By Tim Byrnes
Forty years is a long time to do anything, let alone maintain enthusiasm. However, the three members of Osaka, Japan’s pop-punk outfit Shonen Knife, have spent their careers doing just that.
After forming in 1981, the band have won fans worldwide thanks to the bright-and-bubbly punk-rock they’ve pumped out – including the likes of Red Kross, L7, and Sonic Youth, all of whom contributed covers to the 1989 tribute album, Every Band Has A Shonen Knife Who Loves Them.
Yet their most significant exposure came via Nirvana, who were such big fans that they invited Shonen Knife to open for them in Britain and America. Unlike those bands, Shonen Knife has always continued and recently released their 20th album, Our Best Place.
With sisters Naoko and Atsuko Yamano and drummer Risa Kawano (who joined in 2015), Shonen Knife continue writing what they know: catchy and fun odes to food and animals. The menu on their most recent album includes Baumkuchen cake, taquitos, and spicy veggie curry.
Before returning for their sixth tour of Australia, singer-guitarist and longest-serving member Naoko shares their collective excitement for returning to Australia, their favourite Australian songs, and where her best place is.
Where are you? What are you doing?
I’m in my home town, Osaka, now. I’m preparing for the Australia and New Zealand tour in 2024.
I also play tennis a lot.
You’ve just released your 20th album, Our Best Place, and spent 2023 touring. Do you have any highlights from 2023?
Our nine-week Europe and the UK tour was from March to May 2023. The tour started in snowy Scandinavian countries. It was so cold, but we could have very hot shows there. I was happy to see our EU and UK fans after four years; many of them love our new album.
What made you rerecord your 2003 song Girl’s Rock?
Girl’s Rock was included as a compilation album released in 2003 in Japan. The compilation album is out of print now. But the song is popular at our [live] shows. We decided to re-record it for people who can listen to it easily. The new version is more powerful and pop than before. I would like to dedicate this song to all girls who play rock music all over the world.
Being such a tour-strong band, how did you cope with lockdown? Was it hard? Did you learn to cook any new dishes?
It was easy for me to spend time in isolation. Shonen Knife was very busy for touring in 2019. I needed holidays. I often went cycling. I bought an 88-key electric piano and practised The Beatles songs, like Lady Madonna and Martha My Dear. I learned new dishes. The churros were yummy!
You recorded Just A Smile by your favourite Scottish band, Pilot. Do you have any favourite Australian songs you would like to cover?
We covered AC/DC songs for Perth Festival’s Highway To Hell in 2020 and a compilation album in Japan a long time ago. It was very fun to play. And I like Bee Gees a lot. I often sing their songs at karaoke. Night Fever or How Deep Is Your Love might be good.
It’s been three years since you were last in Australia. Do you have any plans for fun things while here? Is there any Australian food you are excited to eat?
I’m happy to spend days in Australia with good weather, beautiful towns, and cheerful, friendly people. We have a couple days off. I want to walk around the town. I love to eat fish and chips.
You have been performing for 40 years and released 20 albums. How do you keep yourself motivated to keep rocking?
Our audience’s reaction at our shows motivates me to keep rocking. I can’t wait to go back to Australia and see many cheerful, friendly people at our shows!
And finally… Where IS your best place?
Onstage. I also love an indoor carpet tennis court.
Shonen Knife hit The Baso on Friday, 23 February with special guests Chimers, Ben Ely & The Mungo Fungo Band, and The Glycereens. Tix are $56.10 via Oztix.
Our Best Place is out now via Valve and all streaming platforms.
