Classic Indie Thursdays Return to the Tokyo Star Dancefloor!

So we've been threatening about the revival of Thursday nights and this is the week that it begins! Check it out:

Thursday 7 February:

This Thursday we're celebrating where we come from with a night dedicated to the music that got cool kids dancing this decade!

Expect ancient favorites from indie-dance pioneers like The Strokes, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Hives, The White Stripes and Le Tigre served up by Thursday's geriatric residents!

21:00 Sassquatch

22:30 The Klassikist

24:00 Data Takashi

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Looking for something radical to do this weekend?

Saturday 9 February:

Meet the Tokyo crew at Emmarentia Dam on Saturday to watch international act OK GO, and a few of our local faves, namely Fokofpolisiekar, The Parlotones and Crash Car Burn! Join us there from 3pm to 9pm and then follow us to Tokyo Star for an evening of Break Beat awesome-ness!

To find out about tickets, times and more for the OK GO concert, check out this event:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=9680055666

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Wanna know more about Saturday night at Tokyo Star?

Saturday 9 February:

This Just In, BreakBeat Saturday at Tokyo Star Officially Rocks.

The finest beats, the finest DJ's, the finest live breakbeat act in town. And of course, Tokyo Star brings you the finest venue, drinks and people in town, where you find DJ's on the dancefloor, and managers behind the decks!

Coming back at you for volume 5 Of The BreakBeat Saturday Madness With Our Regulars: Opening with The Big Sound Of Ill-TYPE, and Mr. Manager of The Decks Himself ECHO warming the dancefloor up.

Expect to be blown away by the usual dancefloor chaos of TWELV and THESIS (Live!) which if you havent heard yet, is a reeeeeeeeeeal shame indeed.

Coming back once again with Live Banging Beats, Bass and Vocals.

We close off the night with the fresh new sound of Electron Don, who rocks dancefloors and festivals in numerous styles around the country. Coming at you with the New Sound of NU-SKOOL breakbeat to educate your mind.

20h30-21h30 Ill-Type

21h30-22h30 Echo

22h30-00h30 Twelv & Thesis (LIVE)

00h30-02h00 Electron Don

Write up for this week's BreakBeat Saturday by Robert Rumney.

Photo by Ryan Dick.

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Speaking of Robert Rumney, he is the man behind the chaos that is a Saturday BreakBeat evening at Tokyo Star! Let's find out a little bit more about him:

Fave International Act: Hmm, Right now its BaoBinga(Uk) and Lady Waks(Russia)

Favourite Dinosaur: Frank Zappa

Fave Local Act: All the awesome Breaks Dj's. Sweat XFave Cd Of All Time - The Prodigy - Experience

Fave drinking game:The one where the Bartender has to trick you into paying R13 for a brutal fruit.

1. When did you first realise you had a DJ living inside you?

First Off, Lets get this straight here. I am not a DJ, I do DJ occasionaly - Tuesdays for example. I am producer. I Compose, Arrange and Produce original Tracks all year round in studio which are unleashed to club crowds Live. (Hence the Midi Keyboard, Controller, Laptop and Mixing Desks) Live performance mixes the Role of the producer and the DJ together where the goal is to entertain the crowd and Keep the dancefloor going. I believe my moving my studio from my room to the dancefloor was the only natural step. Who doesn’t love a party? I Know I do...

2. What do you love most about tokyo star?

The Vodka Fruit Slushies! The Good music that has always Been there, The awesome Managers, The supportive staff, The venue. Everything except the bouncer who used to not let me in at the age of 20.

3. What inspired you to take on Saturday nights at Tokyo Star?

Well, me and Jono (Echo) both shared a serious love of breakbeat and wanted to throw a BreakBeat party every Weekend. I myself have been slowly watching BreakBeat develope as a Recognised and enjoyed genre in this country over the past few years, as Well as developing my Own now successfull BreakBeat act Featuring Thesis On Vocals. Saturdays at toyko have been the best place for People to enjoy this act, and each weekend I also choose the DJ's I believe will rock the crowd. This is also tied into Our Weekly Breakbeat DJ showcase, where we Alternate the closing act each week.

4. What’s the best part of your Saturday evening?

All Of IT!! I enjoy watching people going absolutely bonkers to my beats, But I also really enjoy it when I'm finished my set and can just Relax and enjoy the rest of The night and dancefloor.

5. What is music to you?

Music is the universal, Tri-Nations, Global, Country-Wide Language. Its the one thing we can all understand No matter what language we speak or who we are, It brings people together. And certain styles and types of Music bring Like-Minded people together. And if it moves you, It Moves you.

