Sorry for the delay folks, I had a bit of a server issue. It has been resolved now and I have been able to salvage all of the information, except for this post which I had rewrite. Anyways, here you go…… As you all may or may not know, I have dabbled in the music production game and one of the reasons for coming here was to check gear and of course check the music scene. Well……as for gear, I haven`t come across the equipment I have been looking for, but I am still looking and waiting for my tour of the underground Akihabara. Until then, I can only comment on the music I have been hearing since arriving on this island.

What`s the biggest music out here now? J-POP. It doesn`t matter what you heard or what you may have seen, J-POP is the biggest music out here, period. Pop music is always going to be the biggest music in any country, however what is interesting is what influences the big tunes in J-POP. In North America, Hip Hop has been influencing the pop charts for some time now. This is not the case in Japan, however Hip Hop does have an influence here along with reggae, r&b and other genres. For the most part, rock seems to be the most influential music here as there are a number of pop-rock are songs currently on the charts now. The big tune out here right now is from a hot little Hawaiian number named Yuna Ito. Check it out below…

Another big influence on the music here is the lack of dance clubs. Sure there are clubs here, but they are not the most popular places be on a Friday or Saturday night. In the west, artists seem to always be thinking about that song for the club, however that isn`t such a big issue in the east. I personally think the music is watered down and the vocals seem a bit simplistic, which may be due to the fact that artist are making their songs karaoke friendly. People here would rather go to a karaoke bar and get drunk and sing with their friends than hit a club. As this is the case, recording a track for the club doesn`t have the same urgency. I did find this one though…

Although most of the music is watered down and lacks real flavor, I have found some gems. Check out the tunes below. (Please note: Some of the tracks here are not recent.)

This tune isn`t that special, but this girl`s (Nana Tanimura) body is bangin (front AND backyard…PROPER). This video doesn`t do her justice though.

I also had the chance to check a concert on the weekend with various acts. Frog Pilot was wicked and a young lady by the name Kayoko Futamura was dope as well. I will continue to look for some good music, especially J-Hip Hop and J-Reggae, but it is difficult because I don`t know many (Japanese)Hip Hop heads down here.

In North American news, I have to say that Stat Quo is the man. I downloaded his mixtape from here and this sh!t is BANGIN! Best stuff I have heard in a minute.

Until next time..PEACE