Lorna Irvine speaks with Shonen Knife's lead singer Naoko Yamano about music, the recording process, touring and cats.
Since they formed in 1981, garage punk trio Shonen Knife have been one of Japan's most successful exports, particularly after one Kurt Cobain famously said of them, ''I went to see them and was transformed into screaming like a hysterical little nine year old girl at a Beatles concert...They make pop... pop......pop music". Other famous fans include John Peel, Sonic Youth and Eugene Kelly. Their music is constantly evolving, is humorous and clever, and has recently taken a heavier, rockier direction. Recent sessions for 6 Music's Marc Riley have brought their euphoric sound to a whole new audience. I caught up with witty lead singer and original founding member Naoko Yamano ahead of their latest big Australian tour, and got some fascinating and candid responses.
Lorna Irvine: Do you ever get fed-up with being compared to other female punk bands?
Naoko Yamano: No, never. Because we are very unique and special.
LI: How long is your recording process? The songs always sound so immediate and fresh.
NY: I start writing songs after I book the recording studio because I'm lazy and I can't keep writing new songs. Anyway, I took between one and three days for writing one song. It means that it took one or two months for writing new songs. For recording, we take two weeks, including mixing it down. First, we record the guide track - after listening to that, we record rhythm tracks, then add guitar and vocals.
LI: Who are you listening to at the moment? Any Japanese bands to recommend to the readers?
NY: I listen to 70s English hard rock bands like Judas Priest and Black Sabbath and I like to listen to Pilot, a Scottish band. For Japanese bands, I recommend Extruders. They are very underground, but unique.
LI: You are just about to embark on a tour of Australia. I was just wondering where your favourite places to play are?
NY: I love every city where I can play. If I choose just one city, people from other cities get sad.
LI: Your most recent album Overdrive has a much heavier, chunkier sound. Is this an indication of a new direction for you?
NY: Our previous album Free Time was a punk album. Pop Tune was a pop album. I was wondering, 'what's next?' I chose British and American hard rock for the theme of the album. I wanted to make something new. I don't know for the next album, but I'd like to find an interesting theme.
LI: Finally, as a cat lover I was wondering why you are obsessed with cats so much, too?!
NY: I just love cats. They are so cute and selfish. I like that.
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/damnably/sets/shonen-knife
Website: www.shonenknife.net
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