(Please Note: The following interview was completed by EMail with Shonen Knife's Naoko Yamano, in early April, 2000. Naoko's friendly participation and the time she took to provide us with her comments via the Internet, are greatly appreciated. Naoko is interviewed from Osaka by George Ojisan, Knife Collectors ~ N.America, in Los Angeles.)
KC: Good Evening from Los Angeles, Naoko! I am very happy for the opportunity to interview with you, for "Knife Collectors, N. America", and Shonen Knife Fans around the world. Everyone is interested in learning some of the facts (and fun) about this great new Shonen Knife album: "Strawberry Sound!"
Naoko: Arigato! Thank you!
KC: There was much anticipation here in the U.S. and clearly across the Internet worldwide - over early reports of "new sounds" on this album. Everyone seemed to expect some new directions for Shonen Knife... but no one was sure 'what it would be'? What was your approach to recording "Strawberry Sound"?
Naoko: Recording this album, feelings became more powerful, more fun... more of a free use of creative sounds.
KC: I had the feeling this album would represent a really "new approach" to recording by Shonen Knife - because of your many remix and recording side-projects over the past 2 years. Did you start planning for the album with an idea to try out different "styles" in the new songs... or, did the new songs in your head, require different styles of playing - in order to be presented in the way that you "heard them"?
Naoko: I didn't have any plan. I wrote the music very naturally. Shonen Knife was a three piece band consisting of Guitar, Bass and Drums. I had to make music for such ensemble. Since Michie retired the band last year, it was a change, and it became that I could make music as I like. It means... I could make music freely. I didn't need to make music especially for Guitar, Bass and Drums ensemble.
KC: That was kind of a double-question... Perhaps we are talking here of "Naoko's way of writing the songs". You are always inspired, I think - by the things that people all enjoy - (or "endure" sometimes) - no matter where we live on the planet! Food, phobias, fun and friends. Did you have the name for the album first & then write songs for a "Strawberry Sound" album... or was the Title inspired later - as your songs were being completed in the studio?
Naoko: The title 'Strawberry Sound' was decided at the end of the recordings. Listening to all the sounds... I had the title flashed into my mind!
KC: During the time of your "preparation", before you begin your recording sessions... do you and Atsuko have a "home studio" where you lay down tracks to try out ideas for the songs? Do you have some "digital setup" at home - that you can start projects on... then bring CDs or Tapes of the advance work into the main studio later for fine-tuning?
Naoko: I make demo tapes by myself at home. Using guitars, computer, mixing machine and so on. After Atsuko listens to the demo tapes, we go to a studio to rehearse, and decide the details of the song.
KC: Can you tell us about the recording schedule? You were recording in Osaka studio? When did you begin the actual sessions for "Strawberry Sound" and when was it completed?
Naoko: The recording started from the beginnig of September and finished at the end of November 1999. We recorded at 'Japan Overseas Studio' in Osaka and mixed at 'Studio Groove' in Osaka. "Strawberry Sound" was Mastered at 'Sterling Sound' in New York, in December.
KC: As I recall, you worked long days and weeks - focused on these sessions. I don't think many fans realize that, while satisfying... recording sessions can be physically and emotionally demanding. There were some long hours here, yes?
Naoko: I need long hours to write songs... and make the demo tapes at home.
KC: At least - you could find good food in the area around the studios there - which is sometimes a problem on your U.S Tours! You have to "stock up" with some items for the road, in the U.S.! (We'll "pass the mayonnaise" around here, later!) It must be convenient to record near home, yes?
Naoko: Of course, there are many good restaurants here in Osaka... but I like food in America, too! I can find many delicious restaurants there, if I have time. During the tours, we don't have enough time to find a good place to eat. We have no time to stop at restaurant.
KC: Looking back a little, Naoko. It is my view that "Brand New Knife" was a collection of songs written over a few years... but they worked beautifully together in the album. "Happy Hour" featured songs written more closely together, during a time of heavy touring for Shonen Knife... and was very much a "Here is Our Live Stage!" album.
"Strawberry Sound" is a taste of many new styles - with a more advanced use of studio technique. Did you feel that the songs you were writing for "Strawberry Sound" - were somehow different in styles, than the things you have written before?
Naoko: I just wrote songs very freely and naturally, as usual.
