12 January 2024 – interview by Bec Harbour
Shonen Knife are a punk-pop from Japan and they have been making music for over 40 years. Many of us Gen-X kids found them when Nirvana toured with them and also the Carpenters tribute album If I Were a Carpenter and their gorgeous take on ‘Top of the World’. They have just released their album Our Best Place last year and have been touring for this. I had a quick email interview with Naoko (vocals/guitar) and we talked about being in an all-female band, how Our Best Place is leaning back toward the early Shonen Knife sound and what we can expect on their upcoming Australian tour.
Bec – Japanese rock music is having a moment out in the rest of the world with Otoboke Beaver, BabyMetal and Hanabie recently having sold out shows in Australia – the music scene in Japan has always been big (I have always rated Japanese people as being massive music fans) why do you think now is the time for Japanese bands to make it big on the world stage?
Naoko: I can’t analyze the trends because I’m not a music critic or writer. I don’t agree to categorize the bands by nationality. Each band has each character and music is very different. But if people in Australia are interested in Japan, I’m very happy.
Bec – My first exposure to Shonen Knife was the compilation If I Were a Carpenter (which I bought for the Sonic Youth, Babes in Toyland and Redd Kross covers). What brought you to do this compilation? (I also think that ‘Top of the World’ was perfect for you and I loved it) Did this compilation open doors around the world for you?
Naoko: Thank you for listening our cover of ‘Top of the World’. I’m contented with the arrangement of our version. Shonen Knife were invited from the project. I respect Carpenters. They have very pop beautiful songs. Not only If I were a Carpenter but releasing our first cassette album from K records in Washington, US in 1985 or touring with Nirvana in 1991 and 1993 open doors to the world.
Bec – What was it like back in 1981 when you first got started with all female groups being something of an anomaly in Japan? Was it hard to get shows? Did you ever think why on earth am I doing this? What was the turning point?
Naoko: As being a female band, I’ve never felt difficulties. It’s rather an advantage. Shonen Knife members are all female and it can be prominent with matching outfit. Many boys’ bands invite us to play with shows. We never booked shows by ourselves until we release albums from major labels. We are always invited to play. Just one thing, carrying heavy equipment is hard for us as female.
Bec – Shonen Knife in various incarnations/line-ups has been going for over 40 years – what still surprises and delights you about the music world and fans?
Naoko: Every member including former members have good characters. Thanks to such members, I can continue the band. Now, I can play with the original member Atsuko, my younger sister, original drummer and present bassist, it’s easy and fun to play. She also designs our stage costumes. She has talented for it. Our present drummer Risa is very younger than us and have much power for drumming. Her character helps our performance a lot.
Bec – You have just released Our Best Place – talk us through the new album, you have been playing it for a while now – favourite songs to play live?
Naoko: I think Our Best Place has early pure Shonen Knife taste and our typical punk-pop taste also includes new part. It is the best album of us so far. I love to play ‘MUJINTO ROCK’ which is pop cheerful song. Nice Day is 60’s taste fun song. ‘Vamos Taquitos’ is about Mexican food and it became a new part of us. I enjoy playing new songs on stage.
Bec – Upcoming Australian tour – what can we expect from Shonen Knife live?
Naoko: We will play new songs and best hit songs with new costumes for the tour. I promise that our audience get happy with our music! Let’s have fun together at our shows!
Shonen Knife are bringing their Best Place tour to Australia in February 2024 – tickets available now (See below).
WED 21 FEB – gold coast kombumerri VINNIE’S DIVE BAR
plus special guests – doors 7.30pm. Tickets at vinniesdive.oztix.com.au
THUR 22 FEB – brisbane meanjin FELON’S BARREL HALL
plus special guests – doors 7.30pm. Tickets at www.oztix.com.au
FRI 23 FEB – canberra ngunnawal ngambri THE BASEMENT
plus special guests – doors 7.00pm. Tickets at thebasementcanberra.oztix.com.au
SAT 24 FEB – sydney gadigal CROWBAR
plus special guests – doors 7.30pm. Tickets at crowbarsyd.oztix.com.au
SUN 25 FEB – hobart nipaluna MONA FOMA
plus MICHAEL ROTHER & FRIENDS PLAY NEU, WEDNESDAY & LITTLE UGLY GIRLS
Doors 2.30pm. Tickets at monafoma.net.au
WED 28 FEB – melbourne naarm THE CORNER
plus special guests – doors 7.30pm. Tickets at tickets.cornerhotel.com
THUR 29 FEB – adelaide kaurna THE GOV
plus special guests – doors 7.30pm. Tickets at thegovfb.oztix.com.au
FRI 1 MAR – margaret river wadandi THE RIVER
plus special guests – doors 9.00pm. Tickets at theriver.oztix.com.au
SAT 2 MAR – perth boorloo MILK BAR
plus special guests – doors 7.00pm. Tickets at milkbar.oztix.com.au
