What's Up! Magazine

Shonen Knife illustration by Riley Hoonan

On Monday, Oct. 26 one of the greatest international, underground bands of all-time invades The Nightlight for an amazing $9 cover. Shonen Knife is an influential all-female Japanese pop-punk band formed in Osaka, Japan in 1981. Heavily influenced by 1960s girl groups, pop bands, The Beach Boys, and early punk rock acts such as The Ramones, the trio crafts stripped-down songs expressing infectious, exuberant lyrics and melodies sung both in Japanese and English. Despite their pop-oriented nature, the trio maintains a distinctly underground, garage rock sound rooted in edgy instrumentation and D.I.Y. aesthetics, which over the course of their 27-year career has earned them solid, worldwide cult following and made avid fans out of ’90s acts such as Nirvana and Sonic Youth. The band has been credited with making “the international pop underground more international” by opening up the scene to bands from Japan. I recently had the good fortune to interview Naoko Yamano, guitarist, lead singer and founding member of Shonen Knife. Here you go…

Boris Budd: As one of the great international underground bands of all time, you guys have had an opportunity to tour the globe. Where is Shonen Knife’s favorite place to play and what was the number one most memorable show of the band’s illustrious career?

Naoko: My favorite place to play is our home town Osaka. We can play and relax.

Every show is memorable for me. I think when I played at Reading Festival in England in 1992 it was memorable because it was my first big rock festival. I was very excited to be in front of a huge audience. Another impressive show is our 500th show. It was in San Diego in 2007. Our fans celebrated us. I was very happy about that.

BB: Describe the recording process for Shonen Knife. How does the band develop material now as opposed to 25 years ago?

Naoko: The process of writing songs [have] not changed so much but our drummer and bassist are new members and sound production changed a little.

BB: Tell us about the new record Super Group.

Naoko: New members are very energetic and fresh. It means the sound became more ROCK.

BB: Who are Shonen Knife’s main influences and how have they changed from record to record?

Naoko: In these few years I’m influenced by 70’s British Hard Rock and 70’s American Rock. I especially like Judas Priest and Black Sabbath. I think some songs are influenced by them.

BB: Along with groups like Weezer and Green Day , Shonen Knife’s work transcends generations. Rock Animals is a vital record in my house and “The Buttercup Song” from The Powerpuff Girls’ record gets me every time. In reference to your own catalogue, what is your favorite work?

Naoko: It’s too hard to choose one. Every album is my favorite. Now I recommend you our latest album Super Group.

BB: When did the group realize that Shonen Knife had the potential to be huge?

Naoko: I can’t realize it but I always like to play music and make fun songs. I don’t think we are huge. I’m happy if people enjoy our music.

BB: What can fans expect from Shonen Knife in the future?

Naoko: I like to continue to make interesting songs and play. We are recording for a new album, too.

BB: SK is one of the hardest working groups in the modern era. What motivates you guys to constantly tour the world over and over?

Naoko: Support from our fans and staff.

BB: What advice can you give to three girls who want to start a punk rock band and become international superstars?

Naoko: Make unique music.

Catch Shonen Knife on Oct. 26 at the Nightlight. For more about the band, visit shonenknife.com.