Shonen Knife is a group that has truly transcended both the naturally conceived limits of time and geographical location when it comes to creative output. The Japanese all-girl pop-punk band has been around longer than some of today’s up-and-coming artists have even been alive and totes a fandom reaching the lofty likes of Sonic Youth and Nirvana. Channelling their favorite acts like Ramones and The Beach Boys, the trio has cemented their worldwide legacy with their simplistic yet catchy lyrics and their sharp and pointed instrumentation.
The sole original member from the band, Naoko Yamano, briefly chatted with us about Shonen Knife’s latest work Overdrive and her view on both the Japanese and American music scene. She also has some personal recommendations on all manner of things to share with you lucky readers.
Allston Pudding: With Overdrive, what went into the decision of singing (almost) entirely in English rather than Japanese?
Naoko Yamano: [The] Japanese version of Overdrive includes 3 Japanese lyrics songs but basically I think English is a language of Rock music. I’m inspired by American and British rock and I prefer English.
AP: As a band with such a long history in the Japanese music industry, how would you characterize it in comparison to the rest of the world?
NY: I just want to make people happy through our music. [The] Japanese music scene is very different from America.
AP: What is an example of an underrated band in Japan that doesn’t get enough love in America?
NY: I like Extruders. They are so unique. They are [a] very underground band.
AP: Who has been your favorite US band to tour with so far?
NY: CJ Ramone and Redd Kross.
AP: What underground venue do you think a foreign music lover should visit while in Osaka?
AP: Do you have a funny cat video from the Internet that you’d like to share with us?
NY:
AP: What’s your favorite kind of pudding?
NY: Green tea pudding.
Check out Shonen Knife tonight at The Middle East Downstairs when they play with CJ Ramone and Petty Morals.