The latest addition to the hardcore invasion from Japan (spearheaded by Shonen Knife and the Boredoms), Melt-Banana are conquering America, or maybe certain clubs in America. As lead-singer YaSuKo O informed the audience at a recent Mr. Bungle show, "We're playing in Oakland. But we don't know where. You can buy our T-Shirts and albums. But we don't know where. It's a secret. Shhhhhh." Melt-Banana have a precise hardcore punk sound (laced with Japanese eccentricities) coupled with YaSuKo O's frantically chirping and yelping vocals. The result sounds as if early Husker D were being fronted by a ferocious Chihuahua.
GM: Your single comes with cartoon graphics and your music is so worked up over itself, it's hard to tell if you're making a joke about punk rock or if you have a serious message.
MB: The cartoons were put on the single by Skingraft, we had nothing to do with it, and it says nothing about us. I'm not trying to force some kind of message onto the people. If somebody can feel a message from my lyrics it will be a message for them. I don't like to preach, I just write down what's in my head.
GM: Is Japanese hard-core thrash a reaction against homogenized culture in Japan?
MB: The music I make is because of the nada. When I started the band I just wanted to do or make something. I was not angry against something, but I wanted it to be aggressive, to be something. My parents were very strict and I wanted to get out of their small house.
GM: Is there a tradition of screeching in Japanese culture? Or is it a product of a new subculture?
MB: Our music was not very popular in Japan. When we started the band the audience was very small, with just five or six people at the shows. These days it's changing; the major labels took money to the scene. In Japan the more you have money the more you can become famous. If you take two bands with the same sound, and one is on a major label with connections, thatŐs the one that will make it.
GM: What do you think of Shonen Knife? Are they just a bubble gum band in Japan?
MB: I have one question. Many American writers ask us about Shonen Knife. Why? I've heard their music and it's okay. We only know one member of Shonen Knife and she's a real nice girl.
GM: What is the significance of the popularity of Karaoke Does every Japanese person want to be a rock star? Why do they always sing My Way?
MB: I like Karaoke. I always enjoy singing on Karaoke. Many businessmen in Japan have much, much frustration so they just want to sing along. My Way is a very famous song. If a business man sings My Way he can feel like a very strong and straight man. Younger girls like older business man that can sing My Way. If he can sing it in English young office ladies will say: 'Oh my God, he can sing My Way!' (laughter).
GM: How do you feel about the Japanese government?
MB: Japanese government sucks. The laws are very strict and there are very few radio stations. As a man becomes older in the government the more powerful he becomes. Never do younger politicians come to the top of Japan. The government never gives subsidies to the arts.
GM: How do you feel about the government sanctioning Big Business clear-cutting of the Rain forest?
MB: The government doesn't think much about it. There's a very close connection with companies and the government, so the government can never make a law to protect nature.
GM: Do the Japanese think they're the center of the world?
MB: No, that's the Chinese. You know the difference, right?
GM: Is there anything you'd like to say to American children?
MB: Get ready to hear sounds of Melt-Banana!