Shonen Knife
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The all-female band Shonen Knife (少年ナイフ, Shônen Naifu) is a Japanese alternative rock trio that has found some success in the United States, counting among their fans Sonic Youth, Nirvana, and Redd Kross. They cite as their main influences 1960s girl groups and punk rock.
Shonen Knife formed in December 1981 with Michie Nakatani on vocals and bass, Naoko Yamano on vocals and guitar, and Atsuko Yamano on drums. Michie Nakatani left the band in December 1999, with Atsuko Yamano performing bass. Mana Nishiura joined to take over on drums. Nishiura played her first live show with the band in May 2001.
Because of the great following of those American bands, Sub Pop Records released a Shonen Knife tribute album in early 1992. This is known for its double vinyl edition that contained a Nirvana song. The regular album features Sub Pop Records staples Redd Kross, Sonic Youth, L7 and other Seattle bands. Kurt Cobain was so obsessed with them that he insisted Shonen Knife open for Nirvana. They opened for Nirvana on six shows in December 1993.
External links
- Shonen Knife Official Site (in Japanese) (http://www.shonenknife.net/) (in English) (http://www.shonenknife.net/eng/index.asp)
- The Shonen Knife Nexus (http://www.shonenknife.com/)
- Nippop Profile | Shonen Knife (http://nippop.com/artist/artist_id-9/artist_name-shonen_knife/)