Interview with David Bryan on ‘Memphis,’ Japan, Bon Jovi
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By JQ Magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
“How could people be so bad and make me feel so good?” This is a line from “Music of My Soul” from the hit Broadway show Memphis, which won the Tony Award last month for Best Musical. The music of Memphis, based on the first white DJ to put African American music on the radio in the 1950s, was written by David Bryan, founding member and keyboardist of New Jersey rock group Bon Jovi, and a new Tony winner himself (Best Original Score with co-lyricist and bookwriter Joe DiPietro, and Best Orchestrations with Daryl Waters). I spoke with David about Memphis, Japan and Bon Jovi prior to the group’s fourth and final show at New Meadowlands Stadium Friday.
What were the goals in writing Memphis? Did you and co-writer Joe DiPietro say, “All right, we’re going to conquer Broadway,” or did it just develop through its earlier productions starting in 2003?
I got the script from Joe in 2001, and that’s when we started. I read the script and called him up and said “I hear all this music,” and we got together and banged it all out. We did a great story—it was the birth of rock and roll; it was the birth of civil rights, if you will; ending racism; it was a love story—there was a lot things going on in it that really drew me.
Ultimately, everybody wanted to get to Broadway, but I think you can’t get there unless your piece has been worked on, so it’s a journey. It’s a very long journey, and it’s a complicated piece, the musical; you want to make sure you get it right. So we really worked on it and honed it and worked on it, and it’s a very different production now that it’s at the Shubert than the first time out, because I think, you know, we’re better at it, because we looked at it more.
What were your initial impressions on your first visit to Japan in the ’80s, and how do you feel about Japan today?
Japan is like our second home, you know? We’ll be down there in November, and it’s always our second home. I remember going there [in 1984], our first year playing Super Rock [Festival], and it was very isolated, if you will, and now, with the Internet, the world is way less isolated…everything’s becoming everything. It’s a very special place, very special fans, and the Japanese have embraced us, and it’s great, you know? We’re going to go back there and play and I’m going to bring Memphis there, too. Memphis is going to be a huge musical in Japan.
Compared to other Western rock bands, Bon Jovi is still hugely successful in Japan, selling out the biggest stadiums with each tour and enjoying healthy record sales. What do you think is the key to the group’s long lasting appeal over there?
As a band, we’ve strived to stay current. Our new record, The Circle, was Number One in 15 countries, you know, we just strive to be current, not just go, “Okay, the last record did good and that’s it.” You want to hear “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” on the radio, but yet you want to hear us playing the new song “We Weren’t Born to Follow.” So, the idea is that we keep pushing the envelope, keep pushing new songs and keep trying to better ourselves and keep expressing ourselves. Other than that, as a live band, we’ve always committed to walking on that stage and leaving your heart on the stage. We put out 150 percent every time we walk out on stage.
Read the full interview here.
Interview with Richie Kotzen on Mr. Big, touring Japan
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For over twenty years, Richie Kotzen has waxed nearly as many albums under his own name, as well as high-profile discs as a former member of platinum-selling rock bands Poison and Mr. Big, the latter of which enjoyed massive popularity in Japan. Kotzen recorded two albums with them—1999’s Get Over It and 2001’s Actual Size—before the group called it quits with a Japanese farewell tour the following year. (In 2008 they reformed their original lineup, and is rumored to hit the road in the U.S. next year.)
Kotzen’s most recent release is 2009’s Peace Sign. JQ Magazine’s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) spoke with him for Examiner.com while he was en route to the next stop of his current tour, which comes to New York’s Highline Ballroom on May 25. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to read the interview and subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories, including parts II and III of this interview.
This Weekend at Japan Society: STEIM Electronic Music Lab
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By JQ Magazine‘s Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his NY Japanese Culture page here to subscribe for free alerts on newly published stories.
From Yellow Magic Orchestra to Cornelius to the current wave of chiptune artists inspired by classic 8-bit video games, Japan has a rich legacy of electronic music whose influence continues to grow in the age of globalization. Seizing this trend, New York’s Japan Society will close out its spring 2010 performing arts season with a concert by STEIM (Studio of Electro-Instrumental Music) and related events on May 7 and 8.
