Kobe
1 artist
Local Scene
Hirotaka Shirotsubaki
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
Although Kobe is a relatively small city, it is also a port town with many residents whose roots lie overseas. Because of this, a wide variety of musical genres have long been performed within different communities.
From my personal perspective, however, it feels like the communities that once existed independently have begun interacting more with one another in recent years, particularly after the pandemic.
From my personal perspective, however, it feels like the communities that once existed independently have begun interacting more with one another in recent years, particularly after the pandemic.
What local spots would you recommend?
Listening Bar
COFFEE BAR HECKE— 灘区 / Nada-ku
A bar located near Rokko Station on the Hankyu Kobe Line.
Part of the appeal is that I’m a regular there, but more than that, it offers a relaxing atmosphere, and the owner always seems to be playing records that have caught their particular musical radar.
Part of the appeal is that I’m a regular there, but more than that, it offers a relaxing atmosphere, and the owner always seems to be playing records that have caught their particular musical radar.
Record Shop
Tobira Records— 加西市北条町 / Hojochohojo, Kasai-shi
Owned by my friend Hakobune.
I rarely buy records myself, but when I do, this is one of the shops I occasionally visit.
I rarely buy records myself, but when I do, this is one of the shops I occasionally visit.
Café
INIT— 中央区北野 / Kitano Chuo-ku
The interior and atmosphere are wonderful, reflecting the unique worldview of Vincent, the French owner who settled in Japan.
Many artists from the Kyoto - Osaka - Kobe area are regulars, and almost every artist staying through the Artist in Residence Kobe program ends up spending a lot of time there during their stay.
Many artists from the Kyoto - Osaka - Kobe area are regulars, and almost every artist staying through the Artist in Residence Kobe program ends up spending a lot of time there during their stay.
Artists
Artist Interviews
What are your musical roots?
My musical roots trace back to the first CD I ever bought in elementary school: Burnin' X'mas by T.M.Revolution.
That encounter sparked a curiosity that led me to actively seek out music and carefully refine my own tastes.
At first glance, it may seem very different from the music I make today, but it was a crucial milestone in shaping my aesthetic sensibility toward sound and my personal musical perspective.
That encounter sparked a curiosity that led me to actively seek out music and carefully refine my own tastes.
At first glance, it may seem very different from the music I make today, but it was a crucial milestone in shaping my aesthetic sensibility toward sound and my personal musical perspective.
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- 1.Tatsuro MurakamiAn ambient artist I’ve been connected with since around last year.
He is a guitarist with roots in Brazilian music, and I was deeply moved by the beautiful sense of space and melody that emerges from that background.