Running a record label that brings Japanese rock music to the US is not easy. But if anyone can do it, it’s Robby Takac, the bassist for the Goo Goo Dolls. He knows the ins-and-outs of the music industry pretty well; his band has double and triple platinum records and a globetrotting tour schedule.

We talked to Robby about his record label, Good Charamel, which produces albums for Japanese bands like Pinky Doodle Poodle, the MOLICE, and Osaka-based punk rock institution Shonen Knife.

He reveals why it’s super difficult to get Japanese music acts to perform in the US (and why you should ABSOLUTELY go see a Japanese band if it’s playing in your area).

We had a lot of fun talking with Robby, so listen to the full episode for more.

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For more sweet sounds from Good Charamel and other things Robby’s involved with, check out:

- https://www.goodcharamel.com/

- http://www.gcraudio.com/

- https://www.musicisart.org/

- http://www.googoodolls.com/

And listen to some music from the bands on Good Charamel Records, while you're at it:

- Shonen Knife: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9hvuCsF2-s

- Pinky Doodle Poodle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuhR1ETlSnE

- The MOLICE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFWwmLkINUc

- DJ Sashimi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8fxOM8G7K0