I’m Lorenzo, a university student by day and a relentless music nerd by night. While others might be hitting the usual spots or listening to the top charts, I love spending my time hunting for unknown bands and tracking down the rawest sounds of the alternative scene.

I got into Japanese music by playing bass since I started picking up on these crazy, intricate basslines and realized just how uniquely fun their songwriting is to play. Originally though, I grew up heavily into punk (Green Day were my absolute childhood heroes) and classic singer-songwriters. Over the years, my taste expanded to include a bit of everything, but the real turning point came when I stumbled upon カネコアヤノ for the first time. Her sound just completely blew me away, and that was the rabbit hole that dragged me deeper than ever into the Japanese indie scene.

The Outtake was born from this pure, unfiltered passion. Being right here in Japan gives me front-row access to a massive, vibrating world operating far from the mainstream charts. It’s a scene built inside sweaty, cramped live houses, fueled by obscure indie bands that are quietly redefining entire genres. Too often, this music never makes it past local borders. My goal is to introduce the world to these incredible artists and help them connect with passionate new fans who will truly support what they do.

This isn’t an encyclopedia, it’s a personal journey. Whether you’re a seasoned listener or just looking for something outside your usual rotation, stick around. Here is what I share:

• Live Reports: Capturing the energy, the sweat, and the sheer volume of underground gigs straight from the local livehouses.

• Record Reviews: Deep dives into brand new drops and the music I can’t stop listening to.

• Band Spotlights: Shining a light on the independent artists shaping Japan’s alternative sound.

I will also be covering more well-known artists. Great music is simply great music, no matter how big the name attached to it is, and it all deserves a spot here. I’m always excited to hear how a specific album or band makes you feel, so please don’t hesitate to drop a comment and share your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by, and I truly hope this space helps you discover your next favorite artist. Thanks for stopping by and happy listening!