Listen to Live Music at Shibuya La.Mama

One of the trendiest places to visit in Tokyo is Shibuya. It is probably most famous for its intersection known around the world as the Shibuya Crossing. This intersection is considered to be the busiest intersection on earth. Aside from this, Shibuya is also known as a hub for shopping and music spots. It comes alive at night when people go out after work to shop to their hearts’ delight and to listen to music in live houses, bars, and clubs. One of the music spots in Shibuya that has long been present is known as La.Mama.

An Overview of Shibuya

Before introducing La.Mama, one would like to give an overview of what Shibuya is like and why is it a prime spot for live houses like La.Mama. Recognized as one of the 23 wards of Tokyo, Shibuya is located in the metropolitan area. Considered as among the busiest but also the most colorful districts in the metropolis, people tend to flock to Shibuya for a fun experience. It is a great place to establish live houses like La.Mama because the human traffic in the area is just outstanding.

Most people who like visiting Shibuya for shopping are in the younger generation. A number of fashion and entertainment trends in Japan can be said to have been born in the very streets of Shibuya. Several huge department stores can be found in Shibuya, perfect for the shopaholic crowd.

As witnessed by thousands of visitors every year, the Shibuya Crossing is brimming with neon lights and advertisements. Coupled by the hundreds of people crossing the intersection every time the pedestrian light turns green, the crossing is a popular hotspot for photographers and videographers. Many films have also been taken in the area.

Over the next number of years, Shibuya Station and its nearby areas would be undergoing major redevelopment to further vamp up the area. It is expected that a skyscraper under construction today would be completed in the year 2020. This skyscraper would be 230 meters tall, a staggering height that would surely put a lot of people in awe of its construction.

Bus stops and taxi stops would also be rearranged according to the redevelopment plans of the government. Enlargement of the pedestrian plaza located on the west side of the station is also underway. The plan is also to make the area friendlier for pedestrians. The whole redevelopment project is expected to be completed in the year 2027.

Shibuya can be accessed by taking a train going to Shibuya Station. This station is considered as one of the busiest in all of Tokyo. There are several lines serving the station, namely, the JR Yamanote Line, JR Shonan Shinjuku Line, Ginza Subway Line, Tokyu Toyoko Line, Keio Inokashira Line, JR Saikyo Line, Hanzomon Subway Line, Fukutoshin Subway Line, Tokyu Den-Entoshi Line, and the Narita Express.

Introducing La.Mama Located in Shibuya

With an area as busy as Shibuya, the ward is a prime location for businesses. Because most visitors of Shibuya are composed of the younger generation, it is best to put up establishments that would greatly relate to these people. One of these establishments would definitely be live houses, where the young and even the old can relax and enjoy live music after a long day of work or shopping.

One of the oldest live houses in Shibuya is known as La.Mama. Opened in the year 1982, La.Mama is a famous live house that does not stick to a single genre. Several musicians, both local and international, perform in this live house to the delight of its patrons. La.Mama is not limited to musical performances. The venue can also be used for theater. However, at present, La.Mama is focused on looking for amateur bands that it can train.

The goal of La.Mama recently is to develop upcoming artists. With the increasing number of live houses and artists, the people behind La.Mama realized the importance of quality over quantity. Developing upcoming artists to become the best that they can be has been the goal since. La.Mama also releases CDs by voluntary labels on a regular basis.

Whether the artists have experience or not, it does not entirely matter to the people of La.Mama. They also do not discriminate against any genre of music. All kinds of music are welcome in Shibuya La.Mama. These include but are not limited to rock, jazz, techno, pop, hip-hop, and reggae. What they are looking for in an artist is motivation as well as a passion for the art of music.

La.Mama has its own system for artists who want to audition. Live performances in La.Mama occur on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Each artist can perform for a maximum of 30 minutes during these live performances. During the audition process, the artists are free to use the venue’s permanent equipment like special lighting effects. These effects include smoke, strobe, and a disco ball. They can also use the guest room in the venue, which has its own shower and toilet.

The first step in the audition process is to submit a form or letter of expression to La.Mama. This should be comprised of the profile of the artist and a CD or DVD with his or her audition performance, among other things. These requirements can be submitted either in person or through the mail. For people who wish to submit in person, it would be best to contact the person in charge of the audition process in advance.

An artist can only proceed to the second step of the audition process if he or she was able to pass the first one. The second step is to perform live at La.Mama, as scheduled by the person in charge. The artist is allowed to use the stage of La.Mama for rehearsals so that he or she is able to get the feel of the stage prior to the actual performance.