6. Who is Robert the DJ?

Robert The DJ is The BreakBeat/Electro Producer known as Twelv. Of Twelv and Thesis Live. You can check out that project at www.myspace.com/nomouth. I also teach Music Production, And Live Performance, As well as being The countries only Ableton Live Tutor. Check That Out at www.abletonlive.tk

7. How long have you been coming to tokyo? tell us WHY?!

Years. Ive always been A fan of the unnofensive nature of the place. Plus ive got family in the line-up (Richard The Third). So, Gotta support.

8. What’s the one most essential item to take with when going out for a night on the town?Money. and maybe a little weed.

9. Describe your style....

Electro, Break-Beat, and Electro-BreakBeat!! If it aint broken, It Needs fixing.

Find out more:
www.myspace.com/nomouth

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Tokyo Regulars Report In From Across The Seas

The typical Tokyo Star regular does more than just party in one spot - he/she is known to traverse the earth in search of the perfect party and (more often than not) return to the wonderous land of gray, red and orange that is Tokyo Star. However, we have found the time to catch up with some of our old school Tokyo faves who have been missing in action at the Star to find out about their travels to far-off distant lands! Meet Luke:

1.Where in the world are you?! WHY?

Seoul, South Korea

Teaching English because the money is good, the people are crazy and there is uninterupted power ;)

2.How did you get there?

By plane. A nightmare debacle via Doha, Qatar (I would not advise flying with them)

3.How long have you been there for?

7 months

4.How much do you miss Tokyo Star?

Not so much, I'm afraid to say. But thats because I've always been about the people. And I've found some really awesome people over here. Tokyo is awesome, not so much for the place (which is still rocking, for the record) but for the other regulars, barstaff, Mike and Levi.

5.How long have you been a Tokyo regular for?

Since 2004, so 3 years

6.Tell us something mad and rad about the country you’re in?

The bars and clubs only close when the last customer leaves, the club/bar areas have hundreds of bars, clubs and restaurants all in walking distance of eachother and lovemotels ;) heehee, you can go shopping in the middle of the night, and the locals can't tell the difference between "r" and "l" which is rather comical at times.

7.What do you miss most about South Africa?

Again not much, sadly. I miss my friends, but I consider myself a citizen of the world. Nationalism irritates me and I feel no need to be "loyal" to a piece of land surrounded by a man made border. There are too many amazing places, people and things in this world for me to feel a need to identify myself with any one or group of them.

8.Talk us through a day in your life overseas?

Weekdays are pretty normal, work 9 to 5, gym, dinner with friends/ a lady, never too late tho cause I teach kindergarten which drains the life out of you. Weekends are hectic, nonstop craziness. We start with dinner and drinks on a friday night, move to a bar for a few tequilas, then hit a club n dance, dance, etc. Usually goes on till 5/6am then have breakfast (subways and buses stop from 12am~6am and taxis are more expensive) then home by 8. Sleep for a couple hours then out for organising stuff sat afternoon. Sat nights usually follow the same pattern. Sunday afternoon is football (soccer) league, to sweat out the alcohol and level me out. Hectic but fun. Although there are the odd exceptions, such as snowboarding trips 4 weekends in winter, and different beach/cultural festivals over weekends in summer. A little variety never hurts.

9.What’s the coolest thing you’ve seen there?

Thousands of people covered in mud, partying in the summer sun.

10.What’s the one most vital, essential item to take with when travelling?

Common sense, just simple common sense.

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Scroll down for our new blog section in which we will be showcasing YOUR photographic talent! Send us the awesome/beautiful/wierd and wacky pics you have taken and see them on this blog! Email all pics to:

tokyostarlive@gmail.com

Tyron Janse van Vuuren:

Ryan Dick:

Robyn Davie:

Got something to add? Post us a comment...

Jam Packed!

This week we bring you a few different things to keep you coming back for more: interesting sites to check out, an interview with our first featured regular, our first (hopefully of many) movie review and an interview with Destrukto!

Still need more?! Come back next week to see even more movie reviews, interviews and (brand new!) CD reviews!!

So let's get it started kids!

