A collection of phrases for asking a foreign musician to "start a band together" for the first time – 30 phrases for different situations + 5 examples of what not to say.

The first word is the hardest.

Many people have likely experienced seeing a foreign musician in a live music venue or studio and wanting to ask, "Would you like to start a band together?", but being unable to find the right words. Currently, there are approximately 3.77 million foreigners living in Japan, and among them are many who have seriously pursued music, who have held weekly jam sessions in their home countries, and who have graduated from music conservatories. They, too, are looking for Japanese musical partners, but both sides are stuck at the starting point—that is the reality in 2026.

The most difficult part of meeting foreign musicians is the first words. In my previous book, "Forming a Band with Foreign Musicians: A Practical Guide to Overcoming Language Barriers ," I focused on practical matters after forming a band. This article complements that by focusing on the moment of uttering those first words, *before* forming a band . I've organized 30 phrases for different situations, 5 examples of what *not* to do, variations in 7 languages, cultural considerations, and even how to utilize Membo's multilingual messaging function , all in a way that's ready to copy and paste.

This article is primarily aimed at Japanese people who want to reach out to foreign musicians living in Japan. At the same time, it will also serve as a resource for foreigners living in Japan who are looking for bandmates, helping them understand how they might be approached. The article will alternate between these two perspectives. Those who have read " A Foreigner's Guide to Finding Band Members in Japan" should use this article as supplementary material for the Japanese version.

What you will gain from this article

• We provide 30 phrases for 6 different situations , ready to copy and paste ( Chapter 2 ).
• Chapter 3 explains five things you should never do , along with the reasons why.
• You can learn basic phrases in 7 languages , along with pronunciation tips ( Chapter 4 ).
• These five points of cultural consideration can help you create a comfortable distance that doesn't burden the other person ( Chapter 5 ).
• You will learn how to make the most of the messaging function and how to create easy-to-read template structures ( Chapter 7 ).

Why is the "first word" the hardest? — 3 reasons

• Language anxiety : You give up before even trying to speak because you think your English (or Chinese/Korean) is bad. In reality, the other person is often just as bad at Japanese, so it's an equal exchange.
• Cultural anxiety : Worries about being rude or infringing on the other person's religion or customs prevent taking the first step. Basic manners are covered in Chapter 5 of this article.
• Musical anxiety : Not knowing if your level is appropriate to invite someone, or if your musical style matches theirs, prevents you from reaching out. Having a recording of your music can largely resolve this.

Data reveals: How many foreign musicians are there in Japan?

There are far more people you might want to reach out to than you think. According to statistics from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan , the number of foreign residents in Japan reached a record high of approximately 3.77 million at the end of 2024. The breakdown by nationality/region and trends in contact with them in the music scene are as follows:

Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, "Statistics on Foreign Residents in Japan" (as of the end of 2024, preliminary figures)

So, how many of these people play musical instruments? According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' Survey on Time Use and Leisure Activities ( e-Stat, the comprehensive portal for government statistics ), the percentage of people living in Japan who engage in "playing musical instruments" as an activity (the participation rate) is approximately 7-8%. If we simply apply this ratio to foreign residents, it would mean that there are approximately 250,000 to 300,000 "foreigners who play musical instruments" in Japan . In addition, tens of thousands of professional entertainers enter Japan every year with the "entertainment" residence status, which is for the purpose of performing arts such as music and theater. Looking at the figures by region, about half of the foreign residents are concentrated in the five prefectures of Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, Kanagawa, and Saitama, and the probability of encountering foreign musicians in live music venues and studios in urban areas is increasing year by year.

In other words, "finding foreign members" is no longer a niche challenge. As I wrote in my article about foreigners and Japanese people forming a band , the problem isn't the number of people you meet, but rather how you start the conversation .

In other words, the first words aren't a matter of courage, but of preparation . Once you're prepared, the first words will come surprisingly naturally. Combining the recruitment bulletin board with the phrases in this article will significantly lower the barrier to striking up a conversation. Let's dive right into some specific phrases for different situations.

Should I speak in Japanese or English? – How to choose the right language and consider nationality differences.

Before diving into the phrasebook, let's address a common point of confusion: "Which is more likely to be understood, Japanese or English?" The answer, in short, depends on the person you're speaking to and the situation. Please refer to the comparison table below.

What's important isn't "which language you're better at," but showing the flexibility to switch depending on the person you're speaking to . When speaking face-to-face, tone of voice and facial expressions convey far more information than the first word you use.

