, came to Japan for an internship at an orphanage, went back, graduated, came back to Japan on the JET program, then started trying to see if I could do anything in music or acting again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After trying to join a band for awhile, I met up with Yue and Ryota and formed Laverite. One day we played with a session band called Kanabun, whose singer was Masaki from Sulfuric Acid. He and I met later, totally by accident, at a beer garden in Ueno Park, became friends, and he introduced me to Hizaki from Versailles. <br />
Hizaki introduced me to Tenten, who was looking for a bassist, and here I am in Chemical Pictures.<br />
<br />
I've also done TV and music videos on the side, mostly through having registered at several casting agencies for foreigners in Tokyo, but also through friends subsequently made on the job. At first it was genuinely non-exciting stuff: background in a Toyota cm, or background in a tokusatsu children's show, or going with a newscaster on a variety show to check out a weird kind of maid cafe, but luckily someone I'd met on a previous job recommended me for a music video that was being cast and needed a decidedly rock guitarist.<br />
That's how I started doing music videos. That one was for Becca; through that job I was chosen to be in several videos for Tommy Heavenly6/February6, which is how I met JJ, with whom I have worked on AJ McLean TV appearances as well as Steve Appleton tours and TV appearances. I've also done videos with UVERworld and YUI. (My advice is to avoid jobs for saigen (re-creation/dramatization) as much as you can!)<br />
<br />
That's pretty much it! It looks like a lot but that's been over several years, and I still keep a day job. (I am not an English teacher, though.)<br />
<br />
<i>"Y'know, I dream to participate in a visual band from Japan someday, so I'm asking to have a basis for my future. And, at the moment, you and JJ are the people that inspire me most. And, about my dream, you have any tips for me?"</i><br />
<br />
That's cool that you have a dream. I always ask people, what exactly is the motivation? I was brought into the whole Japan thing 10 (or so) years ago<i> </i>by a series of coincidences, so the love of Japanese rock music came later. (I did not actually like heavy music until that point, actually.) Is it for the novelty of the genre, or the novelty of being a non-Japanese person? Is it out of a love for music? Keep in mind, though we are super tight buddies, JJ and I are doing completely different things. (I'm know he would be super happy that hear that you're inspired by him!!) <br />
<br />
Also, be prepared to work hard and not see any profit for awhile if its a vk band. ...or really any band! Just like a new company doesn't pay off its investors/make money until a few years later (or something), bands are investments too. Very rare is the band that lives solely off its own music.<br />
<br />
So, if you've got all that in mind, you still want to go forward with it. Awesome. Try what you love and never quit unless there's a good reason, then try something else you love. (Love a lot of things, that's my motto.)<br />
<br />
So my advice? Learn Japanese. Learn it. Learn to speak and listen relatively comfortably in normal conversations, and most importantly, learn to read and write. You'll be able to pick up all the music- and scene-related lingo later. Everyone will know that you're not Japanese so you're Japanese won't be perfect, but good people are willing to talk until you're both in understanding. However, this should not be your greatest weakness.<br />
Do not get full of yourself for being a rare non-Japanese person, because there are plenty of non-Japanese people all over the country who are way more awesome than you or me. Guaranteed. However, do not also fall into the trap of thinking that you have assimilated 100%. You're always going to be a little different, so find a way of operating normally in that framework.<br />
<br />
Learn your instrument. You need to bring something special to the table. If possible, learn about equipment. I can play my instrument with pride but I don't know enough about gear; try to learn at least more than I do. ;)<br />
<br />
Then, just go to shows, make friends, check out the "musician wanted" lists at rehearsal studios, and do your best!<br />
<br />
Also, keep a day job for as long as you can, make sure you have a proper visa, and always, always have a backup plan, even just a tiny one!<br />
<br />
Hope that helps!! :DElechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-71667859564358294732010-08-21T17:16:00.000+09:002010-08-21T17:16:20.011+09:00Qs from Thennary NakThennary Nak asks:<br />
<br />
"And speaking of cdjapan, do you guys have any say on where the singles were available? Or do you just have to hope that the label you're working with will see the merit of having a release available to an overseas friendly store?"<br />
