You have been on the music scene for almost 30 years and have generated a big following! For any potential new fans and readers, how would you describe Shonen Knife?
Naoko: We are all female very unique punk pop rock band. It’s difficult to explain.
Kurt at Nirvana has always said Shonen Knife is “one and only”.
Sonic Shocks: From songs about Banana chips, Catnip Dreams, Super Groups and Popcorn, what Genre of music would you say Shonen Knife is?
Naoko: Genre is “Shonen Knife”.
Sonic Shocks: Over the years you have toured the USA, UK and Europe multiple times! Do you have a favourite City to play in? Where are your most loyal fans?
Naoko: I can’t choose one. Each city has a different character. I like every city and all the fans. If I should choose one, I like to play in Osaka just because it's my hometown.
Sonic Shocks: What songs do you get requested by fans to play live the most?
Naoko: Banana Chips, Sushi Bar Song, Muddy Bubbles Hell, I wanna eat Chocobars, Public Bath and more… There are so many!
Sonic Shocks: Do you have any personal favourite songs to perform live?
Naoko: Cobra versus Mongoose
Sonic Shocks: Is there one specific year since Shonen Knife began that stands out from the others?
Naoko: 1991 was a little specific. We toured with Nirvana in November 1991, but basically every year is specific for me.
Sonic Shocks: How does the writing process of music work in Shonen Knife?
Naoko: When I find something interesting during my daily life, I write down the key words in my notebook and I expand them into lyrics. Then I put melody line on it. Then fix the lyrics.
Sonic Shocks: I was more than happy to hear your upcoming album 'Freetime' which is released in North America from the '31st of August'. Shonen Knife is sounding better than ever! Will there be a single or video from this album?
Naoko: We have a promotional video of a song “Perfect Freedom”.
Sonic Shocks: Will there be a European release of 'Freetime' or 'Fun Fun Fun!' at any point?
Naoko: Yes, “Free Time” will be released in Europe and Australia soon.
Sonic Shocks: You record some of your albums in Japanese and some in English. Do you feel there is a barrier when your listeners don’t understand the same language that you sing in?
Naoko: The language of Rock music is English for me. Also I’d like to our overseas fans to understand the meaning of our lyrics. That’s why I prefer to write lyrics in English. Japanese lyrics are for Japanese fans but if listeners in overseas like them, I’m happy.
Sonic Shocks: The Clothing style for Shonen Knife has always been coordinated very carefully! Who decides the outfits?
Naoko: Our original member Atsuko has been designing our outfits. Now I design them, too.
Sonic Shocks: Do you have a preference to brands and manufacturers when choosing and performing with instruments? What instruments are you currently playing?
Naoko: I don’t mind brands. My guitar is a custom made. I designed it. Japanese guitar factory “Fujigen” made it.
Sonic Shocks: Through the years you seem to have changed the line up of the band members a number of times, do you feel this has affected the development of Shonen Knife in anyway?
Naoko: Each member has each character but once three of us gathered together, we could be “Shonen Knfie”. Playing with various people made me developed.
Sonic Shocks: It is sad news hearing that Etsuko recently departed Shonen Knife, but a warm welcome to Emi who is the newly appointed drummer! How was the first Tour in Europe for Emi?
Naoko: It was so fun. Emi was doing a very good job. She is always cheerful and ROCK!
Sonic Shocks: If Naoko, Ritsuko and Emi were to pick a flavour of Ice-cream, which would you Choose? For us at Sonic Shocks it would be Chocolate!
Naoko: I like nuts flavor. Ritsuko likes cream cheese raspberry flavor. Emi likes chocolate mint.
Sonic Shocks: Do you have any final words for the readers and fans?
Naoko: Please listen our albums and come to our show and let’s rock. You’ll never get bored with Shonen Knife.
Sonic Shocks: Where can we find out more about you online?
Sonic Shocks: A very big thank you for your time! We wish Shonen Knife the best for the USA tour and upcoming album releases! Gambatte kudasai! (Do your best!)
Naoko: Thank you!
Sonic Shocks have had the pleasure of catching up with Noako from Shonen Knife recently. Here's how we got on....