Anonymous
2002-01-22, 06:05 PM
I am in the preliminary stages of organizing a short tour for my brother's rock band in Japan this summer. There band, One Of Many have been playing clubs several times a week in the San Francisco Bay Area and released their debut CD in December. We have several contacts in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo already but as I am rather new to the music management biz would appreciate any comments, suggestions, leads, etc..
richard
2002-01-22, 08:45 PM
Presume you are looking at small live houses - capacity of 100-200?
Suggest you consider:
Advertising/ marketing in local areas where gig will be played.
Your local contacts should be able to help with that.
Technical
Remember it is 100v and both 50Hz and 60 Hz. Bring lots of DI boxes!
Japan is frequently unearthed/ ungrounded, so hum loops can occur.
Most live houses have own PA - engineers vary from great to terrible.
Same gear as abroad - Soundcraft/ DBX/Alesis, Amcron/ Crown/ JBL in better places, Roland/ Yamaha/ Bose/ RAMSA elsewhere.
Logistics.
Travel - train with JR pass from outside is cheapest, though not much room for gear on trains.
How much gear are you planning on bringing? Instruments, small amps, drums?
Plenty of good rental agencies in Japan, and excellent shops in Osaka and Tokyo in case anything is forgotten.
Lighting
Know only one good bi-lingual lighting operator in Japan - and she is great - operates 1536 channel desk - Compulite - moving light programming, the lot! Maybe too much for live houses!
Good interpreter who has some understanding of music/ sound system is helpful. NOT cheap! Qualified ones are 400-600US$/ minimum, plus all expenses. Other "assistants" may be possible at 350US$/day.
Get a small Japanese intro message for the band members - goes down well.
Good luck
richard