Looking for something to keep you busy? Check out http://www.incredimazing.com/ for a ton of random pics, be it ads from the 60s, amazing photos or just plain wierd sh*t. Here's a few examples:

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Another thing to keep you busy is finding out about some of our fave regulars, the ones who keep coming back night after night, year after year, no matter how many times we throw them out! Haha! Just kidding! Here's two awesome ladies of Tokyo Star, and why they keep coming back for more:

fave Tokyo drink: orange slush
fave cartoon character: shego from kim possible. she is hot and sarcastic. love hher!
fave international act: mm...ok, it varies from time to time but i would say "metric" and system of a down, placebo and muse - weird combo i know. but i love them
fave dinosaur: brontosauraus- i wanna cuddle them
fave local act: lark
fave thing to do at Tokyo: dance, chat and drink!!! mostly drink!
fave drinking game: try to convince my mother im sober - is that a game?

Intense Intimidating Questionaire:
when did you first realise you had a Tokyo regular living inside you?
the first time i went to tokyo. 3 years ago. i went with my asshole ex boyfriend (a king david jock - woohoo) and he hated it. i realised i hated him and loved tokyo! Yay

what do you love most about tokyo star?
the people and the music and the fashion! and the fact that i dont see many ppl from my old school

what's playing in your car?
at the moment im listening to kings of leon and some old school garbage

which night is your fave to go to Tokyo?
tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday and saturday - seriously. but I’ll usually be there on a tuesday night.

tell us the craziest thing that ever happened to you at Tokyo?
mmm...okay, hosting cleavage night... i had to stand outside in the freezing cold ( now remember i am wearing a low low low cut top and it was cold - very cold), free slushes kept flowing, i got hopelessly trashed, then simon pulled out the camera and in the process thought it would be fun to take a photo of my cleavage, he pulled on my top and my boob popped out, nice sizey nice! oh, and that was just the start of the night....lets just say i can be black mailed with those photos - seriously. i was sipping on tequila the entire night.

how long have you been coming to tokyo? tell us WHY?!
for 3 years now regularly. i come to see good friends, dance to good music and i guess i feel at home at tokyo. everyone is awesome and when i get kicked outta my house (which is often haha - seriously) i have a place to go and see good friends - and get drunk.

who is Toni the Tokyo regular?
i am a vertically challenged fun size girl. greg often uses my head to rest his beer. i break tables at tokyo (also another crazy night). i like cigarettes, fluffy teddy bears, my dog jesse and vodka (i like vodka alot - straight vodka) oh, and i am an unemployed actress.

if you could have sex anywhere inside Tokyo, where would it be?
how do you think i broke the table? - no seriously, hmmm, on the bar. or behind the dj box.

what do you know about Tokyo that the non-regulars don’t?

Tokyo is the friendliest place in joburg! the slush is legendary and the managers and bar ladies and guys, bouncers and staff are all one family! oh, and tuesday tequila comes cheap - R7 i think.

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Two weeks back we featured one of our old school Tokyo DJs Destrukto and his radio show which he has on Monday nights at 11pm till 1am on DSTV Channel 169 Audio bouquet and 1485AM. (Scroll down for more info on the show!) This week we've interviewed him to find out even more! Have a read:

1. who's the coolest person/band you've had on your show?
The coolest band I have had on my show as a guest so far is probably The Cutout Collective. Tim and Jason are really cool people and are obviously passionate about their music. I also respect people who have a propensity for the talking of complete bollox in a good way, I talk a huge amount of shit and enjoy it when others can do so too but without sounding dumb! It’s a talent. I have also had Ashton from The Awakening on my show, he was my first ever interview, so that was cool, it was completely unplanned and went off swimmingly. Ben (Sassquatch/Johnny Neon) was also cool, as well as Ri (Data Takashi), Keith (Klassikist), Adrian (Infidel), Jeremy (ManKAZam), Colleen (Leenie – she’s cooler than EVERYONE – we ALL love Leenie), of course Chris and Dan (Brothers Grimm or whatever they are calling themselves now – DJ Casioheart and Flicker or summat) freaking awesome dudes, as well as Nix of Ke Ai…. If I am forgetting ANYONE, please forgive me, you are ALL cool, I love you all (adopts Michael Jackson pose)

2. what did you think of cutoutcollective?
The music is very tight and complex, cool melodies. DEFINITELY the guys are seriously talented. Their live shows are fantastic too, (or so I am told, as I STILL haven’t seen them yet, I know, I am slack and useless, hahhahahah). I have already played 4 of their songs on the show, VERY cool tracks, they do not sound out of place with the likes of Digitalism etc. Awesome stuff!

