INTERVIEW: Shonen Knife have lots of power — the sweet candy type
Photo: Shonen Knife feature, from left, Atsuko, Risa and Naoko. Photo courtesy of the band / Provided by Reybee with permission.
Earlier this year, legendary pop-punkers Shonen Knife released their new album of original songs called Sweet Candy Power, and they are taking the tunes on the road for a worldwide tour. This latest recording effort, from Good Charamel Records, is the 19th studio album from the influential group, which consists of sisters Naoko (vocals and guitar) and Atsuko (bass and vocals), and Risa (drums and vocals).
Shonen Knife are wonderfully difficult to classify. They have songs that are catchy tunes with positive, easily hummable beats, but they also rock — and sometimes rock hard. They are essentially the punk-rock sisters of the Ramones, and their musical depth can be heard on such classic songs as “Twist Barbie,” “Antonio Baka Guy,” “Riding on the Rocket” and “Sushi Bar Song.” Also, fans have been enjoying their Ramones cover album for years.
Shonen Knife’s new album is an infectious collection of 10 tunes that jump around with boundless energy and sugar-coated lyricism. There’s “Dizzy,” “Wave Rock,” “Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches” and “California Lemon Trees.”
When Shonen Knife come to town they bring with them a unique history that began in 1981 in Osaka, Japan. Throughout the years they have shared the stage with the likes of Nirvana, Sonic Youth and the Ramones. One of their songs — “Buttercup (I’m a Super Girl)” — even appeared on Cartoon Network’s The Powerpuff Girls.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Naoko about the band’s continued dominance and new album. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
When do you know it’s time to go back into the recording studio and make a new album?
I am always thinking about that.
What can fans expect on the new album, Sweet Candy Power?
Inspired by my favorite ’70s and ’60s rock music, I wrote 10 new songs. All songs are fun, sweet pop and rock. People who listen to this album can get happy. From our early style songs to new challenge, it includes various songs.
Do you like touring the world every year? Where are some of your favorite places to play?
Touring is sometimes very hard and tiring, but I get power from our audience. I don’t know how long I can continue touring, though. I like every city and town to play, and, of course, I like to play at music clubs. I also like to play at music festivals. The atmosphere is always fun.
How would you describe the sound of your band? Do you like the label pop-punk?
The sound of my band is ‘Shonen Knife’ music. We are very unique. I don’t know if we are pop punk or not. The image of ‘punk’ is more aggressive and angry. I think we are not punk but rock.
What’s it like to play in the band with your sister every night?
It’s easy for me because we have similar values.
When did you pick up your first guitar?
When I was 15 or 16 years old, I asked my mother to buy an acoustic guitar. I tried to play it, but the strings were hard and difficult to play. A few years later, I bought a cheap yellow Stratocaster model. Electric guitar was easier than acoustic to play for me. It was when I was about 18 years old.
What does the future hold for Shonen Knife?
Our Australia and New Zealand tour will start from 10 days after this North American tour will be finished. After that we have some shows at somewhere.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Shonen Knife are currently touring the world in support of their new album Sweet Candy Power. Click here for more information.