If everything goes well, the artist may be able to release an album or CD/DVD under the music label of La.Mama. La.Mama, after all, has connections to ENGINE and Theater Records. To know more about the audition process, it would be best to first call La.Mama at 03 - 3464 – 0801. The contact person is Kono.

Renting Shibuya La.Mama for An Event

La.Mama can be rented out for different kinds of events. The venue has a capacity of 250 people. aside from musical performances, La.Mama also accommodates occasions like comedy events, wedding parties, and school events. Private parties can also be held at this venue. The staff of La.Mama can easily be reached by e-mail so that interested parties may be able to inquire more about the renting process.

While the total capacity of La.Mama is 250, this is only applicable for standing. The venue has seats that can only accommodate 100 to 120 people. The main facilities in the hall include a TV monitor, PA, counter bar, and lighting equipment. The rental fee for the hall varies depending on the day and time of the event. The table below shows the rental fees corresponding to different days and time frame with a consumption tax of 8 percent included, as updated in December of the year 2016.

The rates mentioned in the table above already include fees for PA and lighting operation. However, should permanent acoustic equipment be used in the event, a separate fee would be charged to the organizer. Visitors of La.Mama are required to pay 600 yen upon entering the venue. This fee is considered a drink fee.

For people who have made a decision and wish to reserve the venue, it would be best to call La.Mama for reservation. A reservation must be made at least 2 months before the date of the event. A deposit must be made to La.Mama, which would consist a portion of the hall rental fee. The remaining amount must be paid on the day of the performance. This amount would be comprised of but not limited to the remaining hall rental fee, cost of equipment, and consumption tax.

It is possible to cancel one’s reservation in La.Mama. However, for this cancellation to be made free of charge, the reservation must be canceled at least 3 months before the scheduled event. Otherwise, La.Mama would have to charge a cancellation fee depending on how near the cancellation date is from the scheduled event. It also depends on whether the event is held on the day or at night.

Events scheduled within 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM are considered to be part of the daytime events. If the scheduled reservation is to be canceled at least 2 months before the event, the customer would be charged 30 percent of the rental fee. If the scheduled reservation is to be canceled at least a month before the event, the customer would be charged 50 percent of the rental fee. However, if the scheduled reservation is to be canceled within a month before the event, the customer would be charged the full amount of the rental fee.

On the other hand, events scheduled from 3 PM to 10 PM are considered to be part of the nighttime events. The cancellation of a reservation for a nighttime event must be made at least 3 months before the scheduled event. Otherwise, the customer would be charged the full amount of the rental fee. For the contract signing regarding the renting of the venue, the consignee must bring his or her seal.

Visiting La.Mama: Access and Tickets

La.Mama is easily accessible via public transportation. The first option is to ride a train heading to JR Shibuya Station. From there, go to the alleyway located between Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Yokohama Bank. It is also situated past Shibuya Station West Exit Bus Terminal. Walk up the slope and turn left upon reaching the end. From there, La.Mama is only a few minutes away by foot.

The other option is to take the train going to the Keio Inokashira Line Shibuya Station. Upon reaching the station, take the Avenue Exit and turn right. Before reaching Sunkus, turn left. Walk straight and exit to the right. Then, walk up the slope only to turn left. After which, walk straight until one finds a huge apartment. On the right, one would find a big staircase where La.Mama is close by.

For people who would be bringing their own private vehicles, it is important to note that La.Mama does not offer any parking spaces. Hence, they would have to look for a parking space elsewhere before walking to the said live house. There are also no coin lockers in La.Mama. It would be best for customers who need to store away their items to use the coin lockers in Shibuya Station before heading to La.Mama.

The exact address of La.Mama is 1-15-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, 150-0043 Primera Dogenosaka B1 / Office 201. They can be reached through their telephone number 03-3464-0801. The receptions hours are from 3 PM to 10 PM. It is also through this number that customer can book or reserve tickets in advance. As a general rule, the release date of the tickets is a month before the day of the performance.

La.Mama is a highly popular live house in Shibuya and the reasons are quite obvious. The venue is packed with live performances months in advance due to its popularity. Sitting in the area of Shibuya where the human traffic is incredible, La.Mama is always packed with customers who wish to relax and enjoy live music. Truly, La.Mama is a must-visit for music enthusiasts who wish to discover artists who are passionate in their love of music.