Photo by Kodai Kobayashi
The indie rock scene has seen a great deal of change in the past couple of years. Many young bands have emerged that have attracted attention from the fashion scene as well. Although it cannot be summed up in a single genre, there is an event in Tokyo that will enliven the scene from a completely different angle from this trend.
The event is called "Rhyming Slang," which started in May 2014 and has already become a popular band.DYGL, including,TAWINGS.and ... andLuby SparksWe have invited up-coming artists such as the following to this event from an early stage.
Photo by Shusaku Yoshikawa
The artists we hook up with are mainly orthodox rock and punk. The event has its own unique wave of connections with the rest of the world, including overseas performances in Korea and Taiwan, where the indie rock scene is booming at the same time, as well as support for bands coming to Japan. Since the year before last, the event has also begun to function as a label, releasing bands' music.
This is an interesting event that creates a special swell in the music scene while maintaining a DIY attitude. So we asked SUE, the organizer of "Rhyming Slang," to talk about it.
Live at the Skateboard Park in 2016, where he said he was able to successfully shape his image.
Photo by Kodai Kobayashi
When I came to England to see the Glastonbury Festival (the world's largest rock festival) and stopped in London, I encountered the Warehouse Party. I was struck by the environment where music was playing all over the city. When I came back to Tokyo, there were no such events, so I started with the image."
A sight not seen in Japan, playing on a skateboard ramp. They have witnessed this kind of free performance style in England.
Photo by Kodai Kobayashi
The music suddenly starts playing in a place different from a live music club, and people enjoy the music in a relaxed atmosphere. Rhyming Slang" was born out of the desire to bring the same experience seen in England to Japan.
The DYGL stage. Many people from the younger generation to the older generation came to the event.
Photo by Shusaku Yoshikawa
This is the after party for the release of DYGL's first album, which was held at a restaurant called ZUSHI Surfers.
We used to have a lot of older fans, but recently we've been getting a lot of attention from younger kids."
This is surfers ZUSHI, a special location overlooking the ocean.
Photo by Shusaku Yoshikawa
With the rise of bands such as DYGL, the event has now become a beacon of opportunity to meet new bands with young energy. Last month, a compilation album of covers produced by bands with ties to "Rhyming Slang" was released.
Cover photo of cover compilation album
The participating bands have self-covered songs by bands that have influenced them, such as OASIS, BUZZCOCKS, LOU REED, and XTC. All songs were newly recorded for this album. The slightly maniacal selection of songs also adds to the flavor of the album.
TAWINGS Stage
Photo By Masatoo Hirano
"While distribution and streaming are becoming the mainstream, records and cassettes are becoming fashionable because they are fashionable, and packaging is becoming fashionable. It's not that I think this trend is bad, but I think the sensibilities of young people these days are "interesting."
This kind of curiosity and challenge is the source of "Rhyming Slang's" growth. Because they want to reach the maximum appeal of the band, they are experimenting with ways to deliver their music to their fans. This time, the music was sold on CD, but there is still room for further deepening.
To celebrate the release of the compilation album, a release party will be held tomorrow, January 14 (Sun.), at "Shimokitazawa THREE" and "Basement Bar" in Shimokitazawa. Here is the cassette box that will be sold at the event. The pizza-shaped box is so cute.
Although he has the cooperation of those around him, SUE is basically the only one who manages the operation. Despite this, he is able to hold live concerts, produce merchandise for sale, and release sound recordings because he is motivated by his love and curiosity for music. This is what I really feel.
I just did what I wanted and this is what happened. That's all. Because I love music, I am a customer and a fan. So, if I feel something is not right with the people who come to see the show, I might stop playing Rhyming Slang.
Photo by Shusaku Yoshikawa
Those who have been away from the music scene lately. This is an event worth bothering to check out, especially for those who love legitimate rock.
Text_Rei Kawahara
Rhyming Slang
rhyming-slang.tumblr.com
RHYMING SLANG COVERS release party
Held: Sunday, January 14, 2018
Place: Shimokitazawa THREE&Basement Bar
Address: B1F Calabash Building, 5-18-1 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
open 12:00 / start 12:30 (Basement Bar opens at 16:30)
Adv:¥2,500yen/door:¥2,800 (D not included)
FOOD:Rokkakubashi Alternative Kitchen
Email: Put "1/14 Rhyming Slang Covers Release Party Reservations" in the subject line with your full name, phone number, and the number of tickets reserved. succhiri＠gmail.comPlease send an e-mail to the following address. Your reservation will be completed when we reply to you.
Performances:
DYGL
HWANG JAE YEON (AKUA from Seoul)
Yuksen Buyers House
Half Mile Beach Club
Cairophenomenons
Far Farm
The Heimats
TAWINGS.
Luby Sparks
Suueat.
CHIIO
NENGU
wonderful
THE BUTTERCUP
Screechy Club
and more!
