J-Core
Japanese hardcore that mixes European hardcore with anime, game and pop samples.
History
J-core is the Japanese style of hardcore techno s1. It began in the late 1990s, when Europe's hardcore, speedcore and gabber scenes were at their height s1. Producers combined those sounds with Japanese pop, anime and game music s1. Jea of DJ Sharpnel is seen as the founder of the style s1. In 1998 he released High Speed Music Team on his Sharpnelsound label s2. Other early producers were Technorch, M1dy, DJ Chucky and Shimamura s2. The music often uses very high tempos, sharp cuts and cartoon-like melodies s2. It is closely linked to the doujin, or self-published, music scene s1. The term 'J-core' was first used around 2006 to describe Sharpnel's music s1. The scene grew through peer-to-peer networks and internet forums s1. Many fans listen at home or online rather than in clubs s2. Western producers also make J-core today s1.
Sound
- Very fast tempos
- Samples from anime, games and pop songs
- Sharp cuts and changes
- Cute or cartoon-like melodies
- Heavy, distorted kicks
Key figures
- Jea (DJ Sharpnel) — Producer seen as the founder of J-core
- DJ Technorch — Japanese hardcore producer and writer on the scene
- M1dy — Early Japanese hardcore producer
- t+pazolite — Japanese producer known for fast, melodic hardcore
Labels
- Sharpnelsound — Tokyo , 1998
- Guhroovy — Tokyo , 1998
- Psycho Filth Records — Tokyo , 2007
Defining tracks
Connections
Came from: Hardcore Techno , Speedcore , Breakcore
Sources
- A Kick in the Kawaii: Inside the World of J-Core — Red Bull Music Academy Daily (2015)
- J-core — Wikipedia