KC: Well, you came up with the idea for a Christmas Song... and contacted Thurston Moore, right? I really like "All I Want For Christmas". It expresses a popular American theme... even beyond the old song, "My Two Front Teeth", and Thurston's lyrics are really good. Your melody is wonderful. This was a project that had a special magic to it, and that is the very nature of "Christmas", you know? What did you think of Thurstons' lyrics for the song, when you first read them??
Naoko: He is great! I felt his warm mind when I read the lyrics.
KC: I think you are a fan of "Christmas Spirit", Naoko. Your melody and instrumental recording background for the song - really have a "Christmas Feeling" about them. I'm sure we will be hearing this song again next year, during the Christmas Season in the U.S. Did the lyrics by Thurston "lend themselves easily" to the melody you wrote? What was his reaction - when he heard your finished recording??
Naoko: He was very glad to hear our finished recording. I was very happy that he likes the song very, very much!
KC: Let's move into the studio, and sessions for "Strawberry Sound"! This is an all-new Shonen Knife album, with studio effects, horns - but the great "live Shonen Knife feeling" is very much here, too! The opening track, "Side One"! As soon as I heard that rolling, techno opening track, and your cheery announcement ~ I thought, "Wo! Here we go!" You announce "Side One" and Atsuko announces, "Side Two", correct?
Naoko: Yes!
KC: Then we start "Buggy Bug" with a walking, pulsing beat.. and right into Shonen Knife Live style. I liked this song immediately. My choice for a single!
You killed a bug in your room because he ate your chocolate bar?? haha... must have been a Big Bug if he would fight you for your chocolate bar?
Naoko: Yes! It was 10 feet long.
KC: This song shreds... it's powerful. I noted that the lyric sheet says, "Piggy shaggy piggy shaggy buggy bug" - in the intro. But it sounds to me like you are exclaiming: "Who's ever seen the size of those bugs?!" Did you make a change from what was written there?
Naoko: I just played with words.
KC: I like this line: "the sun was blazing down outside.. everything nearly melted like butter! AAhhhhhh!!!...." It sounds like a day when a good shout could help! Osaka is a city of hot summers?? Also, I notice that, in the song where you kill the bug... you also say, "But I didn't wanna kill it at all". That's the spiritual balance in the song, right there ~ You only did what you had to do.
Naoko: Summer in Osaka is very hot! Japanese culture is influenced by Buddhism in greater or lesser degree. In Buddhism, to kill living things is bad thing even it is a little bug. I don't have a particular religion... but I am a Japanese.
KC: I know that Knife Collectors are looking forward to a future U.S. Show when they can hear "Buggy Bug" song Live! They'll know every word. Your 3rd track, "Wild Life" is pure Shonen Knife style, too! Another great "Naoko melody" that sticks in our head. Would we be shocked at what "Wild Life" you are singing about here in Japanese??
Naoko: The meaning of the lyrics is --- Don't mind even if you are spending lazy days. Take it easy!
KC: The Japanese words have a meter all their own and work very well in the song... did you write "Wild Life" or many of the new songs on the album, in English first... as you have said you often do?
Naoko: It depends on songs. Some have only English lyrics and some have only Japanese lyrics - while others have both.
KC: Dean Mentjes, whom you've met here in the states... really flips for "Nya Nya" - and he is a Bass Player. He is hoping for an english version of this tune. This song rocks in the great old 50s style... which you've just added to the Shonen Knife discography, using that cool, plunky piano sound.
"Nya Nya" has a feel like, "Hollywood summer movies", I think. Were you thinking of a particular "rock n roll style", or time in rock music history when you made this song?
Naoko: I was not influenced by any particular music. The music and words 'Nya Nya' appear to my mind suddenly! And, I'm sorry 'Nya Nya' doesn't have English lyrics, but you can sing it in English as you like!
KC: Well, "Nya Nya" is another melody that wants to keep playing in my head. The clean guitar lines and rockin' beat! There was a cool "cartoon" in the U.S. few years ago - which showed how different "animal sounds" are written in Japanese. In the U.S., cats say "meow meow", but in Japan, they say "nya nya"! I wondered if this song has something to do with "kitty-speak" in some way?