<br />
All that's handled by Speed Disk, although I think more and more places are realizing the importance of making things available overseas, at the very least to Korea and Taiwan, where VK has some solid popularity. And they may have realized that if they don't make Chemical Pictures, with an American in the band, available to Americans, I wouldn't be very pleased. :-P<br />
<br />
<i>"I mean with the recent singles on a site like cdjapan it makes purchasing them pretty easy for an overseas fan like myself and I would love to be able to buy a copy of Präparat as well if it was available there."</i><br />
<br />
I'd love to have Praparat available, but distribution for that is handled by Marder Suitcase, who did not market it as well as we would have liked. ;_; I suggest at the very least finding some mp3's!!<br />
<i><br />
"And have you thought about teaming up with a company like Japan Files or Maru Music to have your music released digitally for overseas to buy as some other vk bands have done?"</i><br />
<br />
To be quite honest, I'm wary of these companies for a few reasons. If we did I'd actually like to read over the contract personally. It's a lot easier when it's someone I know and trust--the guy that runs Hear Japan is a friend--and can tell me the ins and outs of the business. It's a new business model and I think everyone's a bit apprehensive, especially when you have this tiny network of indie bands who suddenly have all this attention from new sites like that wanting to sell your music. It sounds exciting but you want to go into it level-headed.<br />
<br />
Also, one of the reasons that Japanese bands haven't necessarily marketed toward overseas very heavily is that profits from live shows tend to have a more immediate monetary value for bands. You get a headcount every night, a payout every night, money from your merch table, you pay your makeup girl, your staff person, and then you put the rest in the band account. CD sales are a bit more complicated.<br />
<br />
It's all pretty confusing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15264416.post-59963636627624530942010-08-21T17:08:00.000+09:002010-08-21T17:08:15.410+09:00Even more Qs from SaiSai asks some more:<br />
<br />
<i>"Do you think that the band can be successful without falling into the particular traps that most V-Kei bands fall into?"</i><br />
<br />
Only if we start promoting outside the genre, to be honest. Difficult to convince people of, though. <br />
<br />
<i>"Do you think that you guys can continue making music and stay on the outskirts of the genre, or do you plan on integrating your music slowly?" </i><br />
<br />
We'll probably just keep making the kind of music we want to play and listen to. We're sort of stubborn like that. ;-P<br />
<br />
<i>"From those exercises you have tried, it looks like your musical sounds and those of 'modern' bands just clash so much that they can't be connected, but do you think they can be? Or will you guys just say 'screw it' and keep going without a care to whether the larger audience is willing to bend?"</i> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I mean I would LOVE a larger audience but who really knows how to snag them? For every band you think has the formula down, there are just as many struggling artists doing the exact same thing/sound, but not selling at all. Best to just do what you like and see if it sicks!<br />
I think if we just focus on making good songs, 'modern' will have nothing to do with it, I hope. Hopefully, 'good songwriting' will then <i>become </i>the norm.<br />
<i><br />
"Do you think that visual Kei as a genre needs to be revamped to allow the music to breathe? Or has it become so marketable the way it is that changing it is out of the question?"</i><br />
<br />
I think the Japanese industry as a whole needs to be revamped. Even leaving the shadiness of some VK business behind, just take a look at how everything else is run. Usually it goes off without a hitch, but there's no denying that something needs to change. It's a shame because some very huge artists are still occasionally breaking ground with certain songs but those are never the singles, never the songs fans claim as their favorite. It has as much to do with the industry mindset as it does with the mindset of the average Japanese consumer.<br />
It works on the flipside for any other place, though. We may wonder what the heck the labels are thinking, but they wouldn't push the crap if a ton of people didn't actually like the crap and buy it. No one's being tricked.<br />
<br />
So, all that said, it is really nice when once in awhile, art that really deserves it, like Nogod, go major and I randomly see them in Young Guitar and Burrrn! :)<br />
<br />
...not sure how well I answered these questions; a bit scatterbrained, sorry!Elechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14147224396887035942noreply@blogger.com1