By nationality – Cultural entry points and conversation starters when striking up a conversation

While a general overview of cultural considerations will be covered in Chapter 6 , here we will list "easy-to-start conversation topics" and "topics to avoid initially" by nationality with a large number of residents. These are merely trends, and the most important thing is not to judge the person in front of you based on their nationality.

Keeping these two tables in mind will eliminate the time you spend stumbling over language selection. Now, let's move on to specific phrases for different situations.

A Collection of 30 Phrases for Different Situations – 6 Situations x 5 Phrases

There's an optimal way to start a conversation depending on the situation . Using the same phrase in both a live music venue and a studio will sound out of place in one. Here, we've prepared 30 phrases in total, five for each of six different situations. All phrases are written in both Japanese and English, so if you know the other person's native language, you can use Google Translate to translate it into that language, or use Membo's automatic translation function to ensure accuracy.

① Immediately after a live performance at a music venue – the crucial 5 minutes while the excitement is still high are key.

Immediately after a live performance, both the performers and the audience are excited, making it the easiest time to strike up a conversation. However, performers are often busy cleaning up or dealing with staff, so keep your comments brief, specific, and leave a way to connect with them later .

The key is to "specifically compliment the other person's performance" in the first sentence. Just saying "It was good" sounds like a mere formality. If you give specific examples, such as "I especially liked the bass sound" or "I liked the solo in the third song," the other person will instantly understand that you were genuinely listening. As mentioned in the 5 points to review when you're not getting replies to your band member recruitment post , specificity is effective whether it's an online message or an invitation at a live music venue.

It's also effective to mention the song's position on the setlist, such as "the third song." From the performer's perspective, they might still be nervous after the first song and their memory of it might be hazy, while by the last song they might be burnt out and it might take time to recall. The third and fourth songs in the middle of the set are the ones the performer was most focused on and played with the most confidence, so praising them for these songs will make them think, "I liked that song too," and move them emotionally.

There's another important rule regarding when to approach performers: Never approach them while they're packing up their equipment. They're winding up their cords, putting away their effects pedals, and checking the number of cables they have, while in their minds they're already processing "what went wrong with today's set." They don't have the capacity, physically or mentally, to process any new stimuli. The best time to approach them is the moment they finish packing up and move to the drink counter, or the moment they leave the venue.

② During breaks between performances at a live music venue ── Naturally at the drink counter

The time between sets when the band members take a break near the drink counter is a good time for a short conversation of about 5 minutes. Conversations among the audience members are also lively, so you won't feel out of place if you strike up a conversation.

When striking up a conversation during a break, it's important to "state the length of the conversation upfront." Clearly stating a time limit, such as "just a little bit" or "until the next band starts," makes the other person feel more comfortable joining the conversation because they don't feel like they'll be tied up for too long. In our "5 Ready-to-Use Member Recruitment Message Templates ," we introduce the technique of writing "reading time: 1 minute" in the message, and the same principle works in real conversations as well.

During breaks, starting a conversation with the other person's instrument is extremely effective. "Is that Flying V a new model?" "I see the headstock of your PRS, is it a Silent Silence model?" -- These kinds of specific questions about the instrument are the most appreciated starting point if the other person is particular about their equipment. Unlike politics or religion, talking about instruments is a safe area to enter regardless of culture or nationality. In fact, the surprise of "a Japanese person noticed my instrument" creates a good first impression.

Conversely, what you absolutely want to avoid during a break is a barrage of long questions. If you ask questions one after another like, "How long have you lived in Japan? What do you think of the Japanese music scene? What about the music scene in your home country?", the other person will be psychologically exhausted as they are thinking about the start of the next performance while answering. Limit yourself to one question at a time and respond carefully to their answer. After repeating this two or three times, the conversation will have warmed up sufficiently.

③ Immediately after leaving the live music venue — 30 seconds in the fresh air outside

The moment a live performance ends and people step outside the venue is arguably the most difficult time to approach them, as they're caught between the lingering excitement and the need to head home. However, this is the only chance to connect with someone you couldn't find inside the venue. You have 30 seconds to make your move.

The best tip for approaching someone outdoors is to have a QR code ready . If you have a QR code of your Membo profile URL displayed on your smartphone, the other person can simply scan it later to connect. Presenting a QR code is more effective than exchanging verbal contact information, regardless of culture or language.

Creating a QR code is easy. Simply open your profile URL in your smartphone's browser, select "Generate QR Code" from the browser's "Share" menu, or paste the URL into a free QR code generator website. Save this in your smartphone's photo album, and you can present it in under 3 seconds when you want to approach someone. It's much smarter than handing out a business card, and it works internationally as well.

