Talking Jpop and Kpop With Tune In Tokyo!
Tune in Tokyo is back for another FUN dance party/concert event FRIDAY 11/22! I have been attending Tune in Tokyo events for a couple years now and they are awesome! Check out my interview with Greg, the event director and co-founder of Tune in Tokyo, to learn more about this spectacular event!
1. What is Tune in Tokyo and how long has it been around?
Tune in Tokyo is our DJ unit, and we’re also promoters. We established LA’s first monthly J-Pop and Jrock event in 2008. We produce and host club parties, live showcases and fashion shows with an Asian pop emphasis.
2. What is your involvement with Tune in Tokyo?
I am the Event Director and a co-founder, along with Del Martin (a.k.a. DJ Del). We plan and organize our events, and also spin and MC.
3. How was that name chosen? Is there any special meaning?
It’s catchy. We wanted to evoke the idea of retro radio—and also that we’re a J-Pop unit. Although, of course our playlist goes beyond J-Pop–including K-Pop, global Indie and electro, and Asian rock.
4. What has been your favorite event you’ve hosted with Tune in Tokyo?
We’ve had a lot of fun events over the years—our collaboration with NHK World’s “J-MELO” program was memorable. Our series at Royal/T Maid Cafe were some of our favorites, particularly our “Holiday Hot Mess” Gyaru-themed party, and “Bad Girl / Good Girl” school uniform party inspired by the Japanese “Girl Boss” genre. Our appearance at KCON 2013, and our second outing at Pacific Media Expo were also quite enjoyable. Our “Sakura Bomb” series at 2nd Street Jazz gave us the opportunity to work with a lot of great bands—being immersed in live music like that is priceless.
5. How many other people are involved?
The core unit features the founding members—DJs Del, Tora, Ally and myself. We serve as both DJs and event organizers, and have been working together since 2008.
Our lineup has also featured DJs Yuki and Charleett, in addition to Risa Light of Cherry-Jelly Productions, Mandie Bettencourt (a.k.a. Geeky Glamorous) and Tommy Pedrini of Cars on Mars. We’ve also had the support of a number of great people on the operational side.
6. Tell us about the last Tune in Tokyo event.
We just launched our new monthly event, HEMISPHERE in Little Tokyo, with Del, Tora, Ally and me behind the decks. This was our first night at our new location, Nirvana. It also featured our good friends Apocalipstick, a great pop-punk band.
7. When is your next event and where will it be?
HEMISPHERE returns on Friday, November 22nd to Nirvana Bar & Grill. We’re going to have the amazing MEISHI SMILE as a guest DJ, and we’ll also be welcoming J-Pop and Ani-Song cover band Candy Bomber featuring cosplayer Paprika Mari as special guests.
8. How would you describe the Tune in Tokyo events?
We’re throwing a dance party, where people who love Asian pop, and global music and fashion can get together. It’s a great place to meet people who might listen to Asian music, but also are interested in things like Japanese street fashion, video game and 8-Bit culture, and anime and Asian dramas. There’s a great alternative nightlife in Los Angeles that has arisen around these things, and we’re happy to be a part of it.
Our new venue, Nirvana, features an Izukaya menu including sushi and other snacks, and has plenty of tables and comfortable seating, so it’s a great place to relax and enjoy our playlist! We also host a band every month, so you can check out some of our favorite Indie and Jrock-inspired artists here in LA.
9. Do people dress up? Do you HAVE to dress up?
A lot of people dress up, but its not required. We prefer a chill atmosphere. But we also know that there are a lot of Japanese and alt/geek fashion fans out there who are looking for somewhere to go that reflects their lifestyle. We’re always excited to see cutting-edge fashion at our events, so its certainly welcomed. But the bottom line is, our parties are for everyone!
10. What if someone has never listened to Jpop and Kpop? Will they still enjoy the music? What kind of music would you compare it to?
The theme of HEMISPHERE is “global music for the masses”–we’ve put together an event that appeals to fans of J-Pop and K-Pop, but is also accessible to people who may not be familiar with the genres but are looking for something different.
You’re as likely to hear Lady Gaga, Najoua Belyzel, Belanova or Britney Spears alongside our core favorites like Girls Generation, Perfume, Bigbang, or Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. The thread that runs through our sets is global electro and electrohop—we like it lively and danceable. We strive to make our playlists fun and catchy, and we drop a lot of great videos—as we VJ our sets—so even if you don’t know the music, you’re going to experience something new and interesting!
Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/599288923465636/
Official Website:
http://www.tuneintokyoclub.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TuneInTokyoClub
Twitter:
