Mikawa
1 artist
Local Scene
JATSUYA a.k.a Katsuya Knd
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
This is not limited to my hometown scene, but wherever I go, regardless of the venue or event, it feels like there are more and more four-on-the-floor DJs and more people playing similar styles of music. To be honest, I find that a little boring.
Of course, personal taste plays a role, but it seems like technical proficiency and consistency have improved while it has become harder to find people with truly wild, boundary-pushing sensibilities.
Of course, personal taste plays a role, but it seems like technical proficiency and consistency have improved while it has become harder to find people with truly wild, boundary-pushing sensibilities.
What local spots would you recommend?
Listening Bar
薬膳BAR / Yakuzen Bar— 栄 / Sakae
I am not sure if it technically qualifies as a listening bar, but the place that reacts most enthusiastically when I play strange music or unusual audio recordings is this medicinal herb bar.
It always reminds me how open-minded and adventurous its customers are when it comes to music.
The owner, Iri, is also a wonderful person.
It always reminds me how open-minded and adventurous its customers are when it comes to music.
The owner, Iri, is also a wonderful person.
Record Shop
ハードオフ / HARD-OFF
It is not tied to a specific city, but this is where I have bought more records than anywhere else over the past few years.
I have discovered some truly mind-blowing folk recordings and flexi-discs thanks to Hard Off and other recycling shops.
I have discovered some truly mind-blowing folk recordings and flexi-discs thanks to Hard Off and other recycling shops.
Café
Quiet Village— 岡崎 / Okazaki
A diner where music lovers gather and where I can always relax and feel at home.
I love talking with the owner, URA.
The burgers are great, the background music is always on point, and even the books on the shelves are fascinating.
It is an essential gathering place for people who live and breathe music.
I love talking with the owner, URA.
The burgers are great, the background music is always on point, and even the books on the shelves are fascinating.
It is an essential gathering place for people who live and breathe music.
Label / Series
2++
A label run by abentis, who is by far one of the most sincere and dedicated music lovers among my friends.
He never stops pursuing ideas and projects that only he could bring to life. Nuff respect!
He never stops pursuing ideas and projects that only he could bring to life. Nuff respect!
Artists
Artist Interviews
What are your musical roots?
The first music that truly shocked me was Japanese hip-hop, including artists such as NITRO MICROPHONE UNDERGROUND, Mosouzoku, THA BLUE HERB, and MSC.
From there, I gradually fell in love with all kinds of music across different genres.
From there, I gradually fell in love with all kinds of music across different genres.
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- 1.Sun ArawEverything about him is incredible, from the music to the artwork.
He has been my favorite artist and the one I have listened to most over the past few years. - 2.E.O.UHis music, DJ sets, the atmosphere he creates, and even the way he chooses his words in conversation all feel uniquely his own. In every sense, he has established a genre of his own called E.O.U.
- 3.辺境大衆音楽 / Frontier Pop SoundHis deep love for music equipment is embedded in every track he makes, resulting in a level of originality that is hard to compare to anyone else.
I cannot think of another artist with quite the same aesthetic.
His YouTube channel, where he introduces and talks about gear, has also been receiving a lot of attention lately, so I highly recommend checking it out.