Biography
Elizabeth Jameson, an internationally recognized visual artist who also plays guitar, originated Buttersprites as her project. Haruko Nishimura handles vocals as a Butoh dancer and enduring participant in Seattle's Degenerate Art Ensemble, while Lunarre Omura, a member of the nouveau cocktail lounge group Lushy, covers bass. Keyboardist Julie Grant and drummer Jen Gay complete the lineup. The group's bright, uptempo, and quirky style reflects a clear fondness for early-'80s post-punk. Nishimura projects strong charisma onstage, anchoring performances that feature eccentric costumes designed by Jameson and constructed by Gay. These outfits, which have included nurse uniforms, coordinated tennis attire, and Chinese communist military dress, supply an irreverent contrast to the band's gleefully nutty music and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, most of which are delivered in Japanese.
Jameson formed Buttersprites to realize an all-girl Japanese pop band modeled on Shonen Knife; the group played its debut Seattle show in 2003. Although their approach diverged from the city's prevailing grungy aesthetic, a warmly received set at Ladyfest Seattle in June 2004 provided encouragement. Demo tracks followed, produced by Andrew Sodt, an alumnus of Tiny Hat Orchestra and Lushy member, alongside Lynval Golding, formerly of the Specials. Dionysus Records in Los Angeles responded positively and released the debut CD in June 2005, retaining the same production personnel and adding Johnny Horn. The album steadily climbed college radio playlists nationwide, proving an infectious and ultimately irresistible listen that delivers musical substance exceeding any surface novelty. Amid the dour, dark, and polluted atmosphere of post-9/11 American music, Buttersprites offered a welcome burst of sunshine.
Jameson formed Buttersprites to realize an all-girl Japanese pop band modeled on Shonen Knife; the group played its debut Seattle show in 2003. Although their approach diverged from the city's prevailing grungy aesthetic, a warmly received set at Ladyfest Seattle in June 2004 provided encouragement. Demo tracks followed, produced by Andrew Sodt, an alumnus of Tiny Hat Orchestra and Lushy member, alongside Lynval Golding, formerly of the Specials. Dionysus Records in Los Angeles responded positively and released the debut CD in June 2005, retaining the same production personnel and adding Johnny Horn. The album steadily climbed college radio playlists nationwide, proving an infectious and ultimately irresistible listen that delivers musical substance exceeding any surface novelty. Amid the dour, dark, and polluted atmosphere of post-9/11 American music, Buttersprites offered a welcome burst of sunshine.
Albums