Since their DIY beginnings in 1981, Shonen Knife have released over 20 albums, toured the world multiple times over, and cemented their legacy as indie punk legends. Their latest release Sweet Candy Power is an upbeat, sweets fueled rock epic. We caught up with lead singer and guitarist Naoko Yamano and discussed the new album, candies, and how the band got their start.
Read the full interview below:
How did you first get into music? What were you listening to that inspired you to pick up a guitar and start writing music of your own?
Naoko: I wanted to start something interesting. I liked the Beatles and late 70’s bands like Buzzcocks, Ramones, XTC and the Jam at that time. I wanted to play music like them but I couldn’t cover other bands’ songs because they were difficult for us. That’s why I started to write songs by myself.
Do you think the success of Shonen Knife helped paved the way for other Japanese bands to achieve international acclaim?
Naoko: Hmm… I don’t know but it got easier to play internationally by internet.
Were there many other female rock bands performing around Osaka when you formed the band?
Naoko: Total numbers of bands were not so many like today but there were some other female bands.
How have you managed to keep a band going for over 30 years now? Some bands can’t stay together longer than 1 year… what’s your secret?
Naoko: I think i have no tips. I’ve just been coping with the matter in front of me. I don’t think about long future and I never look back. It’s these points with which I can continue the band. The support from our fans and our staff are very helpful, too.
You write about candy and sweets quite a bit (especially on Sweet Candy Power) what are your some of your favorite candies?
Naoko: For this song, Candy means Hard Candies like “Halls” or “Ricola”. It seems that hard candies are not so popular here. We have various kind of hard candies in Japan. Anyway, I like natural mint candy.
What bands are you listening to these days? Are there any specific artists that influenced the songs on your latest album?
Naoko: I usually listen to R&B, soul, funk, disco music like Earth Wind & Fire, Con Funk Shun, Michael Jackson, Isley Brothers. I also like Asia a lot. For the new album, I was inspired by whole 1970’s and 60’s classic rock of American bands and British Hard Rock bands.
You’ve made over 20 studio albums, did you approach Sweet Candy Power any differently than the rest?
Naoko: Sweet Candy Power is the best one so far. It includes various kind of songs. It’s very fun album.
What inspired the track “My Independent Country” from Sweet Candy Power? The song feels like an anthem that could start a revolution!
Naoko: It isn’t a revolution. I just want to do myself as I want. No political meaning.
If you did start your own independent country what would the first rule be?
Naoko: I print money and and use as much as I want?! It’s impossible, though. Ha ha!
What’s your favorite track from Sweet Candy Power to perform live?
Naoko: The title song “Sweet Candy Power” is fun to play. The reaction of our audience is always very good.
How do your US tour dates compare to your hometown shows in Osaka?
Naoko: Driving is very long in US. In Japan, we can rent drum kit and amps. It’s very easy. We don’t need to carry heavy equipment everyday.
Can we expect to hear some early Shonen Knife hits on tour?
Naoko: Yes. We mix various songs from various era.
Shonen Knife are entering their 4th decade of international touring and will hit Chicago TOMORROW NIGHT with Bev Rage & The Drinks & Clickbait at Subterranean (2011 W. North Ave), tickets are still available here!