Knives Out

Interview by Herden A. Daza

Look in a dictionary under "Japanese punk" and it is highly likely that you will find Shonen Knife in the first sentence. Forming in 1982, the trio set the music world on its collective ear, first revolutionizing music in Japan and, in the next decade, garnering praise from grunge pioneers Nirvana, Sonic Youth, and Redd Kross. Now in the new millennium and minus one member, Shonen Knife still rock out, their guitars and amps and lyrics as fresh and lively as they were twenty years ago. Back home in Japan following a quietly publicized tour in support of their latest album, "Heavy Songs," we managed to get a few words from the frontwoman of the ageless punk wonder.

Herden: How have you been?
Naoko: I've been playing tennis.

Herden: What have you been listening to lately (five albums/bands)?
Naoko: Bell Rays, Datsuns, Rainbow, Beethoven, Earth Wind and Fire, Boston and more...

Herden: Where have you been for the past five years?
Naoko: I was living in Osaka most of the time. In October 2003, I was in U.S. and Canada for Shonen Knife's North American tour.

Herden: Why come back after all this time?
Naoko: Because we could release "Heavy Songs" from Confidential Recordings.

Herden: What happened to [original band member] Michie Nakatani?
Naoko: She left the band because she wanted to do something different from band.

Herden: How has recording since her departure been different?
Naoko: Atsuko became the bassist on stage. For the recordings, she plays the drums and bass. I also play the bass.

Herden: How has recording "Heavy Songs" differed from your previous recordings?
Naoko: Since Michie left, we have become open to other styles. Using keyboards and computer, we tried many other different music styles. We even made a disco song.

Herden: How would you describe the evolution of your music?
Naoko: Song writing, lyrics, playing music instruments, spirits, everything has been developed.

Herden: I noticed that, although the album is called "Heavy Songs," the subject matter is largely playful. Can you explain what you mean by this?
Naoko: The word 'Heavy' means not only heavy but thick, cool, boring and some others. And 'Heavy' is Heavy metal's Heavy. I like heavy metal. Songs of the album are like that.

Herden: What was your experience like touring the U.S. this time? Any hardships/amusing stories from the road?
Naoko: I was anxious about long, overseas touring after five years. But once the tour was started, my anxiety disappeared. I felt it was easier than before. I think I became healthy and strong from all the tennis.

Herden: What is next for Shonen Knife? Is there another album and tour?
Naoko: I'd like to record a new album in February and March. Then I'd like to tour in U.S. and other countries after the release.

Herden: In this era of commercialization and the rapid uptake of western pop culture, where/how does Shonen Knife fit?
Naoko: I don't know where and how. But if we continue to be "Shonen Knife", we may fit everywhere and every time.

For updates, tour schedules, and more, visit ShonenKnife.com.

December 12, 2003