Getting “Big in Japan” With Rallye Label
Though getting "big in Japan" was once considered the province of obscure or outdated rock bands, a variety of artists are finding support for their music in Japan as they build their careers. For example, jazz singer Michelle Shaprow's first release was on a Japanese label, P-Vine, that began a process of partnering with labels in other countries. Rallye Label has also been releasing Western acts focused on pop rock and electronica based on the taste and interests of label owner Fumi Chikakoshi.
In one of a series of articles on Japan's indie music scene, Fumi Chikakoshi shared his views on the state of Japanese music declaring, "I don't mean to release albums only by Western artists, but sadly I don't think there are any Japanese artists that are any good right now."
Fumi's views on Japanese music may sound harsh, but they end up benefitting the numerous Western acts who have released music on Rallye Label. In the case of Discopolis, that meant putting out a ten-track release that they consider a precursor to a more official album they hope to someday bring out. Fumi is not sure how he found them but he assumes it was via a UK music site he discovered.
Other groups have licensed full albums and some have recorded special Japan-only releases. In addition to artists listed on their website, you can find numerous tracks on SoundCloud.
Rallye has also set up tours for artists on the label such as Au Revoir Simone who clearly had an exceptional experience in Japan.
I tried to reach Fumi Chikakoshi to no avail and have not found submission info at Rallye Label. However, like many small label owners, it's clear that Fumi seeks out music he wants to hear and is using the web to keep abreast of foreign developments.
Though there are numerous examples of artists connecting with foreign labels via social networks and music sites, U.S. musicians generally seem to ignore such possibilities or save them for when they've established their base in the States. But if you're building a strong social presence and making yourself discoverable, it's well worth investigating who's releasing music similar to yours from indie acts in other countries and establishing contact.
And keep in mind that, rather than spamming the world with links to your music, building relationships and, in the process, sharing what you do will take you further around the globe.
Hypebot contributor Clyde Smith maintains his freelance writing hub at Flux Research and blogs at All World Dance and This Business of Blogging. To suggest topics for Hypebot, contact: clyde(at)fluxresearch(dot)com.