Based in Amsterdam, STEIM is “the natural course of what we have presented under the category of ‘music,’” said Yoko Shioya, Japan Society’s artistic director. “In fact, there are many internationally active and acclaimed Japanese musicians and composers in this area, and that is why I started to make the program of this genre several years ago.”
The envoys of this sonic summit are Takuro Mizuta Lippit, STEIM’s artistic director, originally from Japan; Yutaka Makino (Japan/Germany), a musician and artist who works in the convergence of sound, science and architecture; ABATTOIR (U.S./Netherlands), a duo comprised of American cellist/vocalist Audrey Chen and Dutch musician/composer Robert van Heumen; digital media composer Yannis Kyriakides (Netherlands) and guitarist Andy Moor (U.K./ Netherlands) of the legendary Dutch punk band The Ex; and dj sniff (Japan/Netherlands), the performer alter ego of Takuro Mizuta Lippit.
“Put it this way,” said Shioya, “the layer of the musicians and composers in electric music in Japan is very thick—therefore, many types of musicians emerge…Japanese musicians in this genre have been quite influential in the international music scene.”
The program kicks off the night of Friday, May 7 with the Artist Talk + Demo, with STEIM artists Yutaka Makino and dj sniff discussing the process of crafting their sounds and sharing their perspectives on the latest international collaborations in electronic music. Japanese sound poet Tomomi Adachi rounds out the panel. Also, a free STEIM Mobile Touch Exhibition on May 7 and 8 will allow visitors the opportunity to make music on some of the artists’ instruments.
Saturday, May 8 showcases STEIM’s Workshop for Youth for ages 10 to 18, giving them a chance to learn more about their methods and test drive some of the instruments themselves. The night’s centerpiece is the Electronic Music Lab concert, a one-time only performance.
What will it all sound like? According to Shioya, “The music you will hear in STEIM’s concert is music which may make some people wonder, ‘Do you call it “music”’…? But…the definition of ‘music’ can be varied, and many Japanese musicians are not intimidated by the conventional perception of ‘music.’
This program shows that this genre of music—improvisational and experimental—is truly borderless.”
STEIM: Electronic Music Lab takes place Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8, with complete schedule and ticket information here. Japan Society is located at 333 East 47th Street between First & Second Avenues. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at (212) 715-1258 or in person at Japan Society (M–F / 10 AM–4:45 PM). For more info, call (212) 832 -1155 or visit www.japansociety.org.
Hikaru Utada Comes Back to NYC
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On February 8, a sold out crowd of dedicated fans, some of whom began lining up as early as 2 a.m., packed the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza for J-pop royalty as Hikaru Utada held court for a two-hour show.
While the venue imposed a strict no-camera policy, JETAANY’s JQ Magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (Kobe-shi CIR, 2001-02) was there to sneak a few snaps, and a review of the show will appear in the March issue of JQ.
Otsukaresama to the New York-born Hikki on a successful U.S. tour and homecoming!
WITvid #1: “ALT Rap”
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WITvid is a periodic series by Peter Weber (Saitama-ken 2004-07), the JET Program Coordinator in San Francisco.
I thought that JetWit could use some video content from time to time, so I figured I would help and contribute by adding JET and Japan related video links. If you have any suggestions do not hesitate to contact me at jet [at] cgjsf.org.
I thought I would start off with a video that was popular a few years ago titled “ALT Rap” by Rob Holbrook aka veloboy (Osaka-shi). Enjoy!
Art opportunity: JET alum author James Kennedy seeks “Odd-Fish” art submissions for Chicago gallery show in Spring 2010!
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James Kennedy (Nara-ken, 2004-06), author of The Order of Odd-Fish, is seeking art submissions from JET alumni for his Chicago gallery show in Spring 2010.
To get a sense of James’ aesthetic and sensibilities (or if you just like reading extremely funny and dramatic stories), by all means read The Order of Odd-Fish. Or watch clips of his over-the-top “speech” to the American Librarians Association as well as his audience-gripping reading performed at the JET Alumni Author Showcase last March.
In JetWit’s humble opinion, if James Kennedy is putting an event together, you will benefit greatly on many levels and attain new levels of happiness by participating in it in any way you can. Keep reading and you’ll understand.