Naoko: 'Nya Nya' isn't 'kitty-speak'. This song has no relationship with cats. "Nya Nya" really has no meaning. It my "yell" from my brain!
KC: Track #5, "Gokiburu" song! Dean called it a "guitar funkfest" with horns.. and I agree. This is great guitar stuff - killer track! The melody and over-dubbed guitars really move this along and the wild wah-wah is pure Naoko-style! Horns and keyboard riffs give a "Motown" feel to the song. The horn player, Tadahiro Fusahara, played with a lot of "punch" here.
Did you have the instrumental arrangement and line-up for this song well-developed in your mind, before you went into the studio? Any special memories of recording the tracks for this song?
Naoko: Thanks. Using computer, I made nearly complete demo tape of this song at home by myself. And Atsuko put funky spirit in it!
KC: So, "Gokiburu"... or, "pretend like cockroach"! Everyone has seen a cockroach run, scramble across the floor. This song kinda moves with that speed! I'm from Florida - we have huge cockroaches there! They like to "fly about" when a rain storm is coming. spooky stuff! *smile* Is this what the song is about, in english? Cockroach scrambling about?
Naoko: When we try to catch cockroaches, they sometimes pretend like they die (not moving) and they make us off our guards. Then they escape! It verrry slick. There are many slick persons in this world. This song is a kind of metaphor of it.
KC: Your guitar playing on "Gokiburu" is very tight, well layered. Atsuko's drumming is super tasteful here. I know you are a noted guitar collector, and were honored in Japan with a "Naoko Yamano Signature Model Guitar" - a new Fujigen Guitar Series. This is the beautiful pink guitar we first saw in 1998. Could you tell us a little about which guitars you used on the album?
Naoko: I used "Fujigen Naoko Model guitar", Rickenbacker 360, Gibson Flying V, Ovation electric-acoustic guitar and so on, for this album.
KC: Any favorite special guitar gear, stomp boxes, that you are driving here? Marshall sound with reverb at 11?
Naoko: I have tons of guitar stomp boxes! I used many of them. I like Fender Twin Reverb Amp, so far.
KC: After "Gokiburu", the album doesn't let up a bit. From this point - you go straight in to "Super Big Black Bass". You've talked about your "Fish Phobia" in the past, you know.. with "His Pet", "Fish Parade" and your own tale of "going fishing the first time".
Did you try your hand at "fishing" again, Naoko? I see a picture of Mr. Atsushi fishing for what looks like eels on your home page! This song has that "mock terror" edge that powered "His Pet". Is there a new "Big Fish Story" behind "Super Big Black Bass"?
Naoko: No, no... It isn't eels. It is a lure! I can touch live fish if I wear
gloves. (^-^)
KC: The lead guitar on "Super Big Black Bass" is California Surf Style Guitar, I think. Were you using your Fujigen model guitar, on that particular lead guitar solo?
Naoko: Actually, I forgot!... I think I used Fujigen Naoko Model guitar.
KC: CM Song is "Commercial Message". Previously, you said you made the "Instrumental Vibe Version" of "All I Want For Christmas" - to "let the listeners ears cool down" after the first 2 songs on that record! Did Shonen Knife make this "CM Song" - to be a kind of "commercial break" before "Side Two"?
Naoko: In Japan, TV commercial songs often become a hit song on the chart. People are brainwashed by TV. I wanted to sing about the fact with irony.
KC: I enjoyed the "CM Song" when I first listened to the album - it was a surprise sound. Atsuko announces "Side Two!"... and she does it with dreamy enthusiasm... Then, she KICKS it off with the drums and we're straight into another of my favorite songs on the CD, "Punk Rock Star"! Is this song biographical - about your own life?
Naoko: This is not about my life.
KC: It could be "Punk Rock Country Star", with that style, too - kind of like "One Week"! Atsuko's drums feature her "solid punch", here. You keep the song light and moving... yet, it could have been totally "powered up" with heavy guitars. "Love you all the time" is a nice message for everyone! Can you tell us some of your ideas about this song? This is Shonen Knife style!
Naoko: The meaning of this lyrics is --- Even if I'll be a rock star and become very rich, I'll never forget old fans and never forget common sense. Some famous rich rock stars forgot their common sense, right?
