Fukuoka
4 artists
Picks
Local Scene
vvekapipo
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
I think there's a strong, citywide network here that crosses clubs genrelessly, without being tied down to any one scene. It's a gathering of tough veterans who've fought their way through the local drinking culture, but when it comes to sparking new movements, I feel it's harder here than in other regions. Lately, though, a younger generation with sharp sensibilities and momentum is starting to grow.
What local spots would you recommend?
Listening Bar
TOWA— 薬院 / Yakuin
(Not a listening bar, but) a curry shop run by local industrial artist UTO. The bands and events he puts together are sharp and potent, almost like a controlled substance, and I'd call him one of Kyushu's singularities. The curry is also excellent.
Record Shop
SEXTANS— 天神 / Tenjin
They deal in music that's earthy and humid, and the releases and events on the label of the same name are excellent too.
Café
ハローコーヒー— 清水 / Shimizu
A family restaurant open until late at night. Smoking allowed, with free coffee refills. You can stay there forever.
Label / Series
Bog Down Tapes
A DIY cassette label run by Dam Pipe. It carries a scummy, subculture sensibility, and its rough, unpolished charm really strikes a chord with me.
lee (asano+ryuhei)
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
I get the sense that more and more powerful and inspiring people are emerging.
What local spots would you recommend?
Café
タリーズコーヒー / TULLY'S COFFEE— 小倉 / Kokura
I make some of my best beats here.
Label / Series
Prrrrrrr Records
Not in Fukuoka, but it’s a label that has supported me greatly. The selection of musicians is always interesting.
Artists
Artist Interviews
What are your musical roots?
YUZU
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- 1.Your Cousin AviThe groove is incredible.
- 2.aNTOJEIt reminds me that there are no rules.
- 3.野口文 (Bun Noguchi)It always surprises me.
What are your musical roots?
Portishead's "Glory Box" was the first CD I ever bought on impulse in my life. After that, I went on a binge listening to all kinds of rock I could get my hands on at BOOKOFF.
I also think the erotic grotesque nonsense sensibility, centered on artists like Shigeru Mizuki, Yoshiharu Tsuge, and Suehiro Maruo, runs deep at the foundation of my own thinking and musical sensibility.
I also think the erotic grotesque nonsense sensibility, centered on artists like Shigeru Mizuki, Yoshiharu Tsuge, and Suehiro Maruo, runs deep at the foundation of my own thinking and musical sensibility.
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- 1.ETATI like the feel of working with Max/MSP, and it's experimental.
- 2.WV Sorcerer ProductionsA modern interpretation of folk music and its sense of collectivity, pulled together into something avant garde.
- 3.Never Anything RecordsElectronic music, Monooto, carrying a roomy sense of space and a free jazz like texture.