Exciting news!
For about a year now I’ve been receiving stupendous fan art for my novel “The Order of Odd-Fish.” Artists like these deserve broader recognition. So this spring I’m planning a gallery show / extravaganza of “Odd-Fish” art in Chicago!
Are you an artist? Do you want to make something for the show? Everyone’s invited. Learn more here:
http://jameskennedy.com/2009/11/03/call-for-submissions-odd-fish-art-show/
I’m working with award-winning Chicago theater group Collaboraction to pull this off. It won’t be just an art show — we’re going to convert their space into Eldritch City and throw a Dome of Doom costumed dance party! We’re going to be bringing schools in for performances and writing workshops as well.
Will there be troupes of foppish dancing cockroaches? Will you be able to venture into the very maw of the All-Devouring Mother itself? You’ll have to come and see!
The opening will be sometime in late March or early April, to celebrate the debut of the “Odd-Fish” paperback. The deadline for submission of art is March 1.
I’ve already received lots of great art! Check out Max Pitchkites’ marvelous cut-paper illustrations — he’s doing one for every chapter:
http://jameskennedy.com/2009/10/29/the-odd-fish-art-of-max-pitchkites/
Feel free to pass this on to whomever you think might be interested in doing art for the show. And don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions!
Click here to read more about the show:
http://www.facebook.com/l/c93ba;tinyurl.com/yl5tjlk
Thanks,
James
Just because JetWit is a big fan of HappyFunSmile. Also because the flyer is pretty cool.
Roland Kelts on Japanese pop music in Daily Yomiuri column
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Roland Kelts (Osaka-shi, 1998-99), author of Japanamerica, has another SOFT POWER/HARD TRUTHS column in The Daily Yomiuri (and also re-printed in 3:AM Magazine) about J-Pop music in America, featuring interviews with Miho Hatori, formerly of Cibo Mato, and Reni-chan, a recent NYC transplant from Tokyo, plus reflections on AKB48.
- Daily Yomiuri SOFT POWER/HARD TRUTHS: Japan’s Music Makers in America
- Link to 3:AM Magazine post of the column: http://www.3ammagazine.com/3am/3am-asia-soft-power-hard-truths-japans-music-makers-in-america/
New York – Tokyo Music Night 5
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AKB48 U.S. Debut Concert In NYC
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ALL-FEMALE MUSIC GROUP
US DEBUT WITH FREE FULL CONCERT @ WEBSTER HALL NEW YORK CITY
New York – Tokyo is happy to announce the US debut of Japan’s popular music group AKB48. AKB48 will perform at a full concert at Webster Hall in NYC on Sunday, September 27.
AKB48 is a very unique, theater based, all-female music group created by famed songwriter/producer Yasushi Akimoto in 2005. AKB48 consists of 66 female members ranging from ages 14 to 26 (as of Sep. 2009). The group is divided into four groups – A, K, B, and Trainee. With the concept of “Idols you can meet everyday”, the group practically performs almost every day at their own exclusive AKB48 Theater in Akihabara, Tokyo. Their stage presence is an eye candy to the fans due to their multiple costume changes throughout the show. These busy pop stars take on diverse challenging work by hosting their own TV show and appearing in movies and commercials. Not to mention their multiple collaboration work with artist Takashi Murakami. (Their recent single CD cover was illustrated by Murakami).
AKB48’s first international appearance was at the Japan Expo in Paris this past July. Now they are set to arrive in NYC with select members preparing for the best possible US debut! They will show what Tokyo girls are about in show business. In addition you will get to experience their cute fashion and full smile power.
AKB48 Official Website: www.akb48.co.jp
AKB48 in NY website: www.newyork-tokyo.com/wp/akb48
Media contact: taeko@newyork-tokyo.com
New York – Tokyo Music Night: Fashion Week After Party
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To celebrate Fashion Week and the coming of Fall New York – Tokyo is hosting a Fashion Week After Party this Friday, Sept. 18th with guest DJ/Model Ansoni!
There will also be a photo shoot by Mayu. The party wouldn’t be complete without the open bar from Asahi Beer from 10PM-11PM would it? Join us this Friday for a good time! RSVP for the party below.
