Music in Japan

Okay, you know that my life is pretty much dedicated to these main things, Erin, my family, and friends, and of course MUSIC; listening, playing, making, talking about, etc., so it's about time that I share my musical insights and experiences since I arrived here in Japan. First off, it's not as weird as you might image... okay, yes, there are some weird things and this first picture seems to trump that statement, but seriously, it's not that weird... This guy here in the pic, dressed up like some sorta hula power ranger is one of the guitarists for the band, Zubrowka, a local J-rock band that my friend Kati introduced me to. Actually, the bass player is a student at Kashiba HS(Nao, she rocks btw), and their music is a tight brand of punk/rock/pop/dance. It was cool to finally see a Japanese group that wasn't on tv, and wasn't all image-driven and talentless. These kids were doin' it right, costumes and all, and I had a great time at their show and they seemed to have a blast sharing playin' their music. There were several other acts throughout the evening at this little live house venue in Ikoma, a city directly north of where we live.
Here's Nao, the bad ass bass player. Don't let her cute cuteness catch you off guard, she wails on the bass. That's one thing I'm learning about Japanese people, often times when you first meet someone, they may seem one way initially, but once you get to know them, you'll learn more about them and perhaps they'll show you a different side about them. Japanese people tend to "hide" their skills or interests, unlike Americans who usually just put it all out there in plain view, as loud and as obnoxious as that can tend to be, hahaha. It's very interesting in the sense that you can be constantly learning about a Japanese friend you're whole life, with the many layers to peel back.

Another instance of this aspect of Japanese culture was recently observed when I was invited to a jam session by one of my friends from aikido. He dropped me a mail on my keitai about a monthly Dub/Noise jam goin' on in the near by town of Mamigaoko, and invited me to join since he knew that I played music(as a loud American, I let it be known to everyone that I meet here that I love music). Anyways, I was psyched to partake in a good ol' noise freak out jam, but how would it be in Japan my mind wandered. I met Tsuyoshi by bike, I packed with my arsenal of instruments as effects(at least those that I could carry with me on my bike) and we headed to this Thai curry house where the jam would take place, after hours when the place was closed. Tsuyoshi had with him his didgeridoo, and traditional Australian instrument that comes from the Aboriginal tribes of Australia. When played correctly, it gives a droning, low hum that can be altered in slight pitches and overtones. Very cool. I also learned that he plays guitar and ukulele, which never once came up in previous conversations... hence, the Japanese aspect of hidden talents or skills. Anyways, the jam was awesome and such a wonderful experience to share this type of free expression and improvisation with other people here in Japan. Even though I couldn't verbally communicate with them, since my Japanese is still elementary and their English skills were like my Japanese, but we were still able to make some real cool grooves and share our musical ideas. Music is truly a language of it's own.

To go back to the show in Ikoma, here are acouple more acts that performed that evening. The all girl band also had members who were also schoolgirls from Kashiba HS. And the guy on the right was very good too, only 18 or 19, and he played an Oasis song. Which brings me to the subject of Western influence on Japanese popular culture, namely music for this blog. It is all around, and unfortunate that the mass pop Japanese media has taken to such American devices as Japanese version of "Dancing with the Stars" or J-pop boy bands like Smap, or the countless other image driven musical acts permeate Japanese mass media. I guess the machine of the music industry is the same anywhere in the world, but that will never discourage me to stand even taller against this kind of bastardization of the art form of music, as a music artist myself and an appreciator of said art. But, lately, it has been a breath of fresh air to meet other like minded artists, both Japanese and foreigners alike, as well as attending shows like the one in Ikoma, where there's a definitely DYI sorta attitude, a grassroots way of getting your music out there. I'm having as much fun discovering the ins and outs of the Japanese music scene as I am trying to find MY way into it. I came here with a mountain of obstacles to overcome as far as finding my musical place here, but it's coming along slowly but surely, and with many surprises along the way.

