Music > Interviews
Shonen Knife
25/03/16
Together since 1981, with 20 albums and many line up changes under their belt, Japan's most famous punk rock exports Shonen Knife are still making incredible music and wowing the crowds around the world with their cray live shows. I grabbed a quick chat with lead singer and original member Naoko about tennis, food and one of their most famous fans, Kurt Cobain ahead of their Norwich Arts Centre show.
So you’ve been together since 1981. When you started out there was a distinct lack of all-female bands. How hard was it to be taken seriously when you began the band?
I never felt a distinct lack. At our underground scene in Japan, there was no distinction.
Who has influenced you lost over the years musically and hich acts do you really like in 2016?
I love the Beatles and I like Pilot.
Your lyrical content ranges from riding bikes to food to insect collecting. In fact, a lot of your songs are about food..why is that?
Food is very important for human beings and I like to eat delicious food. Many bands are singing about love or social problems but I’m ashamed to sing about love. I don’t like to sing about social problems. Because I want people to be happy through our music; I don’t want to listen to sad, angry songs.
As you’ve got older do you find you want to sing songs about other subjects compared to when you were younger?
When I was young, I often sang about sweets but I can make songs about even Wasabi.
You were inspirational to many 90’s rock artists. What was it like for you when you first went to LA to play with Thurston Moore and Red Kross in the late ‘80’s?
Everything was very new for me. I first went to LA in 1989, a long time ago. I don’t remember it well but I enjoyed LA very much. I didn’t understand English much at that time...if I had understood more, I could have enjoyed it more.
Kurt Cobain was a huge fan of your music. Where you aware of just how big Nirvana were when he asked you to be support on the UK tour?
I didn’t know Nirvana when we were asked to be a support band for them. After we went to the UK, I noticed they were very popular.
You’ve had a lot of line up changes through the years, with you the only remaining original member. Has it been difficult to find the right women for Shonen Knife?
It’s very difficult to find. I like to play with women who understand Shonen Knife. We're easy to play with. Even if I could find the right woman, it's sometimes difficult to continue in the band for her because of marriage, maternity or childcare.
You’ve released 20 albums. How would you say your sound has changed over those releases, and do you have a favourite album?
My favourite album is the newest one, Adventure. When I started the band, we were more primitive but we improved day by day. Our sound has changed from thin to thick.
What are your special skills when you’re not making music together?
I like to play tennis a lot. I have tennis lessons at home and play with my friends. I also like to watch men’s pro tennis matches.
You’re coming to play Norwich, our city, on your 35th anniversary tour. What’s the best thing about visiting other cities and countries on tour?
I’m looking forward to seeing our fans and to eat delicious food on tour.
What do you miss about Japan when you are away?
I don’t miss about Japan so much. I miss having spare time for playing tennis.
Your latest album, Adventure, is really good. How does it work for you writing songs together? Does one person write the lyrics and another the music?
Thanks so much! I write all the lyrics and music. I’m lazy and I usually can’t complete songs before recording. But I could for this time. I spent three months writing songs. We had plenty of rehearsal time at the studio before recording.
What’s been Shonen Knife’s best moment as a band so far?
Every time I play on stage in front of Shonen Knife fans is my best moment.
Shonen Knife play Norwich Arts Centre on 23rd April. Tickets available from http://norwichartscentre.co.uk.