SEPTEMBER 18TH (FRI.) 10PM – 4AM
PLAN B: 339 E. 10TH STREET (AVE. B), NYC
GUEST DJ/MODEL: ANSONI
DJ KEIICHIRO AND DJ SHINNOSUKE
FREE ASAHI BEER 10PM-11PM
PHOTO SHOOT BY MAYU
FREE WITH RSVP: www.newyork-tokyo.com/wp/nytmn4
Vote for ‘Herbivores’ on Food2
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Hi, it’s your Jetwit webmaster Lee-Sean Huang (Oita-ken ’03-’06) here. I have a quick favor to ask you all.
“Herbivores,” the stop-motion animation video that I made with my friend Elizabeth Fuller last year has made it to the top 10 semifinals of the First Annual Food2 Summer Challenge. We desperately need your votes to help us win the grand prize. Please vote for us here. You need to sign in to vote, but you can log in using your Facebook or MySpace account. It only takes a minute.
Thanks so much for your help!
JetWit job poster Stephen Palanik (Fukushima Ken, 2004-08) learned of the following events being held in various locations through the websites for the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto and the Consulate-General of Japan at Montreal and thought they might be of interest to former JETs in these areas. Stephen is a translator based in Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka Ken, and he periodically posts job listings and event information for JET alumni.
Here are some Japan-related events being held in the Toronto and Montreal areas over the next month and a half.
Toronto Area:
to Aug. 27 – The Japan Foundation, Toronto presents Four Seasons of Gardens in Kyoto, an exhibition of exquisite photographs by Katsuhiko Mizuno.
to Oct. 12 – Renowned Japanese sculptor and artist Ichi Ikeda is presenting one of the Earth Art exhibits at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
to Oct. 12 – Kazuyoshi Ehara is one of the photographers featured in RESPECT a photo exhibit at Harbourfront Centre which takes an innovative and thought-provoking look at Canada’s Boreal Forest.
Aug. 19 – The Japan Foundation, Toronto‘s Summer Movie Screenings features the celebrated work: Oriume.
Aug. 21 to 23 – The Shinsedai Cinema Festival at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre introduces the newest wave of young Japanese filmmakers and offers Canadian and International premieres of many of their films.
Aug. 27 – The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre is proud to announce its August movie is Departures, winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, as well as 10 Japanese Academy Awards.
Aug. 27 (deadline – extended) – The Thunder Bay International Fine Arts Association together with the Lakehead Japanese Canadian Cultural Association takes great pride in presenting The Summer Haiku Contest.
Isshoni London: Top 5 Picks for Summer in Japanese London
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Great article from the Isshoni London website run by JET alum Vanessa Villalobos (who is also the Communications Officer for JETAA UK).
There’s a welcome lull in frenetic London life over August… time to enjoy some of the finer things in life: food, music and the great outdoors.
If you, like I am, are counting down the days to the Japan Matsuri at Spitalfields this September 19th, you should indulge in a little Japanese cultural exploration over the summer!
1. EAT FOR FREE AT TOKYO CITY
I know! I couldn’t believe it either! Simply book your table in advance at Tokyo City Japanese Restaurant near Bank on any Tuesday in August, anytime from 11.30am to 10pm at night. A tasty offer too good to miss, you simply pay a £2.50 service charge and the cost of drinks you order.
City workers can feast for free on everything from handmade sushi and sashimi to bento boxes filled with Japanese classics, plus other traditional Japanese dishes, and help Tokyo City celebrate their 10th birthday and the launch of their new August menu.
Tokyo City is at 46 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7AY
Call 020 7726 0308 and quote the Tokyo City offer when you book.
2. DISCOVER CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE MUSIC
You’ll be pleased to hear Tsuru Sushi plays host to new Japanese music the last Wednesday of every month! Their 100% Genki events showcase Japanese musical and performance talent.
The events have been running for one year on the last Wednesday of each month, and attract a diverse crowd from the Japanese and local communities. Performers are also diverse, ranging from Wataru Kousaka, a sanshin player, to contemporary electronic composer Anchorsong and many others.
