October seems to be a good time for indie music. A lot of the smaller artists that need to do the festival circuit in Britain and the United States take a break in September and October, which gives them the chance to pop over to Asia for one last shout out before the New Year's holidays.
To start with, indie-music enthusiasts will be thrilled to see Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Nite Jewel and dancier group The Samps play Harajuku Vacant in Tokyo on Oct. 6. Joining them will be Tokyo's experimental-pop darling Sapphire Slows (4 p.m. start; ¥4,500 in advance; 03-6459-2962). The two U.S. acts will then head to Conpass in Osaka on Oct 8 with support provided by Osaka producer Metome (6 p.m. start; ¥4,000 in advance; 06-6243-1666). Sapphire Slows has a new album coming out around the end of the month and this will be her last gig here before she sets out on a North American tour. Either of the shows provide a chance for expat hipsters to claim bragging rights for seeing her first.
People in Kansai will also get the chance to experience excellent minimal electronic music by Ohio producer, Mark McGuire. He will perform at Oil in Kyoto on Oct. 14 (6 p.m. start, ¥3,000 in advance; 075-241-1355). The guitarist, formerly of the band Emeralds, loops harmonies and layers them into ambient compositions. The set will also feature Japanese acts Oorutaichi + Ytamo and Polar M. Those looking for a chill night out will not be disappointed.