Posted 7.19.07

9 Questions with B-Chan
B-Chan is one of the leading radio DJ promoters of Japanese rock in the United States. She covers all genres and eras on her show Nippon Music Champ broadcast Sundays at 6pm on WRAS Atlanta 88.5 FM.

1. How were you first exposed to music from Japan?

I got into Anime when I was in 8th grade and once we got a computer in my house I started researching the shows I liked. I soon discovered that some of the themes I enjoyed were singles from various Japanese bands. In High School I discovered college radio and Giant Robot Magazine. Shibuya-kei was in full swing over here and I had a friend that was really into Pizzicato Five, Cornelius, etc. Then my cable provider added The International Channel (now AZN) and they showed the Japanese music show Hey! Hey! Hey! (which isn't the case now). The range of artists the show represented was limited but enough to get me completely hooked. By the time I got out of High School, Japanese music was on its way to becoming my number one passion.

2. Do you find Japanese music to be in any way superior or inferior to music stateside? If so, in what ways?

I think each country's music has its own strengths and weakness. I prefer not to compare one to the other.

3. Your radio show covers the gamut of Japanese music history. What are your preferred genres/movements?

In the end, I am a total rock 'n' roller, so the bulk of my exploration has been focused on rock and it's related genres. My favorite movement at the moment is Group Sounds, that period in the late 1960s where Japan was discovering rock'n'roll and making it their own. Of course there were lots of copy bands, but some really amazing and inspiring music came out of that time and I always love finding new bands from that era. I also enjoy the early days of punk and new wave, but haven't been listening to much as of late. I'm currently reading Blue Nippon by E. Taylor Atkins, which is about the history of Jazz in Japan and the issue of authenticity to start venturing in different directions.

4. You've spent time in Japan. Do live concerts in Japan differ from those in the West? Do concertgoers react the same way to performing bands?

Yes and no. The system is structured differently; venues are pay to play for the bands, you have to buy a drink ticket when you enter (good for any one drink from a list), and the lighting set up is usually pretty professional, even in the smaller clubs (which makes the stage extremely hot). Depending upon the type of show tickets may be numbered and you will then only be able to enter once your section is called. You can also take advantage of events where one tickets gets you into several venues for one day/evening.

As for the crowd reaction, it depends upon the artists, type of venue, and size of the crowd. For example, in 2005 I saw Red Bacteria Vacuum play at Heaven's Door during the venue's 15-year anniversary and the place was packed. It's not a very large place and people were there to rock. There was moshing and yelling and it was just like any punk show anywhere. Last year I saw them at Shibuya O-Nest, which is on the 5th floor of building that houses Shibuya O-West and there weren't very many people. While the band was performing just as they always do, the crowd mostly just politely stood there, clapped, and yelled out occasionally.

If you have a band that is really into call and response or dance moves, it's more fun to see them at home where language isn't an issue and you have a set of hardcore fans that already have the moves down and are ready to go. And while I am sure it happens, at the shows I went to in Japan I never had to deal with people shouting crass things at female band members or throwing beer cans at the band. In the U.S., I've seen Gian from Electric Eel Shock hit in the head with a beer can and someone throw a can at Seiji from Guitar Wolf (and he jumped down to find out who did it).

5. Who are your favorite Japanese musicians at the moment?

This is a little hard to answer since I'm always listening to CDs, but so this list will vary from my reply to the next question, here is a combination of artists that never stray far from my CD player and ones I have enjoyed recently:

The Captains - My favorite of the current group sounds bands. Their combination of rock, romance, and fun makes for a very memorable live show. On CD, their music is the perfect pick me up when in need of extra energy.

The Emeralds - Since first hearing The Emeralds in 2004 I always have one of their CDs with me. Lighting fast vocals and furious playing meet songs about love and a time traveling rock 'n' roller. I like bands that can create a unique world with their music.

The 50 Kaitenz (The 50 R.P.M.s) - "Faster than a record but slower than a CD" may be one of the greatest descriptions of a band I have ever read. These misfit rockers make some amazing rock 'n' roll.

Hyakkei - A three piece instrumental rock group from Osaka, Hyakkei are on Mono's Human Highway Records. Their name means "hundreds of landscapes" and their music reflects this imagery.

radicalfashion - radicalfashion's debut album Odori was released in the U.S. earlier this year. Piano and electronics meet but don't overpower each other. Very emotional and nostalgic compositions.

6. All-time favorite musicians?

This question is difficult because I have so many artists that I love! But here are ten of my all-time favorite musicians:

Asai Kenichi - The vocalist, guitarist, and song writer for Ajico (UA is the main vocalist for Ajico), Blankey Jet City, Jude, Sherberts, and now his own solo work, Asai Kenichi has a project to fit my every mood. Stylistically I view him as having two sides, a fast and furious rock 'n' roll side, and a introspectively, dreamy side. Listening to his slower melodies really does make me feel as if I'm slipping to some dream-like world, while the rockin' side kicks into high gear and never slows down.

The Captains - One of the many strengths of The Captains is that lyrically they can get somewhat over dramatic, but it still remains a genuine sentiment. Their energy is infectious and they resurrect the sound of the 60s while making a sound that is all their own.

