Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2011

You’re American. What brought you to Japan, and how long have you been here?
I’ve been in Tokyo for about 16 months. I’ve traveled extensively through the US, Canada and Mexico—and once lived in Monterrey for a few months. Basically, I was interested in experiencing a lifestyle and environment completely different from what I had seen in the Americas. That, and I heard the men here were extremely attractive!

What kinds of things have you been doing since coming to Tokyo?
I’m actually a credentialed high school teacher of ESL, so I originally came over to teach English. I dabble in a variety of things: teaching high school and business English, searching for good yakitori, going to see live music, hunting for unique coffee shops, making exploratory daytrips within the many Tokyo wards, enjoying the men’s fashion choices. I also work with a few J-pop singers/musicians who want to improve their English for singing, media interviews or interacting with English-language music blogs.

Tell us about GoGirls Tokyo.
GoGirls Tokyo is an organization that focuses on empowering and advancing the careers of female artists and those involved in the music industry. We strive to help artists through education, networking and events. As an affiliate of GoGirls Music (USA), we also promote female musicians (or bands with at least one woman member) worldwide through GoGirls Radio, various video channels and the GoGirls SWSW showcase. Artists who become involved have many opportunities to perform, have their work reviewed by industry people, and basically get involved with a hardworking group of women who get things done in the music scene.

You are also the founder of Inter Idoru. Tell us about that. Inter Idoru is a music promotions company. Originally, my focus was on providing online or “virtual” promotions for artists and music—social media, website placement, blog reviews, coordinating online appearances in a sort of “tour.” I recently branched into live music booking and promotion within Tokyo and the US West Coast. This came after I discovered that much of Japan’s live music scene is in “pay to play” live houses. How can a starting independent band afford to regularly play live when they have to pay out ¥150,000 or more, just to book a live house? I decided to search out free or low-cost venues—and they are out there! I would hear from supposed “experts” that the music industry here is so “different” from the west. I have had meetings with many Japanese label representatives (both major and independent), music managers and event coordinators, and I have found the only “difference” is that you have a couple of extra steps of upfront courtesy introductions prior to getting down to business. The business itself is the same.

What should everyone in Tokyo do at least once before they leave? Why would anyone leave? Ha ha ha! They should spend time on Omoide Yokocho next to the Shinjuku station tracks—best yakitori and cheap beer to be found!

Inter Idoru: http://interidoru.com; GoGirls Tokyo: http://gogirlstokyo.yolasite.com