Another important point is your positioning when you approach someone . It's absolutely unacceptable to stand in a position that blocks their path at the exit of a live music venue. This gives the impression that you're trying to "grab" them. It's more natural to stand parallel to their path after they've come out, or to approach them from a diagonal angle when they've stopped to check their social media. The same words can have a very different impression depending on your position.

④ When we met by chance at the studio ── A word from a fellow professional

When you see a foreigner who is clearly there to perform, perhaps in the waiting room or hallway of a music studio, it's the easiest time to strike up a natural conversation with someone in the same profession.

When talking to someone in the studio, the best approach is to maintain an equal distance as fellow musicians . Instead of approaching them as a fan, speak naturally as someone who also makes music. As I wrote in my section on forming a band with foreign musicians , the studio is the place where the language barrier is lowest. You can instantly understand each other's playing style once you start making music, so minimal conversation is sufficient.

The studio waiting room is a unique place. Everyone is focused before a performance, a little tired afterward, and physically busy with the loading and unloading of equipment. Yet, those carrying instrument cases share the understanding that they are all there for the same purpose. It's a rare space where a short question like, "Do you have enough drummers?" can be exchanged even with complete strangers. Let's make the most of this.

One surprisingly effective way to start a conversation in a studio is the simple act of "making a cup of coffee for the other person." Many music studios have free coffee dispensers. Just say, "Would you like some coffee?" and make one for yourself. This alone can naturally create a five-minute conversation starter. Regardless of culture, the gesture of offering coffee or water is a universal gesture that conveys both politeness and friendliness.

⑤ When you happen to be in the same place at a music store ── A natural encounter during a test play

When you see someone trying out an instrument in a music store, they are usually focused, so instead of suddenly striking up a conversation, wait until they look up briefly and say something lighthearted.

When approaching someone in a music store, it's good manners to "keep your voice down, taking into consideration the staff and other customers." Since the trial booth is a public space, avoid long conversations and instead guide the conversation towards continuing it via Membo .

One of the unique strengths of a music store is that "both parties already have an instrument in their hands." After striking up a conversation, it's not uncommon for a jam session to start on the spot with a natural "Would you like to play together for a bit?" If a practice room is available, an impromptu 5-10 minute session is also possible after getting permission from a staff member. This is a special kind of chemistry that can only happen in a music store and wouldn't occur anywhere else.

Furthermore, in a music store, a person's preference for brands and models speaks volumes about their musical taste. Those trying out a Fender Telecaster usually have a country or indie rock vibe. Those choosing a Gibson Les Paul tend to lean towards hard rock or blues. Listening to a 30-second snippet of music during a trial run can give you a good sense of their musical world. Paying attention to those 30 seconds of "reading the other person" before speaking will significantly improve the accuracy of your first words.

⑥ Make initial contact via SNS DM or Membo message – text allows for better preparation.

When you first contact someone via instant messaging or Membo messaging , rather than in person, you have more time to prepare, allowing you to carefully plan your interaction.

The golden rule for initial written communication is to keep it concise and not burdensome for the recipient . Aim for 3-5 sentences to create an atmosphere where the recipient feels comfortable not having to write a long reply. We have five copy-and-paste templates for recruiting band members and a detailed collection of templates for forming a band with foreign musicians , so please refer to them when writing your Membo messages .

That concludes our 30 examples for different situations. In the next chapter, we'll present five examples of "first words you should absolutely never say." Many people unintentionally make these mistakes, so understanding the points to watch out for will give you peace of mind.

5 Examples of What NOT to Do – First Speeches You Should Avoid

Before learning good phrases, let's go over five things you should absolutely avoid. Things that are acceptable between Japanese people can become a significant cultural burden when dealing with foreigners. These five patterns should be avoided in both Membo messages and face-to-face interactions.

NG 1: Starting with "Can you speak English?"

This is the most common, but also the most important, mistake to avoid. If your first question is "Do you speak English?", the other person will feel like they are being treated as an English speaker . For example, an Indian or Filipino person may speak English, but their first language might be something else. A Chinese or Korean person might be more proficient in Japanese. Checking their language first gives the impression that you are classifying them by language.

Instead, it's more natural to start by speaking in Japanese, and if the other person looks confused, switch to the platform's translation function or Google Translate . You should only ask "Is it okay to speak in Japanese?" if you have enough information (such as their profile) to determine that they can speak it.

NG 2: Start by talking about your country of origin/home country.