KC: "Sesame" - gosh, you've written another fine melody here, Naoko. And, it's very "Pop"! Are we talking about... maybe "Sesame butter" here? Well, I like Sesame butter!
Naoko: Good! I like to put sesame butter on bread like peanut butter!
KC: The use of Vibraphones in the background is smooth and tasty. Nice Key West/Caribbean flavour! Are you playing real Vibes here, as you did on the Instrumental track for "All I Want For Christmas", or a synth-based vibraphone?
Naoko: I used synth. I like synthesizer.
KC: Then, we hear the "Mysterious Kaiki Game". This is amazingly good! Shonen Knife have opened on a new dramatic stage here! Your melody for this song is Gothic, and enchanting. "Phantom of the Italian opera" set to an otherworldly soundtrack. The dog barking in the track - this is always a portent that "something unknown is afoot". I hope the movies pick this up for a soundtrack!! Can you tell us what the "Mysterious Game" is, behind this good-for-the-mystery-movies theme?
Naoko: Behind this song, there is a video game called 'the House of the Dead'. The game is killing many zombies to rescue people. I like to play video games. I was inspired by games.
KC: I meant to ask if Atsuko sings lead on a song in this album. The lead voice here is quiet and "wistful", as though the singer is in a calm, in the middle of a storm. It's an instant classic melody. Is Atsuko singing this song?
Naoko: Atsuko isn't singing this song. Only I am singing. I used a "secret sound box" for recording. I can make various kinds of sound using the box.
KC: The Bass Guitar Line that you play on "Kaiki Game"... it's very interesting. You're "slurring" the bass line up toward the "5th". It adds to the "mysterious sound" and is very effective against the "quavering" background synth. Were you using a Fretless Bass on this to get that nice "sliding bass" sound?
Naoko: I played the Ibanez Fretless Bass.
KC: "Kaiki Game" is followed by "Chinese Disco". Complete change of mood! Suddenly, the listener is dancing under lanterns, in the summer night and all is right. This song - Instruments, drums, etc. is completely digital synth tracks, isn't it?
Naoko: Drum sounds were mixed, using programming and Atsuko's real drums.
KC: "Chinese Disco" is one of the fave choices for a "single" from the album. I notice you put a reference to "delicious Yamucha", blended in the lyrics here - sort of a "nod" to your popular CM Tea Song ("Yamucharou") from Summer'99! Any plans for some cool new "remixes" of some of these tracks, like we've seen with previous Shonen Knife albums?
Naoko: It's a good idea. I hope to remix it if I have a chance!
KC: You've written a number of songs with a taste of Chinese influence... "Ah! Singapore", "Chinese Song", "Gyoza". Did you happen to visit Hong Kong in recent months, and hook up with a night at a Chinese Disco, as an inspiration for this song?
Naoko: I've been to Hong Kong three times. Recent one was December 1998. But in Hong Kong, I didn't have a chance to listen to Chinese music. My inspiration of Chinese taste is from my imagination.
KC: I Hate "Mosquitos". No one that I know has ever said, "Boy, this place has just the BEST mosquitoes!" *smile* I understand this song - they had those "incense coils" in the '50s in Florida, at the Drive-In Movies... but they bothered the people more than the mosquitoes! Do you have a "damp green Japanese Garden" near your home that you like to visit... but the mosquitoes hide and come out to attack?
Naoko: Atsuko's house has damp green Japanese garden and there are many mosquitoes! Atsuko always gets an attack of mosquitoes in summer. The idea of this song is from Atsuko.
KC: Great guitar work on "Mosquitoes". You really capture the "divebombing terror" of buzzing mosquitoes here! This is a great Shonen Knife song for a Live show. Atsuko plays the bass on this one, and she jams, too! She has been playing bass and acoustic guitar at "In-store" appearances in Japan recently, yes? She plays some keyboards?
Naoko: At in-store appearance, Atsuko played a sampling machine featuring theremin. For the recording, I played all keyboards.
KC: Yes, we noticed that the "lyric sheet" insert in "Strawberry Sound" mentions that "China", plays drums on Track 13... where Atsuko is playing the bass? Is China a musician friend of Shonen Knife? All your fans are interested in how the new Shonen Knife will appear in future Live show. Can we expect to see more of Atsuko, performing out front on Bass or guitar now, with perhaps someone else playing drums?
