Rock the House

Rock the House

Tokyo's live house music scene is set to go global

By

Crispy Nuts at Heaven's Door

Crispy Nuts at Heaven's Door

The media attention that was so elusive to bands when Matsushita began photographing them two decades ago is now easier to come by—the internet, in particular, has made the music world a smaller place. Twenty years ago, groups like Shonen Knife and Boredoms slowly gained followings overseas through overpriced import CDs and obscure fanzines. Today, with MySpace, YouTube and iTunes, musicians enjoy instant access on a global scale, and success can come knocking at the most unexpected of times.

The all-female band Bo-Peep, for instance, had been plugging away at the live house scene in their native Fukuoka and, later, in Tokyo for a decade when they were suddenly tapped to play the Rookie A Go-Go Stage at Fuji Rock in 2007, an experience they recall as “overwhelming.” This performance was followed by three successful UK tours. More recently, Red Bacteria Vacuum, another girl band active on the live house scene, was selected to represent Japanese rock at the J-Pop Summit in San Francisco, which included an appearance on the MTV Iggy channel.

“The scene will definitely continue to grow and spread,” says Aggressive Dogs’ Uzi-One. “Music has the power to cross borders.”

Kevin Mcgue is the director of Live House, a feature-length documentary opening this fall. Check www.live-house-movie.com for details.

Address Book

  • Loft With a storied history stretching back to the ongaku-kissa culture of the ’60s and ’70s, Loft, in the heart of Kabukicho, is one of the most established live houses in Tokyo. Check out the semi-regular event “Back From The Grave,” featuring rockabilly bands like Jackie and The Cedrics and The 5.6.7.8s. 1-12-9 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5272-0382. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.loft-prj.co.jp/LOFT
  • Shelter A sister venue of Shinjuku’s Loft, this Shimokitazawa live house hosts international touring acts as well as more established Japanese bands. Unlike many other live houses, events here frequently sell out, so pick up your tickets early. 2-6-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku. Tel: 03-3466-7430. Nearest stn: Shimokitazawa. www.loft-prj.co.jp/SHELTER
  • Heaven’s Door A Sangenjaya institution nearing its 20th year, this venue presents bands playing in a wide array of genres, often on the same night. Watch out for “XXX” events featuring an abundance of girl bands. 1-33-19 Sangenjaya, Setagaya-ku. Tel: 03-3410-9581. Nearest stn: Sangenjaya. www.geocities.jp/xxxheavensdoorxxx
  • Moonstep This newish venue in Nakano is unusual in that it is spread over two floors, offering a bar area to chill in when taking a break from the mosh pit. 5-39-16 Chuo, Nakano-ku. Tel: 03-3380-7739. Nearest stn: Nakano. www.livehouse-wall.com
  • Wall This hardcore punk club in Hatsudai allows two types of music: hardcore and punk. 3-15-8 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5351-6241. www.livehouse-wall.com
  • 20000V Pronounced ni-man-volt, this Koenji institution showcases a wide array of home-grown talent as well as occasional international acts. 4-25-4 Koenji-Minami, Suginami-ku. Tel: 03-3316-6969. Nearest stn: Koenji. www.20000volt.com
  • Manhole True to its name, this Ikebukuro venue is little more than a subterranean pit, serving up punk in the raw. 1-3-5 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku. Tel: 03-5957-1080. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. www.livehousemanhole.com