"Where are you from?" "Are you from America?" "Are you from China?" -- These are also things to avoid. When you categorize someone by their nationality in your initial conversation, they feel like they are being treated as a foreigner . They want to be treated as a "musician," not as a "foreign musician."

The topic of their country of origin should come up naturally after the conversation has lasted 5-10 minutes and mutual trust has been established. In the first 30 seconds, focus on music, instruments, and genres. Foreign residents in Japan include permanent residents who were born and raised in Japan. Asking about their country of origin first can give the impression that you are ignoring that possibility.

NG 3: Condescending advice/criticism

"The tempo was a little too fast," "That chord progression isn't used in J-POP"—I understand the desire to showcase your playing experience, but this is absolutely unacceptable. The other person isn't looking to be judged by you; they're looking for an equal musical partner. Giving advice to someone you've just met means you can't establish an equal relationship .

When giving praise, be specific, and never criticize. This is a fundamental principle that applies to both online messages and face-to-face interactions. In the article "5 Points to Review When You Don't Get Replies to Your Member Recruitment Post, " we also listed a "condescending attitude" as one of the biggest reasons why people don't respond.

NG 4: Immediately request contact information, phone number, and address.

Asking for your LINE ID, your phone number, or where you live within the first 30 seconds is unacceptable regardless of culture. People in Western countries, in particular, tend to take longer to exchange personal information after a greeting than in Japan, and they become wary of being asked for their contact information so abruptly.

Instead, you'll provide a profile URL or QR code. Since communication takes place through the account, the other person can confidently reply via in-service messaging. Phone numbers and LINE IDs are exchanged naturally once the relationship has deepened.

NG 5: Delving into religious, political, or historical issues

"About Chinese politics," "About the history with South Korea," "About the war between Ukraine and Russia"—bringing up political, religious, or historical issues in your initial conversation is absolutely unacceptable. No matter what country the other person is from, these topics are completely unnecessary in a conversation with a fellow musician you've just met .

Talking about music, genres, instruments, live music venues, studios—the first 10 minutes should absolutely be limited to these topics. That's the shortest route to building trust. Even with text messages, the first few exchanges should focus solely on music.

Alternatives to Membo ── Comparison and Usage of Foreign Member Search Services

Live music venues and studios aren't the only places to reach out to musicians. There are multiple ways to connect with foreign musicians online, each with its own strengths. As someone who runs Membo , I'll honestly list and compare the main options.

The guideline for choosing between them is simple. If you're worried about the language barrier, use Membo ; if you can communicate in English, use Facebook groups or Meetup in conjunction . If you meet online and then decide to meet in person, the phrases for each situation in this article will be directly applicable. For more details on communicating via social media, see our article on using social media for bands .

About Membo – The Reality in Numbers

To avoid any self-praise, I will present the information objectively using numbers. Membo aggregates band member recruitment information from all over Japan and provides a completely free automatic message translation function in five languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean). As of September 2026, there are approximately 3,580 recruitment postings listed.

Of course, nothing beats the first words spoken in person. In the context of this article, online options are most effective when used as a "channel to maintain the connection after making contact." For a more complete picture, please also refer to the Complete Guide to Forming a Band in Japan (Practical Edition for Foreign Musicians) .

Now that you understand the 5 examples of what not to do, let's look at variations in different languages . If you master the 5 basic phrases in 7 languages, you can respond with just one word in the other person's native language. That alone will dramatically change the impression you make on them.

Language-Specific Variations ── 7 Languages × 5 Basic Phrases

Membo 's automatic translation supports 5 languages (ja/en/zh/zh-TW/ko). Vietnamese, Nepali, and Hindi are not currently supported. Separately, when greeting someone face-to-face, being able to say just one word in their native language can dramatically change the impression you make. It doesn't have to be perfect. Even if your pronunciation is inaccurate, the effort you put into greeting them in their native language will come across. Here are 5 basic phrases—"Hello," "Thank you for your hard work," "That was a great performance," "I'd love to play with you," and "Let's keep in touch on Membo "—listed in 7 languages.

English

English is the language in which I most often speak with foreign musicians living in Japan. Many are fluent in English as a second language, not only from the United States , the United Kingdom, Australia , Canada, and New Zealand, but also from India, the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia.

• Hello / Hi ── "Hello"
• Great show tonight ── "Thank you for your hard work (after the show)"
• That was amazing ── "That was a wonderful performance."
• I'd love to jam with you ── "I'd love to play music with you."
• Let's connect on Membo ── "Let's get in touch via Membo "

Chinese (Mandarin/Traditional)

Simplified Chinese characters are the standard for people from mainland China, while traditional Chinese characters are standard for people from Taiwan and Hong Kong, but the spoken pronunciation is almost the same. Membo also translates and outputs simplified (zh) and traditional (zh-TW) characters as separate languages.

