I haven’t picked up the laptop in an editorial manner in a long time, but I feel like I have to open up on the subject of the overseas Jrock scene. Specifically the American one, but this applies in various ways to everyone. Basically in 2010 we’re in EXACTLY THE SAME PLACE WE WERE IN 2008. Its a big year, people are thinking it could launch the scene. D’espairsray, Vamps, X Japan, Miyavi, etc all coming over. We thought that in 2008 when in was MUCC, D’espairsray, The Underneath, etc. Yet I’d argue the scene is weaker than it was then.
Now, I have to clarify that this mostly only applies that want this to be some sort of scene. If you are content to download music, listen to it, and have your connection end there that’s fine. This isn’t for you.
1) Support your local bands. Now, I know I mostly blog about the bands here in the North East United States but I know there are bands in England, L.A., etc. Are they all amazing? Some are. Some aren’t. Just like any scene, but that’s not really my point. My point is that most J-music fans aren’t just not into them, they are flat out not even giving them the chance. Whether they don’t know they exist, or they don’t care, the effect is the same.
Well here’s a story for you: Once upon a time a bunch of Japanese kids really like David Bowie. They really liked KISS, Ozzy Osbourne, The Sex Pistols, Iron Maiden, etc. Problem was there weren’t any bands like that in Japan so they made them. X. D’erlanger. The Stalin. Der Zibet. Yokosuka Saver Tiger. Where they any good when they formed? Hell no. But people supported them, and as they stayed around they got better. Why? Because they had their own bands, their own scene, their own events now. Visual Kei, Japanese Punk, etc, were born. I’m not saying that we’re creating the next X Japan right now(And I admit to generalizing), but who the hell knows?
“They aren’t Japanese” is not a valid reason to not listen to a band. I’m not pulling this out of my ass. This has been given to me a reason why people don’t listen to the American bands by said non-listeners. If those Japanese people in the 80s acted like a lot of people are acting now, there WOULD BE NO VISUAL KEI/JROCK/JPUNK FOR YOU TO LISTEN TO.
I really have to direct this at the various Jmusic websites too(with the exception of Purple Sky, who gets it). Look, no, bands from America aren’t technically Japanese but you know what? If the scene dies, you die. Simple. Create a future for yourselves. Besides, American bands=easier content.
2) Go to shit.
This ties in with support your local bands in that you should go to their shows. Why go to their shows? Well, for one here in the north east its usually something ridiculous like 4 bands for ten bucks. Two, its a community thing. Come meet people and hang out with friends. I mean, damn, worst case scenario you killed an evening with some buddies.
When obscure Japanese bands show up, and you can afford it, go! Once again this is an economic issue. When the industry sees shows being successful more shows will follow. If you live outside of Baltimore/DC/NYC/LA this is especially important. You guys almost never get anything. I’m not saying you don’t deserve it, but unfortunately you’ll have to prove to the industry that you do. Even though its proved that it can pack a Jrock show, Baltimore hasn’t seen a single Tainted Reality(Tour organizer responsible for tours such as Versailles and Seileen) show since The Candy Spooky Theater show bombed in 2007. Three years ago. So what do you think your chances of getting a big name concert in…say North Carolina would be, if you let The Candy Spooky Theater bomb there?
3) Don’t be a dick. Pulling a random scenario out of my ass: Ok so you’re the best Hime:Ichigo fan in the state. So your better then, what? 6, 7 people? How about everyone chills the fuck out and enjoys our common interest together. The scene isn’t big enough for drama. Go ahead and pretend it is and see how long it lasts.
Just to plug my most recent post, here’s an example of what you are missing if you aren’t going out to shows.
Tags: America, Jrock, nyc, visual kei