3. what do you love most about tokyo star?
MAINLY the fact that it is open to new ideas and new forms of music, it’s hard to play at a place that has a set genre of music, I like the fact that anything actually goes there and that the patrons are open to anything. I also love the fact that you guys have opened up the new dancefloor and with the DJ box, that last pokey DJ box was awful, I enjoyed playing there but it was way too cramped, and it made it easier for drunk peeps to hassle the DJ, which could sometimes get a bit irritating. I love the fact that I could pitch up there on any night on my own and still find at least one of my friends there to chat to. The cleaning staff are fantastic too, very cool people, always friendly, and they remember you even if you haven’t played there for a while.

4. when did you first realise you had a DJ living inside you?
Well, MANY years ago, I have been DJ’ing for 17 years now (yes, I am an old bastard) but I already knew when I was at school that I would be a DJ. I was always that little musical terrorist that took over the hi-fi at any party and imposed my will upon everybody musically. I have always been into music for as far back as I can remember! For me it is one of the basic essentials of life, I would wither away into a pathetic blob of nothingness without music. It has always touched my soul, it has helped me through MANY a tough time and has been my one true constant through my entire life.

5. what's playing in your car?
Digitalism – Idealism, Datarock – Datarock, Simian Mobile Disco – Bugged Out (Suck My Deck) and Attack Sustain Decay Release, Fujiya & Miyagi – Fujiya & Miyagi, Boys Noize – Oi Oi Oi, Banco de Gaia – Ten Years Remixed, Justice – Justice, Ratatat – Classics, Bauhaus – Go Away White (The NEW ALBUM, coz I’m GOTH like that), Mudhoney – Piece of Cake. The Prestes – My People and Re-Sets, DFA1979 – Remixes, I normally have a Depeche Mode album or two in the car as well as a Nick Cave album or ten on any given day.

6. describe your music?
THAT is a difficult question to answer, having worked in the music industry at Hillbrow Records and CD Connexion (both sadly no more) I have an extremely broad taste in music. I have always at heart been into alternative music, from a young age, I have been listening to Bauhaus, Tones on Tail, Depeche Mode, The Birthday Party etc for decades (hahhahaha), I have also ALWAYS had a love for hip hop, I loved the broken beats from an early age, the likes of Grandmaster Flash, The Sugarhill Gang etc, I ALSO love ambient music, like the Orb, Future Sound Of London, etc as well as dance (I was involved in the Dance scene at its genesis in Johannesburg – played at probably the first rave in South Africa), I used to do chill out rooms as well at raves when they were still underground and cool, before they went commercial and shit. I also used to do breakbeat parties with the likes of DJ Fokkolnonsens, Blunted Stuntman etc, played sometimes at 206, also did jungle, etc etc etc. I love the punk funk and electro clash stuff happening as well as all the cool indie stuff going on. It’s all really part of the same underground scene that has been going on healthily here for many years and its cool to see that the emerging bands that are staring now are getting it right, the quality is exceptional (the likes of the Desmonds, KidofDoom, five men…, Cutout Collective, Johnny Neon etc etc etc it’s comparable to anything that is happening out there in the world)

7. who is Greg the DJ?
I am Greg Tucker, I am married, I am 38, I DJ, I used to do cage fighting, I used to DJ every Thursday at Tokyo Star (with Jeremy ManKaZam), used to do hip hop nights at Time Out on Tuesdays in Fourways, was the Thursday night resident at Le Club for a few years, was the DJ at Alcatraz for a long time, as well as at a club called The Cramps, also played at the 40 Watt Club, as well as at many a rave (when they were still cool and underground) as well as played at 206, as well as The Outehuis, I play sometimes at The Red Room and sometimes at Tokyo Star on Thursday nights (when Ben is feeling nice and charitableJ) I also do the Deconstruction parties with Adrian and Malcolm, as well as host my radio show on 1485AM (Jozi only) and DSTV Channel 169 Audio Bouquet on Monday nights from 11pm until 1am. I post the shows up on http://radiodeconstruction.blogspot.com/ as well as waffle on about other stuff. I love reading, as well as watching football (Man Utd), ummmmm…. Not sure what else to add really. OH, I am a salesman by day, keeps me in the cash, it’s a good job. I stay in Lonehill where we get loadshed VERY often. I travel a lot, my last trip was to Cambodia and Vietnam, have been to Peru, Chile, Indonesia, India, Thailand, UK, France, Holland, Madagascar etc etc etc…it’s fun.. Enough about me, tell me about you…..

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This week’s movie review is of the psychological thriller “Joshua”.