• Hello (Nǐ hǎo) / Hello (Nín hǎo) ── "Hello" (Nín hǎo is the polite form)
• Thank you for your hard work (Xīnkǔ le)
• The performance was fantastic (Biǎoyǎn tài jīngcǎi le)
• Thinking about it (Xiǎng gēn nǐ yīqǐ wán yīnyuè) ── “I want to play together.”
• Let's contact each other via Membo (Wǒmen zài Membo shàng liánxì ba) ── "Let's contact each other via Membo "

Korean (한국어)

Many people from South Korea live in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and other cities, and opportunities to meet them at K-POP and indie rock events are increasing. Many of them are fluent in Japanese, but they appreciate being greeted in their native language.

• 안녕하세요(Annyeonghaseyo) ── "Hello"
• Thank you for your hard work.
• 공연 정말 멋졌어요 (Gongyeon jeongmal meotjyeosseoyo) ── "It was a wonderful performance."
• I want to play music with you.
• Let's contact each other via Membo .

Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)

People of Vietnamese origin are a rapidly growing group of foreign residents in Japan in recent years. Many came to Japan through technical intern training, student visas, or specified skills visas, and their presence has spread to regional cities as well.

• Hello ── "Hello"
• Thank you for your hard work .
• Buổi biểu diễn tuyệt vời ── 「最高奏でした」
• Tôi muốn chơi nhạc cùng bạn ── “I want to play together.”
• Let's get in touch on Membo .

Nepali (नेपाली)

Many people of Nepal origin live in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka, and a certain number of them, especially restaurant owners, continue to pursue musical activities.

• Namaste (Hello)
• राम्रो प्रदर्शन(Rāmro pradarśan) ── "Thank you for your hard work/Good performance"
• अद्भुत प्रस्तुति(Adbhut prastuti) ── "That was a wonderful performance."
• म तपाईंसँग सङ्गीत बजाउन चाहन्छु(Ma tapāī̃sa~ga sa~gīt bajāun cāhanchu) ── "I want to play music with you. "
• Membo मा सम्पर्क गरौं (Membo mā sampark garau~) ── "Let's contact each other in Membo "

Hindi (हिन्दी)

Many people from India have Hindi as their native language. Many of them come to Japan for IT and engineering roles, and you can see them in Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, and Nagoya.

• नमस्ते(Namaste) / नमस्कार(Namaskār) ── "Hello"
• शानदार प्रदर्शन (Śāndār pradarśan) ── "That was a wonderful performance."
• मुझे आपके साथ संगीत बजाना है(Mujhe āpke sāth saṅgīt bajānā hai) ── "I want to play music with you."
• Kyā ham Membo par juṛ sakte hai~ ?
• धन्यवाद(Dhanyavād) ── "Thank you"

Spanish (Español)

Members from Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and other Central and South American countries bring a Latin American musical sensibility to the band. Many also have a background in salsa, bossa nova, and flamenco, resulting in a unique musical diversity.

• Hola ── "Hello"
• Buen concerto ── "Thank you for your hard work / It was a great live show"
• Incredible ── "That was a wonderful performance."
• I would love to play with you ── "I want to play music with you."
• Hablemos en Membo ── "Let's talk in Membo "

If you save these 35 basic phrases (5 in each of the 7 languages) in your smartphone's notes, you can access them instantly when needed. It doesn't matter if your pronunciation isn't perfect; simply conveying the effort to speak in your native language will dramatically increase the success rate of your initial conversation. While you can use Membo 's automatic translation (in Japanese, English, Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean) for text messages, the experience of hearing someone speak their native language in person is invaluable for building relationships.

Cultural Considerations: 5 Points – Distance and Manners

More than the words themselves, it's the sense of distance and manners that determine how relationships are built. Just as greeting cultures differ from country to country, the appropriate level of interaction in an initial conversation also varies by culture. This overlaps somewhat with the topic I touched on when discussing forming a band with foreign musicians , but I'll summarize five points to consider from the perspective of initial conversation.

① Physical distance – 1.2 meters is the standard.

While a typical conversational distance between Japanese people is 0.8-1.0 meters, people from Europe, North America , and South America tend to maintain a slightly longer "physical distance" during conversations . Maintaining a distance of around 1.2 meters when meeting someone for the first time will help to ease their tension. However, people from South America may hug or shake hands at closer distances, so it's important to read their signals.

