Overview of the Documentary
Participants: Rob Arcand and Nick Dwyer engage in an insightful discussion about the documentary "A Century in Sound". Release Date: November 19, 2024 offers a poignant exploration of digital culture and entertainment insights related to the film's themes and subjects.
Haruki Murakami and Kissa Culture
Haruki Murakami's Background:
Authorship: Haruki Murakami debuted with his novel "Hear the Wind Sing" in 1979, marking the beginning of his prolific and acclaimed writing career.
Jazz Bar Operations: In the early 1970s, he and his wife, Yoko, operated a jazz bar named Peter Cat in Tokyo, a significant cultural hub during that time.
Peter Cat's Legacy:
The bar served coffee during the day and transformed into a vibrant live jazz setting at night, appealing to a diverse clientele.
Its extensive collection of vinyl records, comprising approximately 10,000 pieces, contributed greatly to Murakami's growing fame and became integral to his narrative style.
Over time, Peter Cat has gained a kind of mythological status, inspiring essays and generating viral social media attention.
Ongaku Kissas (Music Cafés):
These establishments boast a rich and varied history in Japan, where music listening is often approached as a near-spiritual experience, enhancing the auditory landscape.
Ongaku kissas are witnessing a surge in popularity across North America and Europe, where they are now commonly referred to as "listening bars."
New establishments often combine gourmet food and beverages with high-end audio systems, elevating the listening experience.
Current Trends: A discussion on the potentially fleeting nature of Kissa culture in Western contexts, noting the tension between commercialism and cultural authenticity.
Differences in North American Establishments
US and European Interpretations:
Some establishments strive to preserve an authentic kissa experience, while others deviate significantly from the original concept in an effort to adapt to local tastes.
New bars increasingly focus on contemporary relationships with music against the backdrop of streaming services and commercialization, raising questions about authenticity and experience.
Documentary Insights:
Nick Dwyer's "A Century in Sound" delves into the rich historical context of Kissa culture throughout the past century.
Co-directed with Tu Neill, the film showcases various cafés in Tokyo, intertwining personal narratives with broader musical histories, including deep reflections on the cultural implications of these spaces.
Origin of Dwyer's Filmmaking Journey
Initial Encounter:
Dwyer's fascination with kissa culture ignited at the end of 2014, marked by an emphasis on immersive research and firsthand visits to various cafés.
Film Production:
The documentary emphasizes the critical importance of music licensing within budget constraints, presenting challenges in navigating the complex music rights landscape when creating a documentary series.
Dwyer's approach included building relationships with café owners, such as Cafe Lion, before formally requesting to film their environments.
Narrative Arc:
The film intends to depict Japan's intricate music history, showcasing the evolution and influence of different café genres through time, and reflecting on their societal significance.
Significance of Music and Location
Importance of Specific Cafés:
The selection process for cafés featured in the film involved choosing those that embody significant cultural and musical legacies, such as Cafe Lion and Eigakan.
Unique Experiences:
Eigakan is known for its distinct atmosphere, highlighted by a resident cat that responds to the music—an embodiment of the quirky yet loving nature of jazz kissas, enriching the overall auditory experience.
Music Selection and Licensing Challenges
Music Usage:
A meticulous curation of music tracks is essential, tailored specifically to resonate with thematic storytelling throughout the documentary.
Challenges included not only obtaining music rights but also ensuring that the representation of each original recording aligned properly with its historical and cultural context.
Authenticity in Musical Presentation
Authenticity Concerns:
There is an expectation that full record sides are played as part of the traditional kissa experience, which contrasts starkly with the practices observed in many Western bars.
Music Licensing Stress:
The difficulty of navigating the licensing landscape for approximately 130 music tracks presented substantial challenges, impacting the overall production process of the film.
Global Rise of Kissa-inspired Cafés
Global Trends:
Analysis of the global rise of kissa-inspired venues indicates a mixed response: while some establishments honor the traditional roots, others lean towards commercialization, impacting cultural integrity.
Cultural Disconnect:
This segment highlights the tension between the authentic concept of kissa cafés and their practical implementation, often losing sight of the original intention of serving community needs and cultural preservation.
Dwyer's Vision and Documentary Impact
Cultural Appreciation:
Dwyer's overarching goal is to showcase a genuine appreciation of music culture and the community surrounding it through the lens of his documentary.
Reception:
The documentary is noted to have been screened at various film festivals, with an aim for a wider release in 2025 to share profound insights into the deep cultural connections that music holds within Japan.
Background Music Discussion
Related Piece by Dayten Rose:
This piece discusses the role of background music and its often unnoticed yet pervasive presence in contemporary media.
Newsletter Information:
Dirt is a publication dedicated to exploring various facets of digital pop culture, reflecting on trends and cultural shifts in the modern age.