Naoko: China was a drummer of a girl's horror band called 'Droop' which was broken up last year. She is a great drummer, so I asked her to play the speedy drums for this song. The details about our live shows haven't been decided yet.
KC: How about future instruments on live stage shows? There are some nice tracks for Synths and Piano on this album... Is there a possibility of a Synthesizer addition, or added players... for future Shonen Knife shows and tours?
Naoko: Now, I'm thinking about the stage setup. Should I feature keyboards on stage or not.
KC: "Mayonnaise Addiction". Certainly, this is the most "'60s-era song" ever by Shonen Knife. Many styles in this one track: Indian/Western Pop Fusion... instrumentally. Vocally, lyrics about American Mayonnaise. Sounds like it might have something to do with the type of food "on the road" in America that you have experienced?? (Not to worry - many Americans, including myself, can't eat "fast food" either!)
Naoko: No, no. In America, I can find enough mayonnaise in Sandwiches! It's a bit like "Food on the Road in Britain". But the lyrics are about Japanese food.
KC: You told me once, that you would like to have an electric sitar. Did you use a standard wooden gourd Indian Sitar, or the (rare & hard to find now) electric sitar on this album? Or, was the sitar voice on the song, from a synth-based instrument?
Naoko: I played the real electric sitar. I borrowed it from our friend.
KC: It's very effective! I am a big fan of the India-pop sound... Sheila Chandra, Monsoon... and the use of Indian instruments and percussion. Were you a big fan of the Beatles experiments with Asian Instruments? Like the mid-eastern Horn sound on "Baby, You're a Rich Man", or George Harrison's Indian-style songs?
Naoko: I like George Harrion's Indian-style songs very much. I also like a British band 'Cornershop'. They play Indian-style rock techno songs, too!
KC: Actually, the Bass Line you play here, is not really the same as the one Paul played on "Rain" - but it has that appeal to people. These are different songs entirely, and you are playing a little "hook" figure at the top or your bass line, that is a bit more complex than the bass part for "Rain".
The song is very much your own. How did you happen to decide on an "Indian-style" song, to describe a "mayonnaise addiction" - which is very American in flavor? This is a great east-west mix!
Naoko: I don't know why. It appears on my brain suddenly! (^-^)
KC: The Ending Theme, "Synthesizer" (Bubble Houkai) is about the problem with the Japanese economy in the 90s? Boom to Bust years? Any comments on this? The economy there seems improved now....
Naoko: Yes. It was 1990, the economic situation in Japan was very good. "Flower Expo '90" was held in Osaka. There was an entertainment using water (like Disneyland's water show) at the Expo. "Synthesizer" was inspired by the background music of the water show! And, around 1990 was in the middle of the good economical situation in Japan. Many companies spend much money to promote such kinds of events. I wrote this song in Boom to Bust years.
KC: "Synthesizer" does start with a serious... "descending" or "downward" melody... but then it changes into a more peaceful, positive feeling as the song ends. Did you have a "future vision" for ending this album, with a musical theme that may be picked up later?
Naoko: I didn't have any deep concept. I could write this song when I was playing with my computer.
KC: The artwork for the "Strawberry Sound" album is by Rodney Alan Greenblat. It's really great - and it works so well with the theme for the album! Had you talked with Rodney earlier... or did you decide on the artwork for the album when you met with Rodney in New York in December? How did you like visiting his "Center for Advanced Whimsy" studio there?
Naoko: When we were recording, Rodney visited our studio in Osaka and we visited his art studio in New York in December.
KC: There was a big "Instore Event" at Shibuya Tower Records in February, after the new album was released on the 19th. Shonen Knife and Rodney together live! A lot of Shonen Knife CDs and Rodney Gear there, for sale to the fans. That must have been a fun event... is Rodney a pretty good "live performer" at these "Instores"??
Naoko: He did "live painting" and puppet show along with our live performance. It was very fun!! It was very special ~ only one show! (Note: See photos on the Official Shonen Knife Home Page at: "www.shonenknife.net").