② Timing ── Only when the opponent's movements are stopped

Talking to someone while they're packing up equipment, carrying instruments, or talking to a store clerk is annoying regardless of culture. You should wait for the moment when they stop what they're doing and take a breather . This is true even between Japanese people, but for someone with a language barrier, talking to them while they're doing something can be misinterpreted as an urgent matter, causing even more stress.

③ Topics that are okay to discuss and topics to avoid

Topics you can discuss: music, instruments, genres, live music venues, studios, favorite artists, recently listened-to music, instrument manufacturers. These are safe topics regardless of culture.

Topics to avoid: politics, religion, historical issues of their home country, specifying their country of origin, visa type, length of stay, income, and family structure. It's safer to discuss these topics only after the relationship has deepened and if the other person brings them up. This is also addressed in detail in the section on forming a band with foreign musicians , which discusses five common misunderstandings that can arise due to cultural differences.

④ How to accept "No" — With a smile, back off after one attempt.

When the other person says "I'm not interested," "I'm busy," or "I can't right now," the rule of thumb is to smile and back off after just one attempt . Leave with a simple "I'll come to your next live show" or "I'll check out your profile on Membo ." While it's common among Japanese people to press two or three times, doing so with a foreigner will likely result in being remembered as "pushy" or "someone who doesn't understand the culture."

Even if you get rejected once, if the other person remembers you, they might approach you when you meet again at a live music venue six months later. If you leave a profile , they can search for you if they become interested. Don't try to make it work the first time.

⑤ Etiquette for exchanging contact information: Prioritize using the platform.

When exchanging contact information, we prioritize using Membo 's profile URL or QR code over LINE, phone numbers, or email . There are three reasons for this.

• Privacy Protection : Membo uses an account-based system, so you don't have to share your real name or phone number with the other party.
• Automatic translation : Messages within Membo can be read in both languages if they are in the five supported languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean), eliminating the need to struggle with communicating in English on LINE.
• Record continuity : Membo 's message history is linked to your account, so even if the other person switches apps, your connection won't be lost.

Simply saying "Please message me on Membo " instantly provides the three assurances mentioned above. As mentioned in our "5 Ready-to-Use Member Recruitment Message Templates ," the safest approach is to start within the platform and then exchange direct contact information once trust has been established.

Why having a recording device is a good idea

When you first pique someone's interest, having a way to show them "what kind of music you play" greatly influences what happens next. There is no more powerful means of overcoming language barriers than music itself .

Five pieces of information that can be conveyed through a single recording.

• Your playing level : Your technique, tone, and groove will be conveyed instantly.
• Musical direction : Rock, jazz, funk, folk — we share a common sense of genre.
• Band configuration preference : Your activity style is revealed by whether you prefer solo recording, band recording, or home recording.
• Creative approach : Whether it's a cover song or an original, the degree of involvement in the arrangement, and the attention to detail in sound production are all evident.
• Seriousness : Just having a recording signals that you are "someone who is serious about music."

Where to store your recordings: SoundCloud or Bandcamp

The current global standard for sharing recordings is SoundCloud or Bandcamp . Both are used by musicians all over the world, and you can simply send a link, allowing the recipient to instantly play the recording on their smartphone.

For initiating a conversation with someone you're meeting for the first time, SoundCloud 's private link feature is the best option. A one-minute smartphone recording from the studio, or a 30-second jam session audio, is usually enough. It's far more practical to have a rough track ready to send immediately than to postpone releasing it while trying to create a perfect recording.

Let's also touch on the length of the recording. The ideal length for the first audio you send is between 30 and 90 seconds . Audio longer than 3 minutes raises the psychological hurdle for the recipient to play it. Audio shorter than 30 seconds doesn't convey the groove of the performance. One chorus recorded in the studio, or one loop of the chorus or the part before and after the chorus—this is perfect as the first audio. You can send longer, more professional audio after exchanging several messages with the other person and confirming that your musical tastes are generally compatible.

There's one key to recording audio: "Don't try to be artificial ." If you try to make the mix perfect or remove all the noise, you'll never be able to release it. Instead, audio that captures the atmosphere of the studio, the slightly loud drums, the occasional sound of fingers scraping on the bass—that kind of "live feel" makes it easier for someone meeting you for the first time to imagine what it would be like to make music with you . Live feel over a produced feel. That's the golden rule for your first audio.

