Shonen Knife is an all-female Japanese pop-punk band formed in Osaka in 1981.
Heavily influenced by 1960s girl groups, pop and ‘70s rock as well as early punk-rock bands such as The Ramones and Buzzcocks, the trio crafts stripped-back melodies with simple and catchy lyrics in Japanese and English.
Credited with opening up the international pop market to Japanese and international underground bands, their prolific discography includes over 20 albums, with the recently released ‘Overdrive’ receiving critical acclaim. With over 30 years’ experience performing and recording, the band continues to influence music throughout Japan and the world.
Vocalist/ guitarist Naoko Yamano talks about ‘Overdrive’ and teaching Kurt Cobain one of her own song chords.
What was it like growing up in Japan in the ‘60s/ ‘70s?
It was the period that Japanese economy was rapidly growing. In 1970, EXPO ’70 was held in Osaka which was a kind of sensation for people. The designs of pavilion and the uniform of the staff were ‘70s retro future. Young people’s fashion were influenced by the hippie movement. I was a child who has grown up in a rather conservative family in an old Japanese style wooden house.
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How different is the mainstream music in Japan from elsewhere in the world?
Usually J-pop, J-rock is sung in Japanese. Japanese language and English are different by the syllables. After all, the melody lines became different. It’s difficult to explain, though. Idols are very popular, too.
Is it more common for Japanese musicians to sing in English, Japanese or both – like Shonen Knife?
No, it isn’t. Most Japanese bands sing in Japanese. It’s important to make the listeners understand the meaning of the lyrics. Japanese population is more than 127,300,000. The music market is huge. It isn’t necessary to sing in English for the mainstream.
Are there many other all-female rock bands in Japan?
Yes, there are. There are many young all-girl bands. The number of women who keep playing music after having babies is not so many, though.
‘Overdrive’ is Shonen Knife’s 19th album, in what ways has your music progressed since your debut album ‘Burning Farm’?
I think my progress might be very slow if I compare with other people because I’m lazy and clumsy, but I progressed day by day. Of course the basic, rock spirit never changed.
‘Burning Farm’ was originally released on cassette and ‘Overdrive’ is available for digital download – how do you think technology is changing the industry?
In Japan, the CD is still common. In the US and UK, vinyl is getting popular again. I think it’s good thing that people can choose from various alternatives.
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You toured with Nirvana in 1993, can you tell us any stories from the road on that trip?
We opened for the Nirvana tour in 1991 in the UK and 1993 in the US. Members were so kind to us. During the UK tour, I taught the guitar chords of my song ‘Twist Barbie’ to Kurt [Cobain]. He played that song at a secret gig. He mastered the song so quickly. When Nirvana came to Japan, we had dinner together in Osaka. Nirvana and Shonen Knife had a gig on the same night in Osaka. Nirvana’s show finished early and all members came to our club to see us. But many Nirvana fans followed them and so many people were at the front door of our club, the neighbors of the club claimed. It was a funny memory.
You do have a lot of cat songs - ‘I Am A Cat’, ‘Catnip Dream’, ‘Giant Kitty’, ‘Riding On The Rocket’ and now ‘Like A Cat’. Is there something about Cats we should know about?
I love animals especially cats. I like to write songs which I like. I have many food songs, too. ‘Cat’ is one of it.
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How different is it on tour now than it was 25 years ago?
It got easy and casual for me to go overseas. I also have information very easily through internet. My English got better than 25 years ago and got easy to communicate with others overseas.
Have you made any new year’s resolutions for 2015?
Keep on rockin’!
Shonen Knife Australia Tour 2015
Sat 17 Jan – MONA FOMA Faux Mo (Hobart)Sun 18 Jan – MONA FOMA (Hobart)
Wed 21 Jan – Astor Lounge (Perth)
Thurs 22 Jan – Jive (Adelaide)
Fri 23 Jan – Gallery Of Modern Art's Future Beauty Up Late (Brisbane)
Sun 24 Jan – The Factory (Sydney)
Sun 25 Jan – The Ding Dong Lounge (Melbourne)