Cornelius - One of the first Japanese artists I was ever exposed to, I love the entire range of Cornelius' work. The collage of sights and sounds, the syncopated rhythms, the sampling, all of it comes together in so many wonderful ways.

The Emeralds - The first time I heard The Emeralds I thought to myself "This is it. This is the band I've been waiting for". At some point we all find that one band that clicks in our heart and mind, and for me that's The Emeralds. They create these intense, sweet, and at times slightly melancholy songs that stick with you. Live, they really focus on engaging the audience despite language barriers, which is hard not to admire.

Guitar Wolf - The essence of rock 'n' roll. I sleep safe at night knowing they help keep the zombie population under control. The band is celebrating their 20th year this year which is just amazing.

Mono - The intensity of emotions in Mono's music can at times be almost overwhelming, but at the same time I wouldn't have it any other way. Terrifyingly beautifully, this instrumental quartet creates the soundtrack to the lowest and highest moments in one's life.

Polysics - Polysics are a wonderful hybrid of New Wave and Punk influences from around the world in one explosive mix. While any article you read will bring up Devo, I've always admired how they incorporate their Japanese influences as well, such as Plastics and P-Model. Lots of Japanese New Wave bands get compared to them, but for me no one does it quite like Polysics. Toisu!

Quruli - For me, Quruli's music captures the loneliness of the big city and that twinge of nostalgia for home one feels as the ride the last train home perfectly. While I haven't been fond of their more recent efforts, they can still rock out. Qurli was the first Japanese band I saw live.

Thee Michele Gun Elephant - If I had a time machine, this would probably be the first band I would go see. Chiba Yusuke's gravelly voice draws you in and doesn't let go. Add the fierce technical skill of the band and you have some really gripping garage rock.

Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re - An angry father who realizes his daughter is making tea for her boyfriend instead of for him, the decline of a relationship in regards to the turning off and on of the air conditioner, Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re's music is a innocent, sexy, and mischievous world. I've seen them perform in club here and in Japan, Anime Weekend Atlanta, and before the Suicide Girls, and they way they adapt their performance to suit each audience is really interesting to watch. It's fun seeing what they come up with next.

7. What do you ultimately hope to achieve through your already long-running radio show? Do you see yourself continuing it for the foreseeable future?

I want to introduce as many bands as can to my listeners in the time I have left. I want to show them that music from Japan is more than pop idols and visual-kei. I want to give them that wonderful, rock 'n' roll dream. I want to keep expanding my knowledge and artists catalogue. Of course, there are several disappointments along the way, bands not living up to the hype (do they ever?) or yet another band trying to be Thee Michelle Gun Elephant. But then you find one, an indies band that would never have thought they would be on the radio in America, and it's the greatest feeling in the world when you pick up the phone and the person on the other end catches their breath and asks "What was that song?"

I'd love to find someway of continuing to do a show once I have graduated. You have to be a student to work at Album 88, and I haven't figured out yet what exactly I will do afterwards.

8. Do you embrace any other aspects of Japanese popular culture?

Since putting almost all of my money into anything music related, I don't really get look into other aspects like I used to. I enjoy Japanese movies, books, and the occasional TV Drama. Most of the manga that comes out here doesn't appeal to me, but I do read manga from time to time. With Anime, I now only occasionally watch older series like Lupin III or watch theatrical releases like Paprika. Accessibly is a factor for some of this too. In Japan, I went to the movies, I watched variety TV, and flipped through magazines and manga - it was all right there. If the choice is between $25 for a DVD or $25 for CD, I'm going to go with the CD.

9. What are some of your favorite domestic outlets for Japanese popular culture? (such as magazines, television networks, manga companies, record labels, other radio shows, websites, etc.)

I will always discover something new in the pages of Giant Robot. I also like to keep up with what Vertical Inc. releases. They offer a different range of novels and manga, with tie-ins such as the original Ring novel (just as creepy as the movie!), to classic manga like To Terra (70s shoujo sci-fi), as well as a wide variety of contemporary Japanese authors.

English music websites that are useful include Rock of Japan, Keikaku, and Clear and Refreshing. When I want to touch base again with the world of Japanese film, I check out Midnight Eye. Sites like Myspace and YouTube have become good resources for finding new music as well.

Plugs:
Nippon Music Champ is a two hour Japanese music radio program that airs every Sunday from 6pm to 8pm on WRAS Atlanta 88.5 FM. WRAS is the student run radio station of Georgia State University and at 100, 000 watts is the most powerful college radio station in the United States. I mostly play independent artists, lots of rock 'n' roll, various types of electronic music, punk, new wave, and group sounds, but you never know what you may hear when you tune in! Depending upon your location, the station can be picked up through out north Georgia, as well as parts of Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee. There are lots of bands coming to the southeast this fall including Elekibass, The Captains, The Emeralds, Peelander-Z, Mono, and Boris with Michio Kurihara. Anime Weekend Atlanta is September 21st though the 23rd, and The Captains, The Emeralds, and Peelander-Z will be performing. The Captains will be on their first American Tour, The Emeralds will be on their sixth visit to the U.S. but it will be their first time in the southeast, and Peelander-Z wants to see your smiling faces!

For those of you readers not in the southeast, keep an eye on your local clubs and an ear turned to your college radio stations. You never know who you may find!

B-Chan's MySpace page
Nippon Music Champ site