U.S. Based Music Circles... are there any?

[The Emerald Tengu]

We all know a couple doujin music groups from japan or europe or elsewhere, but I wanna know if there are any touhou music circles based in the U.S. that I can listen to. Support the small local guys here, y'know?

[Pinky Cat]

I only have one circle that I can say is definitely based in the US: Find Your Way. This circle has been active since 2013 releasing Touhou albums and their music is great as best as I can describe in my music-limited language.

Though, there also Boston Touhou Gakudan, a defunct circle formed by Japanese students while they studied at the Berklee College of Music. It worth taking a listen to Sakura Nocturna, with lovely vocals for the first track and jazz for the rest of the album.

Edited December 21, 2024 by Pinky Cat

[Ken Hisuag]

Depends on what you consider a "circle;" considering the term is technically a shortening of "doujin circle," it's not technically accurate to use the term in reference to western groups in general. Also, you might be surprised at how many Japanese circles only have one member; the term does not necessarily indicate a group, and may be more of a marketing gimmick. I am no expert on the subject, but I believe there are other threads on the forum that have gone into more detail on what the "doujin scene" actually is.

[The Emerald Tengu]

17 hours ago, Ken Hisuag said:

Depends on what you consider a "circle;" considering the term is technically a shortening of "doujin circle," it's not technically accurate to use the term in reference to western groups in general. Also, you might be surprised at how many Japanese circles only have one member; the term does not necessarily indicate a group, and may be more of a marketing gimmick. I am no expert on the subject, but I believe there are other threads on the forum that have gone into more detail on what the "doujin scene" actually is.

I guess just "band" or "artist" works too in the western sense. I'll probably go dive into some other threads later, thanks for the heads up.

[vanyk]

As Ken Hisuag noticed "doujin circle" is not a proper name for Western groups, because there are cultural, economical and legal differences between doujin circles and Western (indie) groups. Briefly, there is a culture with their loose/unspoken rules, *most* circles rely only on their self-funds (and as it is expensive hobby, most circles are active only for 1-3 years), and doujin circles have less legal limitations than indie groups.
But if you are interested in USA Touhou music groups, there is a list by THBWiki: https://thwiki.cc/分类:美国社团 , there are a lot of misic groups, but most of them are not doujin circles.
Interesting fact: there is a Japanese map of Touhou University circles and there is one USA University circle: Hourai Teahouse.

17 hours ago, Ken Hisuag said:

the term does not necessarily indicate a group, and may be more of a marketing gimmick.

Somewhat yes, but it is just a traditional name. When doujin sphere was only forming most of circles were circles of friends or family members. But nowadays at least for 15 years most of circles are personal circles (one-man circles).