First of all, if you would've told me a year ago I'd have a jazz band in Japan I would've asked you what you've been smokin' and pass it along, but it is funny how life can bring such happy unexpected opportunities. To play with Chiaki and Kazuki Kataokasan has been a great experience. I've been learning so much from them, both outstanding musicians and fantastic friends, as well as experiencing some great live moments as The Ah-Un Trio. I always tickled the thought of playing jazz(preferably a pianist or a drummer, but I'm not nearly skilled for those roles), but now I'm getting a chance to infuse this style with my own. I won't ever fancy myself a jazz musician, but rather a person that can interpret something with a jazz attitude, if that makes any sense. I've played in more jazz clubs here in Japan than I've ever even attempted to play in the States, seriously. I think there's something about the fact that I'm in Japan and a foreigner that gives me the confidence to put it all out there and just do it. I figure my time here is limited, thus my time to experience Japan and to do the things I want to accomplish is limited. If I don't take chances, then I would surely regret those missed opportunities. It is a very special situation I am privileged to here in Japan, since I don't have to work, I have much time to explore not only this land and culture, but to also do what I do, which is music ultimately and test my art in an environment and to an audience that usually only comes to artists who have the money and resources and fame to play in Japan. I'm just some guy from Calumet City with boxes of instruments and crazy ideas, so what do I have to lose, right? Hahaha! It's brilliant! Japan will never know what hit them once my time is up here.

Here's me at the piano at le club Jazz in Kyoto, a club my friend Jack informed me about that I should check out. These guys were cool, and cool enough to let me jam with them. There was a drummer, guitarist, and organ player, and I played guitar for one tune and piano on another. There are certain rules to jammin' jazz, but I always forget them when I play at these sessions, but I really don't care since I'm not a jazz musician you see. So, I just do my thing. This, of course, is not particularly the normal Japanese way, but someone's gotta keep them on their toes. Anyways, I figure, even friends back home have trouble keeping up with me, unless they've played with me before, so why change my ways now... hahaha. Playing music with me is kinda like riding a rollercoaster, first you either like it or you don't, and the first time is usually bumpy and scarey, but by the end of it you wanna go again and again... hahaha. You just gotta hold on, keep your eyes open, scream and yell, and let go of or face any fears.

So, alongside of playing with Ah-Un and jammin' with local cats and other foreigner friends, I'm still chuggin' away at this solo thing. Always have and always will. I figure I started my love of music by myself, just me and a piano then a guitar, then everything else, living here in Japan is no different and just as good an environment to continue my own music. Here I am in our little aparto, see that ladder, go up there and that's where we sleep. And that tiny hallway through the door is our bathroom, kitchen, and front door. Just cozy enough to make some music, albeit not so loud, since the walls are paper thin. Lately, I've been recording videos in our little nest, of ideas of songs and just improvisations I'd come up with and capture with my handheld camera. Check them out on my profile (www.myspace.com/stephenmunoz) Utilizing technology has been a recent practice of mine to promote and just get my music out there, especially to folks back home whom I used to play for on a weekly basis. With a computer and the internet, the world is a lot smaller and more connected than once imaginable. I think this medium of communication is important not only for businesses, but must be used by the artists as well, to reach new audiences, to keep in contact with everyone, and use as a viable forum for expression. Of course there's crap on the internet as well, but as time rolls on and the internet becomes more of an everyday habit, the public learns how to navigate around the crap and wastes of time on here, to find the things they are really looking for, or learn about things and expand their spectrum of information. That's another paradox here in Japan, though they have the technology with computers and cheap highspeed internet, it's still in the minority that Japanese society are savvy to surf the web and live on the internet. It's not nearly as commonplace as it is in the States, where my 10year old niece knows how to navigate the internet, and a lot of young people here only have keitai(cell phone) e-mail addresses. I think moving here has made me more aware of the power of the internet than ever back home, since I'm constantly keeping touch with folks back home or looking up things about Japan, or promoting my music.
Speaking of promoting, check this pic of my friends Keiko and Mika and me. I recently played a gig in Shinsaibashi, Osaka at a posh cafe called Espoir, and my friend Shiraisan made this sweet poster for the show. It's the pic I recently use for my Myspace profile. The owner of the cafe had me sign it for him... rock star, right? I also got my pictures taken for a popular Japanese magazine, Hot Pepper, that night. We'll see if I'll get to be in it. My friend Shiraisan founded the cable station, MJTV(Music Japan Television) and is also a DJ for 765 FM Cocolo, a world music and news radio station that broadcasts around this Kansai region. I've been super fortunate to meet these great people in the music business, and hope to meet more and keep up relations while I continue to pursue my music here in Japan. I'm working hard to do all I can to make my dreams come true, as cheezy as that may sound.


