Everyone has to start somewhere. That's the concept behind Independence-D, a three-day festival with the noble-sounding aim of bringing together the very finest bands from the very best independent labels to give us lucky people a glimpse of the future. Under the ambitious slogan, "From the world to Japan, from Japan to the world," there are themed days of independent music from countries including Japan, the United States, France and Germany.
Topping the bill on March 3's "Club Music Day" are British DJ acts Hyper and Futureshock, who between them have worked with most of the big names in dance music, including Underworld, The Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy. The rest of the day promises a mix of hip-hop, breakbeats, reggae, R&B and house -- not to mention a bevy of dancers and slightly cheaper tickets.
March 4 is "Street Rock Day," with Chicago's Alkaline Trio appearing as special guests, and plenty of the current movers and shakers in the Japanese emo scene, such as Buddhiston, Oceanlane and Drum:Kan, ensuring a veritable feast for all lovers of introspective indie rock. But for those who like their rock more spiky-haired and gaudily dressed, there's always Japanese nu-punk stalwarts Nicotine.
The "Shock Rock Day" on March 5 has sadly sold out, presumably due to legions of young savages desperate to see Finland's The Rasmus and homegrown quartet Balzac (pictured), along with bands with names like Church Of Misery, Eternal Elysium and Stupid Babies Go Mad.