We played at the bar "Wasted Time" last night as a duo for the first time! I really enjoy playing at this small bar because it's really laid back and the atmosphere is nice. Unfortunately these type of live music venues are dying out in Tokyo now.
Since they can't really attract a large audience anymore, they've started to generate their main income not from the customers that come there for the music, but from the bands that perform there.
Of course the bar "Wasted Time" runs on a different circuit for better or for worse. I can really feel how they are having a hard time booking the place too. The location is really good, but I guess there aren't enough people who just randomly go out to listen to live music.
It's the general rule that most gigging places dint advertise for the bands so you need to do the publicity part on your own. Also they usually have a minimum drink charge rule, and with normal booking procedures, it's likely that you'll be playing with a band that doesn't really balance out well with your band and audience. I guess it's more important to fill the dates with performances than to make every single one count. I believe this can lead to distancing potential fans though... I guess I just haven't found that great venue that always has great music almost everytime you go.
The only exception would be the Superdeluxe in Roppongi/West Azabu area, which is a multi-purpose hall / club / gallery! It's got great atmosphere and very inspirational interesting artist there from around the globe. That's where Lo-Fi did their release party and also opened for a band from Norway the other day. It's got some really fun monthly events too like Pechkucha night and Testtone.
Anyway the duo gig last night was with Nori and me, the keys and bass only. I've never seen an duo with a bass vocal, and especially not with the styles that we play. So I had nothing really to go on when we made the arrangements to our songs. I guess it's kind of awkward at first to be doing rap-style rhythm over no beat but only keys and bass. But I guess you gotta create your own beat. It took some gettin used to but I guess there is a freedom of no drum track tying you down.
We had comments from our fans that have been to many of our shows, that it was really interesting to hear this different side of Lo-Fi, but I dunno if we're ever gonna do this again! Maybe a seperate sub-project in this style, but I think Lo-Fi is not Lo-Fi when one of us is missing from the stage.
Now we are getting ready for two concerts coming up next weekend. One at the JICA hall and another at Thumbs Up in Yokohama, Japan.
5
Goh Hirose
Vocalist/bassist/guitarist