Here's some various shots from a few performances here in Japan and just randomness. The first two are from an open mic hosted by WhyNotJapan a website that promotes international parties, and yes, that is a belly dancing Elvis, just wait for the vids... seriously, belly dancing Elvis. The other two are one shot from my gig at Tin's Hall, me with my fox mask(I plan to wear that to a gig sometime, and playing with Ah-Un at the Sancheri Hotel in Sakurai, Nara.

It's been a lot of work to relearn the business here, as well as making new connections and finding venues and a new audience, and I often think of the folks back home, like Finnegan's and the crew, Midstates, my musical comrades P. Schmitz and S. Larson, our new Door County family especially the Nicks and my boy Fatty, as well as the host of fine musicians I've had the privilege to play and share music with, and all those regulars and audience members who would come out to my gigs and support what I was doing. It's impossible to replace that kinda love that only time and experience has created, but I'm hoping to create at least a little bit of that out here. Though it's still too soon to tell, but I hope as time goes on my experiences here in Japan will prove to be as fruitful and lasting as my experiences and relationships back home.



(Sorry Paul Schmitz, this is the best picture of you I could find)

New Year in Tokyo

So Erin and I spent ringing in our New Year out East in and near Tokyo. We had such a great time spent with my cousin Corrie, her husband Rich, and there kids James, Luke, and Katrina.
I haven't seen them in over 10 years, as Corrie pointed out, and it was the first time for Erin. But, we fell right into place, as kin do, and they welcomed us with amazing generousity, love, and by the time we left after a few days, I felt as though we've known each other much longer. They also introduced us to a host of their friends, with whom we celebrated the New Year, played card games, laughed, and ate some great food(as usual, you know I'm all about the food).
We also visited a shrine with the family in Narita on the 2nd before we left for Tokyo, and got a taste of the New Year Japanese style, crowds and all. It was very cool, but I'm not a big fan of
crowds, so I took a bunch of pics and kept on the move; so I could enjoy the experience from the comfort of my laptop screen. Perhaps if it were just Erin and me, I would've been a bit more adventureous, but I was more worried about getting lost in the crowd, or one of the kids getting lost. None-the-less, it was a great experience to see and be in the Japanese New Year celebration. There was all this bustle going on in the street shops on the way to the shrine, selling foods like unagi(grilled eel), roasting chestnuts, selling New Year's decors and tokens of good fortune(like the first pic), and just people everywhere.

I can only imagine what it must have been like actually on New Year's Eve and Day, a mad house I'm sure. We walked through the streets and the current of bodies and eventually made it to the shrine, which was pretty
expansive. There was a pagoda at the entrance that was dispensing incense which I think you use to clease yourself before entering the shrine, and Erin went to just just that, but was pushed and shoved around... they were ruthless, like a Christmas shopper in the last hours of Christmas Eve, vying for that thing their kid wants every year. Thank god I don't work retail anymore. Anyways, it was a mad house. We walked around the shrine grounds, and I'd like to research the history of this particular shrine, because it was quite spread out with some very old looking buildings. There was this great alcove area that was all trees

and bushes, and many small statues peppered about the rock face. It was so very Japanese, and

very cool. Please check out my link to Snapfish for the album of much more pics.
After we said our good-byes to the family, Erin and I hopped on the train and headed back to Tokyo, where our night bus had dropped us off at a few days prior to our stay in Chiba. We had booked a hotel in Tokyo for two nights(which we had a little trouble finding, but a very helpful man walked us around and even called the hotel for directions) It was a nice hotel, and room small as usual in Japanese style, but we put on our yukattas(light Japanese robes, different

