Austin

Punk Interview: Naoka Yamano of Shonen Knife

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This past June Shonen Knife, known for their influence of punk bands such as Nirvana and Sonic Youth, released their 19th studio album Sweet Candy Power. The band played a show last night at the Empire Control Room & Garage, and we were able to get in touch with frontwomen Naoka Yamano for a quick interview. Naoka talks about why she writes about food, what eras Sweet Candy Power plays homage to, and how Shonen Knife doesn’t really identify as a punk band. 

The Deli Austin: You started touring in the U.S. in the late 80s, and since then you’ve had a lot of gigs all across the country. Is there anything you particularly enjoy about playing shows here?

Naoko: The audience here in the US is very friendly and cheerful. I like that. I like fish tacos. I can eat various fish tacos here during the tour.

How has the punk scene in Japan changed since you started playing?

I don’t know how to define the “punk scene” but if it means underground scene, the border between major scene and underground became vague. Even if a band is very independent, they can spread their music using the internet. If “punk” is defined musically, when I started the band, punk, hardcore punk were popular but there are various kinds of music. I don’t think Shonen Knife is a punk music band. 

So what does punk rock mean to you today?

It means nothing. Actually, we are not a punk band. I write various type of songs not only punk-pop but Hard Rock, Pop, sometimes Disco. In these 20 years, I don’t listen to punk music so much.

I think the two main takeaways people get from your music is a sense of fun, and a craving for all of the food you write about, especially on Sweet Candy Power. What connections do you make between food, fun, and music?

I write songs not only about food but other topics like my experiences. The lyrics are rather positive. I put some essence of fun on it. The topics of some songs are food. Food is a universal thing and everybody can understand easily. But sometimes it is difficult to explain or people misunderstand because if I say “Candy”, I can’t find Japanese style candy here in the US. We have various kinds of candies in Japan. In the US, there are many gummies but we don’t say it’s candy. Candies are like HALLS or Licora which made by sugar, malt syrup and flavors. 

Anyway, I write songs about food and fun to make people entertained.

How did you approach compiling material for this latest release? Were there any particular influences for this album’s style?

I usually don’t have any concept for albums. I just make songs which I like and people will enjoy. I like 1970’s and 1960’s classic rock music. This album is a kind of homage to such music.

What is your favorite song on Sweet Candy Power?

“My Independent Country”.

Interviewed by Avril Carrillo

NYC

VANDANA releases new record “Contra,” plays Baby’s All Right on 9/22

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Expanding on a noir electro-pop sound already steeped in eastern influences, VANDANA‘s latest release Contra re-imagines Indian and Pakistani music from the 70’s, 80’s and 90s. Lead track “Ahsa” intrigues with a heartbeat synth-bass pulse and foreboding keyboard textures. The artist’s deep and resonant vocals soon become the focus, singing in a native language that adds an extra element of mystery. Careful percussive and electronic keyboard elements make their way into the mix completing an overall mystical experience. Follow-up track “Ahsila” makes use of slow-building atmospherics, deep bass synths and light bubbling textures in between seductively enigmatic vocals. Five tracks in all, the record can be heard and acquired at the artists bandcamp. VANDANA will be playing a daytime event Benefit for Kashmir at Baby’s All Right on 9/22. – Dave Cromwell

Chicago

The Eradicator @ Cobra Lounge (10/25)

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The Eradicator is back and are preparing to release their sophomore LP, Peak Eradicator, on October 4th. The Hardcore, Squash playing, Ski Mask wearing punk band have release two singles thus far, “I’mma Be Me” and “You’ve Gotta Go”.

This is the work of Andy  Slania  (vocals), Steve Maury (lead guitar), Scott Thomson  (guitar), Ryan Bollis  (bass, vocals), and Danny Walkowiak (drums).

