Local Band set for Japan

A band from Leeds have set their sights on Japan after being chosen from hundreds of bands to have their music presented to the country’s leading music industry movers and shakers, an opportunity which could land them a record deal in the world’s second largest music market.

Black Diamond Bay, a seven piece Electro Folk outfit who have been compared to Massive Attack and Portishead, have already gained a legion of loyal fans and have played major dates in both the UK and Europe. Their music has received airplay on national radio, as well as the band enjoying a TV appearance on the popular programme Hollyoaks . The visit to Japan will ensure their music is heard by the likes of Sony and EMI, and is the first time Black Diamond Bay’s music has been presented to key decision makers in the music industry.

Lancashire based label Ghost Town Records, who selected the band following a UK wide promotional campaign, will spend six days in Tokyo, meeting and networking with over 150 professionals. These will include senior figures from Universal Music Japan, EMI Japan, Avex, Plug, Z, Hostess Entertainment Japan, BMG & Sony Publishing, MySpace, mobile phone companies, and other agents. The visit is organised by the BPI and the Department of International Trade, with a packed schedule of seminars and presentations held at the British Embassy in Tokyo.

Joanne St.Clair, Manager of Ghost Town Records, says, “I discovered Black Diamond Bay on MySpace during the promo campaign, the aim of which was to find six exceptional acts whose music would be very fitting to the Japanese market. I managed to track them down via a contact at the Kendal Calling festival because when I heard their stuff I knew immediately that they should be included in this.”

To promote the band, a five minute film presentation has been made which has been compiled onto a delegate DVD by the BPI. Five hundred copies of this DVD will be distributed in Tokyo. In addition to this, Ghost Town Records will host their own trade stall and also have the opportunity of engaging in formal business meetings in order to promote the labels’ repertoire.

“This is an exciting time for Black Diamond Bay,” says Jesse O’Mahoney, manager of the band. “They continue to receive a great response in the UK from fans, music media, and the more established acts that they support. I have always believed the band will do great in Japan, and this is an ideal opportunity to test that theory.”

Black Diamond Bay have recently returned from Croatia where they performed at the Soundwave Festival, and next week they take to the stage at the hugely popular Kendal Calling Festival, playing alongside the likes of The Streets, The Zutons, Ash, Twisted Wheel and Goldie Looking Chain. With the opportunities that are continually coming their way, 2009 promises to be a defining year for the band.

For further details, and to view the film, go to www.ghosttownrecords.co.uk