Carhartt WIP presents

RELEVANT PARTIES

Jazzy Sport

Two months ago we introduced RELEVANT PARTIES, a podcast series by Carhartt WIP about the best independent record labels worldwide, providing fascinating insights into their influential creative cosmos. Who are the people behind the labels? How did it all start and how crazy do you have to be to see it through?

The latest and fourth episode of the podcast series portrays Tokyo-based collective Jazzy Sport, an independent record store, label and fashion brand with various stores in Tokyo, Morioka and Kyoto. Just like Jazzy Sport is much more than just a record label, the stores are cultural hubs filled with loads of expertly curated vinyl, collector’s items, books and magazines, clothing, accessories and inspirational encounters.

Dubbed »The Heart of Japanese Hip Hop Culture«, Jazzy Sport’s musical roots are much more diverse and influenced by genres like Jazz, Soul, Downtempo as well as Punk, Afro Pop and House. The collective was founded in 2003 and is home to DJ Mitsu the Beat, Budamunky, Cro-Magnon or Grooveman Spot and more. By collaborating with acclaimed artists like Simbad, Count Bass D, Sa-Ra Creative Partners or Steve Spacek, Jazzy Sport attracted international attention and won the admiration of the likes of Gilles Peterson, DJ Spinna or Pete Rock.

RELEVANT PARTIES host Chal Ravens has met founding member Taro Kesen to learn more about the phenomenon of Jazzy Sport, how it all began and what’s next.

Here are some snaps that Jazzy Sport has sent over to give you a glimpse into their world:

Head over to HHV Records for our range of Jazzy Sport: Jazzy Sport.

Stay tuned for the next monthly episodes of Carhartt WIP RELEVANT PARTIES featuring conversations with the founders of many other groundbreaking independent record labels from around the globe.

Visual content: Carhartt WIP / Jazzy Sport Snapshots: Tomohide Izumi & Fotoschiko