from the much heavier kimonos most people think of) and relaxed into our new surroundings. Erin and a big day of shopping planned, so we got a late dinner at a diner-style joint around the corner and rested up for our exploration of Tokyo. Here's Erin meal, we ended up eating there the next night too, since we got in late after visiting Ikebukuro, Ueno, and Harajuku for Erin's Tokyo shopping excursions.
In Ueno, we found a Salvador Dali exhibit that was going on(which Erin intitially knew about after spying a poster on the train for the exhibit), but the line was intensely long, so we decided to buy our tickets for the exhibit and check it out the next morning on our way out of Tokyo back home to Nara. We headed to Harajuku, the fashion district shopping area, even Gwen Stefani sang about the fashion here, but I hate to deflate the hype, but it wasn't very special in my opinion. Now, here's where I'll give my commentary on my observations of Tokyo. Movies and music and media sensationalize Tokyo, creating this metropolis of freaks and business men, maid bars and capsule hotels, and such; but my impression of Tokyo reminded me of any other big city. I have one word to describe Tokyo, unimpressive. Now, I'm sure I may be biased, but where we live, the Kansai Area, and Osaka in particular, has way more color, livelyness, and uniqueness than anything I observed in our stay in the city of Tokyo. The people in Osaka are more down to earth, which a typical Japanese person may find a bit informal, but as an American from the city of Big Shoulders, I'm right at home. And, Osakans are way more fashionably daring than what I saw in Harajuku. It said that people in Osaka know how to work hard and play hard, which is Chicago all over. There is a rivalary between the cities/regions of Tokyo and Osaka, and I knew this before going to Tokyo. I have learned that I am definitely Kansai all the way. Though, our stay was short, so I'd still like to see more of Tokyo.
But, in Harajuku, Erin didn't fail to add to her wardrobe, and there were some interesting sights. I found that many of the people we interacted with, sales clerks and such, where not friendly as the workers in Kansai. At first, here in Osaka and Nara, you wonder why everyone has the knee jerk reaction of vocalizing a "sumimasen" for just about any human interaction. It basically means excuse me, or can also mean thank you. You'll hear "sumimasen" everywhere, everyday. But, in Tokyo, I didn't hear it nearly as much. And here in Kasai, when it's said, it's almost sung with a rising intonation, where as in Tokyo, it was flat sounding, when it was offered. I didn't really get excited about any of the food, or lack there of, in Tokyo as well. Osaka is serious about their food, and enjoying the experience of eating; yet, suprisingly enough, not an overweight person in sight. Did I mention that really like Osaka?
So, the next day, we got up fairly earlier to enjoy the Dali exhibit, which was ending that day. We were so lucky to get there early, because we bypassed the crowd that arrived an hour and a half later. It was great to see this exhibit, and inspiring to view these great works. Though, I suggest, if you have the opportunity sometime, to visit the Salvador Dali museum in Clearwater Florida, because it houses several of his masterworks, which are just awe-inspiring in detail, content, and scale. What a mind this man had, not only in his freedom of imagination, but his patience to detail to skillfully create his thoughts and emotions. It was so great to experience this great art.
Here's what the line looked like when we left the exhibit, which you can't see, but it stretches around to the right and curves more... early bird gets the worm.
So, we got back to the the station and I experienced for the first time the Japanese bullet train, shinkansen, for our return home. We took a night bus to Tokyo, but decided to take the train back, and it was fast and smooth. Cost more, but worth the price for speed and comfort. All in all, it was a great trip and a great way to spend our first New Year here in Japan. It was so great to spend some family time, especially around the holidays, and it was interesting to finally see Tokyo and measure the differences and similarities to my other Japanese experiences. Erin and I want to explore as many areas and people of Japan while we live here, and share these experiences with all. There are more pics in the Snapfish account to enjoy, so check that out as well. I plan to put up some of the movies, either on YouTube, Myspace, or Google Video as well. Plus, I have more to blog about. When we got back home, the next day I took an adventure with our friend Kati and finally climbed the mountain that look at everyday from our back window. It was awesome! So, stay tuned for that update.

Christmas in Japan, Haiku(s), and Trapped in Osaka

There is no snow here.
But, It's raining and colder
Than the summertime.

The lights of Nihon
Shine the same as Stateside lights
When Holiday bells ring.

Fuyu-wa desuka? (Is it winter?)
Yuki-ga futte imasen. (It's not snowing.)
Samui-desu-ne? (Isn't it cold?)

There you go, my attempt at the haiku.

Things here in Nihon(Japan) are well. I feel I am finding my feet and spreading my wings at the same time. I have made it a personal mission to make the best of my times here, to do all I can, and learn as much as I can. Though, rainy days like today give me pause to reflect and plan. I am grateful for the people I have met here, and I hope to continue finding those like minded people. As I was talking to my very good friend Scott yesterday, I mentioned to him how living here has given me a different perspective in human relations, and I have had the great opportunity to observe how similar we all are, no matter race, color, or culture. My friends here remind me of friends back home. I always draw upon personal comparisons when I meet new people, for familiarity to others I know or have met. This has been true for me here in Japan as well. Good souls have no face or race, just open hearts and a generous spirit.