KC: Shonen Knife have had wonderful cover art on previous albums... created by some very special artists: The Dolls designed by Naomi Tabasa on "Brand New Knife"... very cute. The album cover for "Supermix" by Frank Kozik! He truly captured the "idea" of how Shonen Knife music "feels". The "Happy Hour" album designed by Yoshitomo Nara, Japan. His art has deep emotional feeling and a bit of an edge. I think he calls his Studio in Japan, "Happy Hour Studio".. is that correct?
Naoko: Yes, I think his website's name is called 'Happy Hour'.
KC: How did you discover Rodney Alan Greenblat? He is a big media success in Japan, with his Sony characters and games?
Naoko: He is a big fan of Shonen Knife and once he sent his new toy for us. Then, I send thank you E-mail to him. We can be a good friends now.
KC: I heard from an associate of Rodney, in New York - that he had completed a video? Did Rodney also do an animation video for Shonen Knife... for a song from the album?
Naoko: Yes. "Chinese Disco!"
KC: There was a message on a "Power Puff Girls" Newsgroup... that many bands were going to contribute songs to a "Power Puff Girls" compilation CD. One of the bands named was Shonen Knife.
Many people feel the "Power Puff Girls" were "modeled" after Shonen Knife! There are 3 of them, they stand for right things, have fun, and have their own band. *smile* Are you writing a new Shonen Knife song for a "Power Puff Girls" project? It seems a good project for Shonen Knife to be involved in!
Naoko: Yeeees! I wrote a powerful song! Please look forward to it!
KC: Before we end the interview, Naoko - I wanted to ask about your new "Burning Farm" label which you began early last summer. The first album you produced, "Wonderworld Vol. I" - really had some good bands on the tracks. I very much enjoy "World Wide Love" and "Solar" (and others). Will we be seeing some new projects with these, or other Japanese bands for "Burning Farm" label soon?
Naoko: I'm planning to produce the second release of Burning Farm. It may be one band's album, rather than a compilation.
KC: Permit me some final thoughts here, Naoko, about the Internet:
The new Shonen Knife Fan Club for North America, "Knife Collectors" - is off to a good start, and the reviews of fans who have bought and heard "Strawberry Sound", are very positive! Certainly, Fans in the U.S. are hoping for a U.S. release - but it is great that people in many countries - are using the Internet to order copies of the Japanese release of "Strawberry Sound" for their Collections! Modern solutions for modern times.
With the Internet - we have all made friends in other countries, and enjoyed the humor and good spirit of people - right from "where they live". You can go to their little "Internet House" and visit with them! This has not been possible in the world before.
Do you think the Internet today is a valuable tool for people in their daily lives, or is it mostly just another "hobby" for people? Also, do Naoko and Atsuko do some "Netsurfing"? Any favorite websites we could also enjoy?
Naoko: I think the Internet is very valuable... but I don't do 'Netsurfing' so much! I like "Shonen Knife NeXuS"!
KC: Arigato! More new Shonen Knife "Fan Tribute Pages" are turning up on the World Wide Web every year. Jussi Ritola's new "Ice Cream City" page in Finland... Emi-chan's new "Jelly Beans" page in Japanese. It's a time of New Discovery for Shonen Knife Fans... and a time for New Fans to Discover Shonen Knife!
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit with us, in this special Internet Interview, Naoko. The new album is a real Joy, and an achievement for You and Atsuko... and your studio team. For myself, "Strawberry Sound" is the studio album I was hoping to hear as a listener, musician and long-time fan of Shonen Knife's musical exploration.
In the liner notes, we see that "Strawberry Sound" is dedicated to your Mother. This tells us... it is truly a special album. Thank you for the great new music! We watch future Shonen Knife with true enthusiasm!
Naoko: Thank you!!! We love you all!!!
MEDIA NOTICE:
Shonen Knife, certainly the most famous Japanese Rock Band in the world... are now interested in contacting professional Artist and Recording Representatives in the United States & Canada, to discuss North American distribution for their recent "Universal-Victor" recordings, and their Independent projects on "Burning Farm" label, Japan.
Record Label and Distribution Networks in the United States/Canada are encouraged to contact Shonen Knife at their business offices in Osaka, Japan - to discuss these matters:
Mr. Atsushi Shibata
Tel & Fax: +81-6-6659-7456
Tomato Head Management
Shonen Knife
Zero Comm. 4F Gently Bldg., 1-4-2
Yariya macchi, Chouku, Osaka
540-0027 Japan
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