Another benefit of having your own recordings is that it allows you to "see where your music currently stands." Updating your recordings every six months allows you to objectively see how your playing has changed. If you listen to your old recordings a year later and think, "That was bad," that's proof of growth. SoundCloud timestamps become a record of your musical journey, like the rings of a tree.

Add a link to your music in your Membo profile.

Membo profiles include a section for external links. By pasting your SoundCloud or Bandcamp URL here, you can simply say "Check out my profile" in your initial message, and the other person will see all your information, including your music. Our "5 Ready-to-Use Templates for Recruiting Members" also emphasizes the importance of including music links in your profile.

How to use the Membo Message function

In parallel with face-to-face communication, Membo's messaging function can be used as the "infrastructure for initial contact." Here, we will summarize the functional characteristics of Membo messaging and how to create a structure that is easy to read.

Multilingual automatic translation – bidirectional in 5 languages

Membo messages, even if written in Japanese by the sender, are automatically translated and displayed in the language the recipient is viewing. The same applies in reverse. Supported languages are ja (Japanese), en (English), zh (Simplified Chinese), zh-TW (Traditional Chinese), and ko (Korean). It can be used in parallel with Google Translate .

The key to maximizing the effectiveness of translation is to "break short sentences into bullet points." Translating a long sentence in one go often leads to misinterpretations of the context. Dividing it into three bullet points allows each line to be translated independently, resulting in higher accuracy. This is a common characteristic of machine translation in general, not just for musical terminology.

One more thing: proper nouns should also be written in English . Writing "Stratocaster (ストトキャスター)" instead of "ストトキャスター" will allow translation engines to process it more accurately. Remembering the English spellings of band names, artist names, instrument names, and studio names will significantly improve the accuracy of your messages. Wikipedia pages, such as music genre lists , can be used as English/Japanese bilingual dictionaries.

Message Template – An Easy-to-Read 3-Column Structure

When writing the initial greeting in a Membo message , the following three-part structure is the most likely to be read.

example:

"Hello. I saw your profile on Membo . I was drawn to your fingerstyle guitar recordings, especially the arrangement of the second track."

"I'm a bassist based in Tokyo, and I mainly play folk and indie rock. I like Joni Mitchell and Nick Drake, and I felt like our musical styles were similar."

"If you're interested, why not try a 30-minute studio session first? You can reply in either Japanese or English; Membo will translate it, so whichever is easier for you is fine."

A total of 5-7 sentences, taking about 1 minute to read. This is the optimal length for an initial online message. Too long and the recipient will close the page before reading; too short and your sincerity won't come across. We offer five copy-and-paste templates for recruiting band members , and a more detailed template collection for forming a band with foreign musicians .

Membo's search function – filter by region and keyword

On Membo 's recruitment page, you can filter listings by prefecture, posting period, and category (genre and instrument). While there isn't a button to filter by language, you can search for listings containing keywords like "English" or "英英語" (English). Search methods for the Tokyo , Osaka , and Kyoto areas are summarized in their respective articles.

Five common stumbling blocks

I've compiled five common pitfalls in initial communication and the lessons we can learn from them. These are slightly different from the examples of what *not* to do in Chapter 3. The examples of what *not* to do are "things you shouldn't do," while these are "things you did but didn't work as expected."

Lesson 1: Trying to prepare perfect English means missing the right timing to speak.

It's common to think, "I'll construct the perfect sentence in my head before I speak," and then the other person leaves. Lesson learned: Start by just saying "Hi" and "I really liked your show." The speed at which you can get in touch in the first 30 seconds is far more important than perfect English.

Lesson 2: Don't talk too much about your musical career.

If you try to get the other person interested by talking at length about your band history, instrument history, and favorite artists, they might lose interest midway through, and the conversation won't progress to exchanging messages. Lesson learned: For the first 30 seconds, focus on "listening to the other person." Only share a short piece of your own story when they ask a question.

Lesson 3: Don't invite them to a live show or studio session too soon, or you'll make them cautious.

Making invitations too early, such as "Come to my live show next week" or "Want to go to the studio tomorrow?", can put the other person off, as they might think, "I don't want to make plans with someone I don't know yet." Lesson learned: Start by just exchanging Membo profiles . Invite them to the studio or a live show after exchanging 2-3 messages, and they'll be more likely to accept.

Lesson 4: Don't judge someone's musical tastes based on their country of origin.

For example, if you bring up K-pop after hearing that someone is from South Korea, the conversation won't connect if they're primarily into indie rock and have no interest in K-pop. Lesson learned: Country of origin does not equal musical style . Stereotypes like "Americans play rock," "Koreans play K-pop," or "Indians play the sitar" are signs that you're not seeing them as a musician. Start conversations about music by looking at their profile or listening to their music.

