Publishing
Articles, interviews, scene reports, directories and the continuing Dispatch.
We document Japan’s underground music and help people take part.
KAALA brings together publishing, events, tours, records, radio and film through direct work with bands, venues, audiences and local scenes.
What KAALA has been
Events
Recurring formats including Blood Rite and The Tower, alongside selected event support.
Tours
Direct underground access for visiting fans and practical Japan support for international bands.
Records
KAALA Records releases and a distro operation whose imports remain clearly distinguished from original label work.
Radio & film
Kaala Radio, live documentation, music videos, regional documentary work and Korona Nights.
How we work
Helping people find and take part in Japan’s underground.
KAALA started by gathering and translating show information scattered across local platforms, flyers and word of mouth. That grew into radio, recurring events, tour support, records, documentary film and editorial work with music publications outside Japan.
There is no single way into Japan’s underground. Visiting bands need local routes and people they can trust. Fans need the story behind a show, not only an address. Some concerts are worth filming so they are not lost after one night. Venues under pressure need practical ways to keep putting on shows.
We help with that practical work: finding the right people, explaining the local context, producing or supporting shows and tours, and documenting what happened. The artists, organizers and venues who make each project possible get the credit.
Matt Ketchum
Founder / production, events and access
Matt founded KAALA and has worked across its publishing, radio, events, touring, label and documentary activity. His involvement in Japan’s underground also includes performing with Worship Pain and Retch and collaborating with bands, venues and media around the country.
Current projects
Underground musicKAALA
Publishing, events, tours, records, radio and film from Japan’s underground.
Music discoveryMusic in JapanTokyo underground show discovery, alerts and tour support.
BandWorship PainTokyo black metal.
Culture and historyJapanese JesusResearch and narrative work around Shingo’s Jesus tomb legend.
TechnologyMKUltramanIndependent technology advisory for teams operating in Japan.
Property intelligenceAkiyazMaking difficult, rural and overlooked Japanese property legible.
Regional foodWild Food JapanHelping restaurants work with Japanese regional and wild food.
Outdoor travelJaCampEnglish-language campground data and trip planning for Japan.
Public dataJP DataJapanese government dashboards made readable in English.
Thom Smith
Design / music and visual identity
Thom shapes KAALA’s visual language while remaining active in extreme music as a drummer and collaborator. His work connects performance, artwork and the practical design needed to make underground projects recognizable and coherent.
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