To be able to share music here has given me great joy as well. Since, this is what I do, how I define myself. Whether it's on a stage, in a living room, a classroom, on the street, in my head, or over the internet, music is the blood that keeps me alive. I will have my first solo show, in January at a cool pub called Tin's Hall in Tennoji, Osaka. It's run by a Japanese surfer named "Nori" and has great atmosphere( Hawaiian themed) and very nice people from all over the world.

So I got this gig by playing at an open mic that was being hosted there, go figure, just how I got most my gigs back home. It's nice to know some things can be universal. Tin's Hall has a nice, laid back atmosphere, a great burger(which is hard to find in Japan), and cool people. I actually didn't book the gig that day of the open mic, but unexpectedly ended up at Tin's a few days later when I missed my train home from Osaka and had to catch the first early morning train back home at 5am. Sucks! This was bound to happen sooner or later, since the facts that trains stop running at midnight and I'm a musician don't always dance well together. So, this was my opportunity to venture the streets of Osaka when most everyone sleeps. Here's my Story.




This is my friend Noe. She's a great singer/songwriter I met a few weeks ago through some of my other friends here in Japan. She invited me to a John Lennon Tribute show she was performing at in a little livehouse(music bar/club) called Zecco in Osaka. I met up with her Friday night and hung out in Zecoo, enjoyed the first band that played a variety of reggae and bluesy style: they were pretty cool, and different from the normal Japanese music/band I've encountered. Then another solo guy came up and played, then they invited me up to play, and I did a few tunes. Then Noe jammed out a few Lennon numbers sung in English and Nihongo (Japanese). I kept an eye on my watch, since I felt it getting later, but thought I'd be safe leaving when I did, a bit after 11pm. Unfortunately, I did not estimate my walking time, 'cause once I got on the subway train, I had a sinking feeling that I would miss the last train to Goido. I frantically called Erin, who of course, reprimanded me(rightly so) for losing track of the time and I settled into the idea that I would have to spend my night in Osaka, somewhere. After a slight panic, I gathered my wits and headed to a place where I could chill for awhile and figure out where to go or what to do. That place, convieniently happened to be Tin's Hall, where I had played the open mic a few days prior. I hung out there, talked with Nori(and actually set up my gig for january that night, which was very fortunate) and met a few of his friends and regulars at Tin's, a great bunch of guys and girls. I also had a great hamburger, a real one on a bun (most "american style" burgers in Japan come on a plate of rice with some sorta sauce, almost like salsbury steak) with steak cut fries... it was so good, you don't understand. So, I hung out at Tin's talking with a kid from Germany who's in to Punk Rock, a super cool cat from Mexico , and a Japanese dancer who's into old school pop and lock. I left Tin's at about a quarter to 3am, with guitar on back and compass in hand. I could've stayed around there by the station, and wait for a few hours, but I decided to walk to make the most of the time.
Here's something I saw while I walked. I don't know what it is, but looked so odd and out of place in the greyness of the surrounding buildings. I had decided to walk from Tennoji, north to a station called Tsuruhashi, where I would usually transfer to get home. I figured I had some time to kill, so why not try and walk the distance instead of sittin' around with the sleeping homeless men by the station. I'm glad it wasn't very cold, and it only started raining around 4:30am, which I had to buy an umbrella at a convience store on my trek northward.
One thing that was comforting to know after this adventure, that I was able to walk safely around in the middle of the night through Osaka. Now, I'm not saying this place is a playground, but I didn't feel threatened or fearful while I walked about the sleeping city.
When all was said and done, I walked for about two hours, not sure how many kilometers, and safe and sound. I got home about 6:30am, slept for a few, then had a teaching gig at 9am, and later a playing gig at 7pm. Here I am with our friend Keiko, at a cafe I played at for a charity gig that night.
No rest for the wicked. I suppose this will not be that last time I will wander the streets of Osaka, but at least I know what to expect. Though, I met some great people that night, so maybe next time I won't have to wander around... It's an adventure notheless. Here's one last parting image I captured one day on my phone, while I was walking around our neighborhood.