Occupation:
Music Production Manager
Time in Japan:
8 years
Where are you from?
In the UK - London. In Japan - Shimane Prefecture.
What brought you to Japan?
Heartbreak, a job that bored me, and an ad in The Economist magazine.
What do you do here?
I work as part of the Global Vision Music team producing and distributing CDs, putting on
UK Sound events, and publishing a bilingual music magazine called Juice.
How long have you been in the music business?
I played my first gig in May 1997, and put together my first compilation CD in May 1998,
so not very long.
What is the most difficult aspect of working with Japanese companies?
Even though I think I understand nemawashi and ringi seido, I still find
the pace of decision-making frustrating sometimes. I know that some Japanese people find
me impetuous at times.
What' the best advice you can give musicians who are trying to make it big here
in Japan?
I'm not really qualified to answer this question - but what the heck; I guess I like the
sound of my own voice. Contacts are important, as is timing (and Lady Luck). Meet as many
people as possible and let the world know that you're making music. Who knows what
contacts the people you meet may have? Perhaps most importantly, don't give up. It's like
that guy's mama used to say: "Life is like a box of chocolates, and besides, every
hound has its day."
What do you feel is the difference between the music scene here compared to that
of the UK or US?
There is less genuine indie music here, and not many bands are making a living from the
indie scene. Things are changing, though, and J-Pop will one day be a genre of music
rather than an explanation of the popular music scene in Japan.
How can anyone living in Japan get into the music business?
If they want to play live, they can put together a band (or pick up a guitar), learn some
songs and get a showcase gig at one of the pubs. If they want to make synthesized music,
they can put something together and send it out to specialist labels affiliated with the
majors. If they want to produce, they need to get into a studio and meet people. People,
people, people.
What do you like about Japan most?
Booska.
What's your favorite area of Tokyo?
Without a doubt it's Takadanobaba. It's dirty, vibrant and intriguing. What's more, it's
home to The Fiddler, Foot Nik, Yoronotaki and Ben's Cafe.
If you could change one thing about Tokyo, what would it be?
I'd force every food store to stock Heinz Baked Beans (the ones with that pale blue
label).
What's the weirdest thing you've ever seen or experienced in Japan?
My Shinto wedding ceremony. Those priests wear some funky hats and shoes. I worked so hard
at not giggling that my bladder hurt.
If you could take one thing back from Japan to your native country, what would it
be?
Two tatami mats and Fukada Kyoko. Wait a minute, is that three things?
What's your recipe for a happy and successful life in Japan?
I'm still reading the recipe book. One of the things that keeps me here is that I learn,
see or do something new every day. It's hard to switch off in Japan. Well, harder than at
home, anyway.
You can confine one person to eternity on the Chuo line and give one bottomless
credit account at Seibu. Who would they be?
Are those alternate visions of hell? I'm far too self-righteous to condemn anyone to the
Chuo line. No, wait, I'd keep Hello Kitty stuck on the Chuo line, and I'd give the account
to that teenage actress with the particularly squeaky voice so that she'd be too busy to
appear on TV. What's her name? Yoshikawa Hinano?
Contact Gaz at gareth@cap.bekkoame.ne.jp
Occupation:
LIFE IN JAPAN: