INTERVIEW: Shonen Knife are back and in their ‘Best Place’ ever
Photo: Shonen Knife’s new album is Our Best Place. Photo courtesy of the band / Provided by Reybee with permission.
Shonen Knife, the legendary Japanese rock band, has returned to touring and recording in 2023, and for their numerous fans around the globe, that’s welcome news indeed. The band — featuring Naoko on vocals and guitar, Risa on drums and vocals, and Atsuko on bass and vocals — are currently touring Europe, bringing music from their new album, Our Best Place, and celebrating their 40th anniversary as a band.
The new recording features 10 songs, with three additional tunes on the CD version. Fans can rock out to “MUJINTO Rock,” “Nice Day,” “Vamos Taquitos” and “Just a Smile.” They even re-recorded their 2003 hit song, “Girl’s Rock.”
Sometimes it can be difficult to categorize Shonen Knife’s sound, which is exactly the attraction to their music. They are rock ‘n’ roll, for sure, but sometimes they slip into a pop sensibility; other times, they are punk or indie. One look at their influences — the Beatles, the Ramones, the Buzzcocks — and fans can see that they are diverse in their sonic output.
Recently Naoko exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What inspired the recording of Our Best Place?
For the lyrics, I always inspired by my daily life. When I find something interesting or something delicious, I write down key words. When I decide to write whole lyrics, I expand them with my imagination. For music, once I could complete lyrics, I can put melody lines rather quickly. Writing lyrics in English is very hard for me because I’m not a native English speaker.
Are you excited to get back on tour after being away from in-person concerts for so long?
Yes, I’m excited but a bit nervous. I think I forgot many things about the tour. I’m looking forward to see our fans a lot!
Are there plans to bring the 40th anniversary / Our Best Place tour to the United States?
I hope so. I would like to come back to the U.S. as soon as possible.
Some of your songs are centered on food — “Vamos Taquitos,” “Spicy Veggie Curry.” Why do you like singing about food? What’s your favorite food?
I’m ashamed of singing about love, or I don’t like to make political songs. I want to sing about things which are my favorite. Eating delicious food is my favorite thing, and also it is the same for people all over the world, right?
When did you realize you wanted to be a musician for life?
I’ve never been having a conscious idea that “I want to be a musician.” I just love rock music, and if people get happy through our music, that’s fantastic.
What’s the next 10 years look like for Shonen Knife?
I don’t know I can continue touring. It’s hard, especially having long drive. Anyway, I keep myself … healthy and would like to continue [to] make music.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Shonen Knife’s new album is Our Best Place. Click here for more information.