Plot?
The arrival of a newborn girl causes the gradual disintegration of the Cairn family; particularly for 9-year-old Joshua (Kogan), an eccentric boy whose proper upbringing and refined tastes both take a sinister turn.

Our rating?
2 out of 10

Psychological?
We generally think psychological thrillers are good to watch. They keep you on the edge of your seat, and are far more freaky cause these things do actually happen, unlike in supernatural thrillers. This movie, however, did not display any of the aspects that make for a good psychological thriller – it was lacking in a truly mentally wacked-out antagonist, a crazy twist at the end and the only thing that made it freaky (bordering on teeth-pullingly irritating) was the endless crying of the baby. The only psychological aspect came from the mother who was suffering from post-partum depression.

Thriller?
Basically the antagonist was a vindictive little boy, tired of all the attention his baby sister was getting. So he drives his mother crazy; kills the dog, the school hamsters and finally his grandmother; and then gets down to slowly tormenting his father.

Drama?
While this all may sound exciting, we spent the whole movie waiting for the climax, waiting for the arc, waiting for something truly thrilling/horrifying/vaguely scary to happen…and it never did.

Conclusion?
The movie ended abruptly, leaving everyone hanging to make up (far better) endings than the writer obviously could.

Our recommendation?
Don’t go see it. Stay home and rent “The Others” or “Sixth Sense”, even if you’ve watched them a million times…

What did you think of this movie? Post us a comment and let us know!

This is Tokyo Star!

Tokyo Star would be nothing without YOU - our wacky regulars, our loyal customers and our superb friends! So here is a little something for all of you...a little recognition!

Feeling unrecognised? Let us know if you're one of our regulars but didn't make it into our blogspot! Send us a pic of yourself, or tell us your story! tokyostarlive@gmail.com

Japanese-Style!

So the first two weeks of 2008 (Tokyo Star-style) have been even more awesome than ever! We've seen the return of so many of our old faves, as well as quite a few new young faces.

With a fresh lick of paint in some areas, and a new (note-taking) cigarette machine, we're feeling brand-spanking sparkling. We've also added a new bar-lady to keep things lively behind the bar, and the ideas have been flying of how to make Tokyo even better this year. Thursday nights will hopefully soon be gaining some of their old charm, with our fave Thursday DJs keen to bring in themed nights and much much more! Stand by for some photos of the most uniquely dressed, and awesomely styled. Pull on your tartan shorts, lumo tops and wildest hairstyles!

This blogspot is sponsored by one of our fave DJ's - Destrukto.

Want to know more?

Well, he has a radio show on Monday nights at 11pm till 1am on DSTV Channel 169 Audio bouquet and 1485AM.

Why should you listen to it?

He plays all the coolest Indie, Electro, Alternative, Big Beat etc, and interviews bands and peeps!

Missed a show?

Check out Destrukto's own blogspot, on which he has about 13 of his shows up, including last week's in which he interviewed Cutout Collective, and of course, played some of their most awesome tracks (you know how much we love Cutout Collective!)

Where to go?

http://radiodeconstruction.blogspot.com

Why we love it?

He lists all the tracks that he's played throughout the radio show. (How many times have you wondered what that tune was and they just don't say it?!)

What else?

He does the Deconstruction parties as well.

The photos in this blog were taken by Robyn Davie, Ryan Dick (apologies!) and Craig van Winsen. Let us know what you think of them by posting a comment!

Tokyo Star Welcomes In 2008

Just when you thought you couldn't miss Tokyo Star anymore, we're re-opening! The holidays are over for the Tokyo Star staff, and as we've all been heading back from our fave holiday spots across the country, the excitement has been growing for the first week back at Tokyo!

And for good reason - check out the line-up for this week:
Wednesday 9th January: TOKYO RE-OPENS!
Join the Reflex Crew at Tokyo Star for a night of 2 for 1 slushies, killer drum 'n base and a massive party!

Thursday 10th January: Tokyo Star Indie Thursdays
This 10th of January, we bring you the first Tokyo Thursday with special guest THE DRIZZLE kicking off 2008 with THE KLASSIKIST and DATA TAKASHI!

Friday 11th January: Feel Good Friday @ Tokyo Star
Sit back and enjoy a bizarre mix of Disco-Punk, Funk, Indie, Soul and Electro with the one and only DJ Dog Show (Formerly Tomkat).

Saturday 12th January: Breakbeat Saturday
Slamming local BreakBeat with some of your favourite local DJ's and featuring LIVE BREAKBEAT act TWELV, featuring The Coveted Vocals of The Mysterious THESIS.