Tune in Tokyo
Last Thursday night saw the second Tune in Tokyo event take place in downtown Los Angeles. To the uninitiated, Tune in Tokyo represents the LA area’s first regular night of all-Japanese popular music. With five different DJs all playing their own mixes of pop, rock, R&B, soul and dance music, there’s bound to be something to suit anyone’s taste. Who cares if you understand the lyrics or not?
The founders of Tune in Tokyo were among the many to observe the recent rise of Japanese popular culture overseas, not least of which was the spread of its musical influence. While many American fans were introduced to “J-Pop” via the anime TV shows they watched, it didn’t take long for the music to overflow that boundary. Good songs meant good bands- thanks to the internet, fandom ensued. The wide world of Japanese music encompasses not only the anime-savvy, but also the Gothic Lolitas, the gamers, and anyone with a penchant for exploration beyond America’s often-shallow musical scene.
With such a built-in niche fanbase pre-existing, Tune in Tokyo is bound to be a success and expects to resume monthly events in January 2009. All are invited to check out the site at www.myspace.com/tuneintokyoclub and help spread the word! After all, good music knows no language.
Check out more photos from the Valley of the Dolls events
Tune in Tokyo
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Tags: and Electro, anime, anime dj, J-Techno, Jpop, Neo-Soul, Shibuya-Ke, tune in tokyo, Urban, Visual Ke