You can catch The Eradicator on October 25th at Cobra Lounge with Dollar Signs, Wm Covert, Slaughter Rule.

photo by John Thompson

Chicago

Commonweather “Sugar Sun”

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Commonweather have released a new EP called “Sugar Sun”. The EP’s lead single and opening track, “Mellow Drama” is accompanied by the fun Tyler Cipriani directed video below.

You can catch Commweather at Subt on September 21st with Fight Club, ColdBrew, and The Religion.

Chicago

underhand

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Instrumental rock trio underhand are preparing to release their latest album, The Secret History of Nothing, this Friday, September 20th. They recently released the album first single, “Nothing Part III”.

These are the the atmospheric sounds of Courtney Grove (Drums), Rod Hentringer (Bass), and Michael Hayden (Guitar).

You can catch underhand on September 28th at Jambalaya Arts in Oshkosh, WI.

Philadelphia

New Queen Jesus Album Available for Streaming & Purchase

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Dedicated to Spenser Spirit Hogans, Queen Jesus recently shared a new album, titled Glass Hat, which is available on cassette via Stereophonodon Records. Coasting along in a melodic jangle, with an underlying, unpredictable edge, the record seeps into one’s system in a peaceful, low-key yet well-honed manner. Sink into the shadows of the harmonious haze.

NYC

The Revolution returns on 09.21 with Ryan Egan, Niya Levon and Liberation Era

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The performance series The Revolution will hold their Vol. 42 show on Saturday, September 21 at 10:00 pm. This show will highlight three artists from Brooklyn and Harlem, including Niya Levon, Liberation Era, and Ryan Egan. The Revolution has a new volume every month, with three artists from three different genres performing at each one. These shows not only connect the music community in Brooklyn and Harlem, but they also present the opportunity to share their own stories while also spreading awareness and positivity. 

Niya Levon 

A product of a musical family, Niya Levon is influenced by several old school soul artists, including Prince, Luther Vandross, and Lisa Fisher, but also contemporaries like Lady Gaga, Brandy, Justin Timberlake, and Alex Lacamoire. Levon stands out from the crowd with her elegant and fragile voice in single “Sweet Victories,” complementing the light and dainty melody. Levon has worked with several renowned artists, including Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, John Legend, Smokey Robinson, Patti LaBelle, Mark Ronson, and Lauren Hill. In 2015 she introduced Real Entertainment Industries (REI), her own nonprofit talent agency, where she works to find new and unique artists.

Ryan Egan 

Singer, producer, and multinstrumentalist Ryan Egan‘s songs are delicate and smooth, his velvety voice accompanying his rather soft melodies. Egan has released several singles and two EPs, “Postures” and “Fever & Bloom.” Having over 1 million total plays on Spotify, Egan is quickly and seamlessly making a name for himself in the music business. 

Liberation Era

Kyle Shedrick and Jean Mahoney are Liberation Era. Inspired by societal injustice, the duo of home grown musicians takes inspiration from R&B, folk and jazz. Their song, “Quiet the Monster,” is an acoustic tune highlighting Shedrick and Mahoney’s smooth and tender vocals effortlessly harmonizing over the single’s mellow and quiet melody. They are currently working on their first EP, the “Liberation Era EP.” 

-Karigan Wright

 

New England

Watch: The Addition debuts music video for gritty track “In Between”

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Some argue that grunge music’s meteoric rise led to its eventual fantastic-flaming disintegration from general consciousness toward the end of the ‘90s; should we go with that argument, then finding its scattered fragments is a rare and beautiful experience indeed: enter Boston’s The Addition. The group’s new music video for its gritty single “In Between” is a grainy black and white dance of pale silhouettes surrendering to growling electric guitars and punchy drums. From pain-stricken vocals to quaking basslines, the group brings it all together for breakdowns that display grunge’s still-smoldering appeal. The Addition has done an excellent job of stoking curiosity for its next move with a song and video that displays the band most naturally. We are streaming the group’s new music video below for your enjoyment; careful, it is hot. – Rene Cobar