Quit your band : musical notes from the Japanese underground

From the sugar rush of Tokyo’s idol subculture to the discordant polyrhythms of its experimental punk and indie scenes, this book by Japan Times music columnist Ian F. Martin offers a witty and tender look at the wide spectrum of issues that shape Japanese music today. With unique theories about the evolution of J-pop as well as its history, infrastructure and (sub)cultures, Martin deconstructs an industry that operates very differently from counterparts overseas. Based partly on interviews with influential artists, label owners and event organisers, Martin’s book combines personal anecdotes with cultural criticism and music history. An accessible and humorous account emerges of why some creative acts manage to overcome institutional pressures, without quitting their bands. Ian Martin’s writing about Japanese music has appeared in The Japan Times, CNN Travel and The Guardian among other places. Martin is based in Tokyo, where he also runs Call And Response Records. PROLOGUE Why I wrote this book PART I How I found my way into the Japanese music scene and what I discovered when I got there PART II A comprehensive and completely accurate account of the entire history of popular music in Japan PART III The economic, political, and practical perils of the gigging artist, or how not to quit your band APPENDICES AND SCENE NOTES The musical soundtrack of this book and where it came from