Shonen Knife ALIVE! In Pittsburgh –

Alive and Well with Shonen Knife’s Naoko Yamano

Interview conducted on August 22, 2018

by Daniel Locke

Shonen Knife Members

Naoko Yamano – Vocal and Guitar
Ritsuko Taneda – Bass and Vocal
Atsuko Yamano – Gutar and Vocal
Risa Kawano – Drums and Vocal

The most legendary Japanese punk band in the world, Shonen Knife, is coming back to the states and you can see them at Spirit on September 4th!

For almost 40 years Shonen Knife has been lighting up dives and concert halls in Japan and the states – they design their own colorful pop costumes, jump into the spotlight, hoist up their banners, and play their fast and furious bubblegum tunes with the most faultless rock and roll spirit I’ve ever seen.

They’re about to head out on their ALIVE! In The USA Tour which is in support of their newest live DVD/CD ALIVE! In Osaka. They’re bringing the hometown spirit with them, and will even have limited edition art at the show that says “ALIVE! In Pittsburgh”.

How did the band start?

Naoko Yamano: I wanted to do some creative activities when I was young. I was inspired by the Beatles in my teenage then started to listen to punk-pop bands like Buzzcocks or Ramones. I invited our original bassist Michie and my sister Atsuko to form the band. Shonen Knife is a brand name of pencil knife. Shonen means boy in Japanese. I thought the shape of Kanji and Katakana characters and the meaning. The impression is cute and dangerous.

Shonen Knife started in 1981. How had music chance over the years?

We were improved and progressed year by year. I can’t judge myself but if people listen to our early albums and the latest ones, they can tell.

What is the music scene like in Osaka Japan?

There are many local bands. Roughly classified, there are bands who follow the major scene of Tokyo and underground independent bands.

How do you descript your music?

The Unique fun creative band which inspired by 70’s and a bit of 60’s American and British Rock.

What is your favorite brand of instrument you enjoy playing on stage?

In the US, I use Daisy Rock Guitars. The design of the guitars is very cute! In Japan, I use my custom made Fujigen guitar. I sometimes use Gibson Flying V. I like Rickenbacker, too.

Back in the 80’s, the band was influenced by bands like The Beach Boys and Ramones. What music influence the band now?

Actually I don’t listen to The Beach Boys so much. Our manager in 90’s loved it, though. I liked the Beatles a lot in the 80’s.
Recently I like to listen to Funk, Soul, Disco music. Earth Wind & Fire, Con Funk Shun, Slave, Isley Brothers, Michael Jackson like that I don’t know they influence the band. I always like Judas Priest. It may inspire me.

How was it to play Lollapalooza back in 1994? And do you think it is different now?

I enjoyed the Lollapalooza in 1994. Green Day was just breaking. I don’t follow Lollapalooza now. I don’t know about it.

ALIVE! in Osaka. Why did you decide to release a live album?

10 years have passed since our former live album, Live in Osaka. It was a good time to release a new one, wasn’t it?

Yes it was.  You recorded “Raindrops keep falling on my Head” What did Burt Bacharach (the songwriter) think of your version?

I hope Mr. Burt Bacharach like it.

How did you go about getting the song “Buttercup” onto the cartoon network?

I’ve heard that the creator of The Powerpuff Girls Craig McCracken likes Shonen Knife and we got an offer to write a theme song for Buttercup from Cartoon Network. I didn’t know it but Cartoon Network people sent many goods regarding it and I got to know it.

A lot of your songs are about food. Why?

Eating delicious food is a universal interest, right?

How did you find out that Kurt Cobain from Nirvana was one of your biggest fans?

We were requested to do their front act for their UK tour 1991 by the band. I didn’t know them at that time.

How was it to tour with Nirvana?

The tour with them was so fun. It was our first long overseas tour and we didn’t get used to but all members of Nirvana was so kind to us.

How did you get involved Robby Takac from the Goo Goo Dolls?

He owns a record label called Good Charamel Records in Buffalo NY. I was asked to play the guitar and backing vocal for a recording of a band called Juliet Dagger who released an album by Good Charamel. It was the start to know each other. I think it was about 10 years ago.

How is it doing a concert in Buffalo, NY?

Because it is the hometown of our label, Good Charamel Records.

What do you think of Anime (Japanese animation)?

I love Japanese Anime. I sometimes watch Anime movies like Your Name or The Boy and the Beast.

Have you ever had the chance to play a concert with Guitar Wolf or Baby Metal?

We have played with Guitar Wolf in Japan.

What are some of your favorite girl bands?

Yellow Machinegun.

Where do you see the band 10 years from now?

Hmmm… I can’t imagine so far.

Thank you for talking to Unrated.

 

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Photo Gallery from Unratedmagazine

Shonen Knife – Chicago 2011

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Shonen Knife -Chicago 2005

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Shonen Knife – Chicago 2014

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Shonen Knife – Chicago 2010

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Shonen Knife – Chicago 2007

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