Lesson 5: Don't send multiple messages when you don't get a reply.

If you don't get a reply to your first message, and then send a second message asking "Did you read it?" and a third message asking "Was it inconvenient?", you'll make the other person wary. Lesson learned: If you reach out once and don't get a response, wait 2-3 months . During that time, update your music or try collaborating with other people, and when the situation has changed, reach out again for a natural reconnection. Trying the approaches discussed in "5 points to review when you don't get a reply when recruiting members" before reconnecting will dramatically improve the quality of your second message.

Waiting two or three months is also a sign of respect for the other person's mental space. The other person knew you were waiting for a reply but had a reason for not being able to respond. They might be busy with work, busy with another band, or they opened the message but missed the opportunity to reply—the reasons vary, but all are worthy of respect. Things change with time. Two or three months later, they might even reply saying, "I'm sorry I couldn't reply back then."

These five lessons all stem from the same root: respecting the other person's time and space. Instead of the person initiating contact being pushy, the relationship should develop at the other person's pace. Membo supports this pacing with its message timing and translation features.

Having bandmates with whom you can share your failures is invaluable.

After reading these five lessons, even if you've made similar mistakes in the past, there's absolutely no need to feel guilty. You don't need to expect perfection on your first approach. What's important is having bandmates with whom you can share your failures. Having relationships where you can laugh and say, "That approach back then was a failure, wasn't it?" will ultimately elevate your approach skills to the next level.

Building a relationship where you can laugh at failures requires that first word. So, use the phrases in this article and try saying that first word tonight at the live music venue, tomorrow at the studio, or next week at the music store. It's okay to fail. In fact, failures provide material to talk about later.

Summary ── The first word should be preparation, not courage.

Thank you for reading this article to the end. On the theme of "Initial Approach to Foreign Musicians," I've covered everything from 30 phrases for different situations, 5 examples of what *not* to do, variations in 7 languages, cultural considerations, the use of recordings, the Membo messaging function, and lessons learned from mistakes. Finally, I'd like to leave you with three important messages.

① The first words you say are determined not by courage, but by preparation.

Preparation involves: reading 30 phrases for different situations, memorizing basic greetings in 7 languages, uploading one audio track to SoundCloud , setting up your Membo profile , and having a QR code that can be displayed on your smartphone. Just doing this will make your first approach dramatically easier.

② By simply avoiding the 5 examples of what NOT to do, you'll be halfway to success.

Avoid starting with "Do you speak English?", don't ask about their country of origin first, don't criticize from a condescending perspective, don't immediately ask for their contact information, and don't delve into political, religious, or historical issues—simply avoiding these five things will prevent more than half of the initial conversation failures. For the remaining half, just compliment their music specifically and show them your own music and Membo profile .

③ Membo provides infrastructure to alleviate the pressure of the first word.

Before getting flustered in person, get to know the other person through their profile. Instead of worrying about the privacy of exchanging LINE IDs, you can message them through their account. Even if you're not good at English, automatic translation can help. Half of the preparation can be covered by perfecting your profile .

Next step

• Register with Membo and complete your profile —include your language skills, favorite artists, and music links.
• Post your job opening on Membo —it's automatically translated into 5 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean), so it reaches foreign musicians in Japan who speak those languages.
• Forming a band with foreign musicians — Proceed to the practical guide after forming the band
• 5 Ready-to-Use Templates for Member Recruitment Messages – Membo Message Template Collection
• Five points to review when you don't receive a reply : The improvement cycle after contacting someone.
• A Foreigner's Guide to Finding Band Members in Japan ── Sharing an English-language guide for foreigners in Japan with applicants
• How to recruit band members in all 47 prefectures of Japan : Regional strategies

"The first word requires preparation, not courage"—remember this sentence and head to the live music venue tomorrow. Your first words might open a door that changes someone's musical life. And beyond that door, friends you've never met are quietly waiting for your words. Membo will provide you with the key to open that door as lightly as possible.

As related articles to this article, please also check out "Forming a Band with Foreign Musicians – A Practical Guide to Overcoming Language Barriers," " 5 Ready-to-Use Templates for Recruiting Band Members," "5 Points to Review When You Don't Get Replies to Your Band Recruitment Post, " " A Foreigner's Guide to Finding Band Members in Japan," and "How to Recruit Band Members in All 47 Prefectures . " Help pages and author profiles are also available.