Introducing BLACK RECORDS: A Revolutionary Music Experience
On September 16, 2025, BMSG, the innovative management and label company founded by the renowned artist SKY-HI, unveiled a groundbreaking concept in the music industry: the world's first record store devoid of cover art, aptly named
BLACK RECORDS. This unique store, located at the former site of Sanchiri in Shibuya, Tokyo, will remain open until September 22, 2025. By eliminating visual stimuli associated with album covers, BLACK RECORDS invites patrons to rediscover the essence of music through pure sound.
BMSG’s mission, “to not kill talent,” has driven its determination to revolutionize Japan’s music scene and build a sustainable music business since its establishment in 2020. With the anticipation of their 5th anniversary on September 18, BMSG is transforming Shibuya into an art installation gallery through
BMSG STREET GALLERY, running from September 17 to 23. BLACK RECORDS is a significant part of this project, reflecting the company's ethos and inviting attendees to engage in an artistic auditory experience.
The concept behind BLACK RECORDS focuses on removing all preconceived notions and visual cues associated with music, allowing individuals to connect with songs on an auditory level. This radical approach aims to create serendipitous encounters with music that might only be discovered through chance, promoting a profound, experimental engagement with sound.
Prior to the event, social media buzz hinted at excitement regarding the chance to reconnect with the physicality of music through vinyl records, and the novelty of engaging in musical experiences without external distractions. Voices from the public have highlighted the intriguing nature of such an immersive auditory experience.
The Experience at BLACK RECORDS
At BLACK RECORDS, attendees can select their favorite records from the displays and receive exclusive merchandise related to their chosen track. This unique listening experience will require prior booking starting from September 18, ensuring that every visitor has their chance to connect with music intimately.
- - First Floor Experience: Visitors will choose a record and receive a unique item that features a QR code, enabling them to listen to their selected song.
- - Basement Experience: In a special listening room, visitors can experience records firsthand and will receive a corresponding novelty after returning the record.
Furthermore, BLACK RECORDS will also showcase unreleased tracks exclusive to attendees, providing a rare chance to experience unique content. SKY-HI expresses his vision, stating, “I want to pursue the pure enjoyment of music without compromise. The brilliance of this space is in how it allows us to revisit our relationship with music and the societal elements surrounding it.”
Event Information
- - Location: Former Sanchiri Site, Jinnan 1-23-8, Shibuya, Tokyo
- - Duration: September 16 - 22, 2025
- - Hours:
- Sept 16: 18:00 - 21:00
- Sept 17: 13:00 - 19:00
- Sept 18 - 21: 11:00 - 19:00
- Sept 22: 11:00 - 16:30
- - Admission: Free, with reservations needed for experiences from September 17 onwards.
Booking for experiences will commence on September 18 at 8:00 AM, available on a first-come, first-served basis. More details regarding reservations can be found on the designated booking site.
Conclusion
BMSG is committed to evolving the music industry and fostering a culture in which talent thrives and music can be appreciated in new ways. The BLACK RECORDS initiative represents a pivotal moment in how we engage with music, marking not only BMSG's five-year journey but also the continuous evolution of the music experience in Japan. Don't miss your chance to be part of this revolutionary project.