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Tokyo Gig Guide
Metropolis speaks with Craig Exton, founder of the online music listings website
When and why did you start Tokyo Gig Guide?
I first came to Tokyo back in 1999 eager to see some live music, but it was very frustrating trying to find out what was actually on and then navigating the Tokyo labyrinth to find the venues. I managed to find some shows in [Metropolis precursor] Tokyo Classifieds and from deciphering the flyers I collected from record stores. Online, in English or even in Japanese, I couldn’t find any comprehensive listings covering lesser-known artists’ gigs. So when I came to Tokyo again in 2002, I started scouring live house website schedules and keeping track of the interesting gigs on an online calendar, which morphed into Tokyo Gig Guide. Basically, I created it because it didn’t exist and I needed it.
How has it evolved?
It started as just a personal database but I discovered other people had found it and were using it, so I created a basic website of recommended gigs and live house directions. Then I started getting a lot of emails from people wanting to list shows and it became too much work for me to update, so last year I got with the Web 2.0 times and completely changed the site. Now people can add gigs directly themselves, the site has a forum, a blog, lots of useful info and a growing online community.
What music do you focus on?
The focus has always been on recommended original music that is hard to find out about elsewhere. The gigs I add to the site are usually indie, experimental and electronic. However, because many people now add gigs, many kinds of music appear.
What has been your favorite gig?
A memorable show was the first time I saw Maher Shalal Hash Baz. They played in a huge university hall with the audience sitting on the floor. The band started playing hidden behind screens on the stage, but suddenly all these people that were spread out among the audience stood up and joined in on random instruments! It was so cool to be surrounded by music, not knowing who was a performer and who was an audience member.
Should we at Metropolis be worried by websites like Tokyo Gig Guide?
I don’t think so! Most of the gigs listed in Metropolis are not on Tokyo Gig Guide and vice-versa. Most expats read Metropolis, and those into independent music can also look at Tokyo Gig Guide; those seriously into art can seek further info somewhere like Tokyo Art Beat; those wanting more in-depth news will also go to a newspaper and so on. They’ll still pick up Metropolis for general information on what’s new because it provides a big range of information.
www.tokyogigguide.com
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