As the ban on dancing is lifted, and EDM continues its ascent, Tokyo hosts an exciting new conference.
Tokyo Dance Music Event bills itself as “Japan’s First International Dance Music Conference.” Spread out over three days, leading up to a Saturday-night closing party – and legendary producer Giorgio Moroder manning the decks at Contact to boot – this event promises to catch the attention of electronic music aficionados and producers from around the globe.
Co-organizer Lauren Rose Kocher, of Sony Music Entertainment, says that she aims to make the event as inclusive and inviting as possible. “Anyone who is interested in electronic music, works in it, or DJs occasionally is welcome at this conference,” she expounds enthusiastically. “We even have simultaneous-interpretation provided for attendees.” Based in Shibuya, a Tokyo district already famous for its bustling fashionable nature, TDME is partitioned into three main sections; live performances, a conference of networking and various talks, as well as practical and educational sessions.
The one and only Giorgio Moroder is the headliner for the Tokyo Dance Music Event
The networking and talks will take place at Shibuya’s Hikarie Hall A, most sessions will be hosted by Red Bull Studios, and a handful of Tokyo’s hottest clubs will set the stage for the very essence of this brand new conference; the music itself. Clubs like Vision and WOMB will feature domestic rising stars like banvox as well as international ambassadors of hip like Slovenia’s Umek. Shibuya’s Contact will then feature the festival’s most famous artist (Giorgio Moroder) in a party that carries on until dawn. Those who are still dipping their toes into this world can take it slow by enjoying talks like “Global View of the Current Electronic Music Scene.”
The mysterious EDM force who is Claptone (Photo ©Neda Rajabi)
They can also chat with like-minded music fans while sipping complimentary champagne at the networking reception which wraps up the conference’s first day. Those eager to lift their careers to the next level can take in a lecture by major label heads about “How to Break Electronic Artists in Japan” and can meet representatives of dance music festivals from all over Asia. Those in between can polish their skill set with workshops, demonstrations, and Ableton Meetup sessions. When asked about TDME’s ultimate goal, the organizers paint an even broader picture. “Our (ultimate) goal is to make a truly international event in Tokyo.There is nothing in Japan that is truly a bilingual celebration of music. That’s what we are creating with this festival.”
With all the essentials covered for every level and every aspect of the industry – in addition to networking over champagne in a world-class city – that formula seems set to succeed.
The first-ever Tokyo Dance Music Event runs from Thursday, December 1, to Saturday, December 3. Tickets may be purchased through TDME’s website. http://www.tdme.com
