JPop-034 : Indie rock special from Around the Year 2000

In the early 2000s, Tokyo saw a brief but vibrant surge in independent music labels—a movement deeply tied to the city’s creative energy. Spanning genres like rock, alternative, neo-acoustic, folk, hip-hop, and jazz, it burned brightly for just a few years, leaving behind a uniquely Tokyo-born soundscape.

In this post, I will introduce a playlist that I created around that time. It mainly consists of songs by indie rock artists.

The listening stations provided important information.

Before streaming services came along, the listening stations in CD stores were key to discovering the latest J-POP trends. I’d explore different albums by reading the handwritten staff reviews on display cards and judging each CD by the artwork on its jacket.

Around 1999, a subtle shift began to take place in the listening stations of record stores. Some shops — most notably Tower Records in Shibuya — started setting up dedicated shelves for independent and privately released music.

There were CDs by artists who had gained popularity through live performances in Shibuya, Shinjuku and Shimokitazawa—even without major label deals. It was an exciting scene, where each artist seemed to be showcasing their individuality in friendly competition.

The nature of music is brought by Freedom.

When I bought and listened to CDs from the artists I liked, what I felt most was a sense of freedom. There were no character personas or producer-driven music tailored for marketing. Instead, the CDs captured the songs the artists had rehearsed and experimented with, along with the unforgettable moments of shared excitement with the audience at live houses — all preserved in those recordings.

What I longed to hear were the songs these artists made for themselves—unleashed and true to their spirit. But the movement I experienced in the early 2000s faded after just a few years. In the listening section, fewer indie CDs spoke to me with that same charm and individuality. I’m still not sure why.

Nevertheless, several independent and private labels — including newer ones that have emerged since then — remain active today, continuing to support young, independent artists. Their music can now be heard on platforms like YouTube.
Below is a list of songs that inspired me in the early 21st century. Sadly, many of them remain unavailable on streaming services or YouTube. I’ve kept the original playlists just as they were, and separated out the tracks currently accessible via streaming platforms.

J-Pop – 034 (original playlist)

1. Stompin’ Bird – Know? from Clacker’ Cool Clash (2001/03)
2. (N/A) SWINGING POPSICLE – Change from Change ep (2001/03)*available on YouTube
3. GOOD 4 NOTHING – DECIDE from Let’s make the future (2001/02)
4. (N/A) manwoman – Dou-hyo from Dou-hyo (2001/03)
5. (N/A) POWER & GLORY – still lost from ambivalence (2001/03)
6. youjeen – HEY JERKS from The Doll (2001/07)
7. NUMBER GIRL – BRUTAL NUMBER GIRL from Sappukei (2000/07)
8. Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her – Sentimental Journey from Future or No Future (2001/05)
9. (N/A) The Ree Life – Lemon Scream from SWITCH (2001/03)*available on YouTube
10. Missile Girl Scoot – Get Back from Wonderland (2001/03)
11. Quruli – Bara No Hana from TEAM ROCK (2001/02)
12. CAVE – Hana Bira from Hana Bira (2001/03)
13. Breath Mark – Bouhatei No Sora from Bouhatei No Sora (2001/03)
14. (N/A) HAL From APOLLO’69 – CYCLOTRON from 666 (1999/08)*available on YouTube
15. CONDOR 44 – Hush & Vane from 00203 (2001/05)
16. (N/A) FULLGAIN – Utsu Semi from Optimistic(2000/03)
17. (N/A) FUNSIDE – FLY from Are you ready to live? (2001/03)
18. MIX MARKET – Emotional from FUZZY FLOOR (2001/03)
19. honeydip – Waiting For The Light from Another Sunny Day (2000/12)

For Apple Music User : JPop-034 : Indie rock special from Around the Year 2000