Category Archives: POP BIZ Ltd

CD REVIEWS

“SoSaLa is angry and letting it out here, his band punk-rocking slowly, churning, pounding, throbbing… Mr. Shimizu’s rubbery fretless bass is often at the center of these throbbing, post-punk diatribes…Although the vibe here is unsettling and at times disturbing, it is also heartfelt in describing what many of us feel about the injustices of life then and now as well. I lived throughout and dug this era of Creative Music in many ways, way back when. ” Review by Bruce Gallanther (Downtown Music Gallery, August 21, 2025)

“In addition to being a vibrant slice of nostalgia, 1994-Live at CBGB highlights a unique period in this multifaceted artist’s output, making for a rewarding listening experience and serving as a superb introduction to Saadat’s work and the sounds of the legendary venue.” – Review by Hrayr Attarian (All About Jazz), March 29, 2025

“These and the other tracks almost conjure a fantasy for me. It’s one where avant-garde sax great Albert Ayler didn’t meet his end in the East River but stayed alive and well and became a part of CBGB’s high-energy punk and No Wave community.” Review by Sal Cataldi (NYS MUSIC), February 22, 2025

“SoSaLa’s latest album, 1994, was released recently. It’s really great No Wave music from this NY-based music activist. Here’s my brief album review.” <ahref=”https://www.scottishjazzspace.co.uk/sosalas-latest-album-1994-was-released-recently-its-really-great-no-wave-music-from-this-ny-based-music-activist-heres-my-brief-album-review/” Review by Fiona Mactaggart (Scottish Jazz Space ), January 23, 2025

“Listening to this album, one relives the days of an earlier age when musicians fearlessly experimented with forms and concepts. Where old rules were broken, and new ones were being written – and broken. Sadato had the vision and balls to introduce No Wave into the Japanese independent rock music scene and make it work.” –  Review by Dawoud Kringle (DooBeeDooBeeDoo NY), December 17th, 2024

POP BIZ

POP BIZ Ltd History

POP BIZ Ltd. was a prominent independent music company based in Tokyo that operated from 1993 to 2008. Founded by musician and entrepreneur Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi (also known as Sadato or SoSaLa), the company served as a major bridge for the import and distribution of international music in Japan.
Business Profile & Activities
During its 15 years of operation, POP BIZ Ltd. engaged in several key areas of the music industry:
  • Distribution & Import: The company primarily imported CDs and vinyl from Europe and the US, distributing between 8,000 and 10,000 units per week to major Japanese retailers like Tower Records and Cisco.
  • Record Label: Operated an independent label, POP BIZ Rec, which released works by international and local artists.
  • Publishing: The company published the paper music magazine DOO BEE DOO BEE DOO.
  • Events: It produced the DOO BEE FES, an international world music festival.
  • Artist Management: POP BIZ managed a roster of artists, including the founder’s own musical projects.
Historical Contact Information
  • Headquarters: T&T Bldg. 3F, 3-26-7 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151, Japan.
  • Founder: Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi, an Iranian-born, German-raised musician who lived in Japan for over 20 years before relocating to New York in 2008.
Note: Since the company officially ceased operations in 2008, the information below often refers to the founder’s subsequent projects, such as DooBeeDoo Records and the nonprofit organization Musicians For Musicians (MFM).

POP BIZ Records Releases

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