It’s absolutely tipping it down here in Tokyo, but things aren’t as gloomy as they may appear. Good times have been had and good times are ahead.
First of all, thanks to everyone who came to our Gaijin Sounds gig and made it such a great success. Your presence was not only appreciated by us, but also by the other bands who took part – not to mention the venue itself who must have made a small fortune at 900 Yen a beer!
News from the band. We are very pleased to announce that Independent Social Power has found it’s way in to top Japanese indie mag Cookie Scene and Stick it in a Novel is currently being streamed from their website along with other tracks from bands such as Idlewild, Jukebox the Ghost, and fellow Babyboomers – Yupitalk. If you have an interest in Japanese indie, then be sure to check out her album, and many of the other bands on our Japanese label – Babyboom Records Japan.
As far as gigs go, we have been invited to perform at a Japan Music Week event this Sunday at Rock West in Shibuya. (7:30 kick off.) Our good friends Sunset Drive will also be playing although the other acts are yet to be announced. Japan Music Week is a huge event across Tokyo showcasing the best emerging artists and music in every genre from hip hop to heavy metal, techno to neofolk rock! Performers from all over the globe have been encouraged to take part in an international festival of music. If you buy a wrist band you can watch any gig, anywhere in Tokyo for a week. It’s good to be part of it. Click on the link above to find out more.
Another exciting live coming up is in Ebisu at Live Gate, playing alongside Japanese girl rock band – Iseijinkaitai or 異星人解体 as they are known in Japanese. These guys … I mean girls, are great, and it will be a huge thrill for us to play with them – and not just because they are all girls. 
Other news. Hot water Hills, taken from our EP There are Ghosts around here, is now available to download from ITunes. It has been included in a compilation CD released in America called “Indie Underground”. It is particularly nice for us to be included in this compilation because the CD aims to raise awareness of Global warming, and promote and raise funds for the Arbor Foundation – an NPO inspiring people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. I can’t think of any charity more appropriate for a Favourite Tree Records band! The CD, printed on recycled paper, is available at all major online stores and for any interested parties, should be available to buy at our next gig.
On a lighter note, someone’s been covering Watanabes songs … and rather nicely too!
Trees, lots of them.
The Watanabes
Upcoming Gigs:
Sunday 15th November – Rock West – Shibuya – 7:30
Friday 20th November – Live Gate – Ebisu – 6:30 (Watanabes on at 8:10)
Friday 30th January – Tokyo Wildside – Shinjuku – 6:30