Sonic Youth emerged from New York’s underground music scene in the mid-1980s. Their unique style and creativity led to the birth of alternative rock.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. So, what are they doing nearly two decades after separating?
Today, we’re exploring what the members of this iconic group have been up to lately.
Let’s get started!
The Story of Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth began in 1981 when Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon, and Lee Ranaldo joined forces. Members were three incredible guitarists lighting up stages without a designated drummer. They were so musically talented that they took turns filling in on percussion until the group eventually discovered Richard Edson.
Their original name was Arcadians. However, it changed to Sonic Youth during their first year together. Some say this was when they finally discovered their unique sound.
For the next couple of years, the drummer position was a revolving door. Edson quit to pursue acting, and Bob Bert replaced him. Unfortunately, Moore didn’t think Bert’s drumming was fitting and fired him. Jim Sclavunos joined the team and left after only a few months. Eventually, the team asked Bob Bert to return, and he agreed.
They embarked on a European tour, which didn’t go over well with the critics. It even resulted in an intense feud with a local commentator. The group gave it another try in 1984.
Their equipment suffered severe problems, which angered Thurston. He let his frustration get the best of him, destroying thousands of dollars of gear right in front of the crowd. Ironically, this performance got great reviews. When returning to the United States, Sonic Youth was more popular than ever.
To the band, this proved that good things can come from a bad situation.
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Sonic Youth’s Best-Known Songs
Despite lacking any significant awards, the group had some popular songs. There’s a good chance you’ve heard one or two of their most memorable tunes.
Teen Age Riot
Teen Age Riot was the opening track on their 1988 album Daydream Nation. Its two-minute intro is longer than some modern tunes. The rhythm guitar and quick drum fills combine experimental rock with a sense of pop.
Like many songs during this time, the lyrics encourage a sense of rebellion and defiance. The raw guitar and bright melodies captured the youth culture of the time. Many future alternative bands imitated the sounds heard in Teen Age Riot.
Bull in the Heather
Bull in the Heather was a famous track on the 1994 album Experimental Jet Set, Trash, and No Star. With a delay pedal and frequent harmonics on guitar riffs, Sonic Youth shows off their musical abilities and creativity.
Kim Gordon belted out the lyrics in a powerful manner. Its message became a feminist anthem. Throughout the tune, she sings about female empowerment, rebellion, and the difficulty of expressing yourself as a woman.
100%
From their 1992 album Dirty, Sonic Youth’s song 100% is another intense example of alternative rock. Between catchy guitar riffs and unique sounds made with their instruments, this track is unlike many others of the time. It shows the group was fearless in stepping out and making unusual art.
Kim Gordon later revealed its message was about the murder of a friend, Joe Cole, in a robbery. Despite the tragic undertones, it’s a fantastic sample of the noise rock style.
Why Did Sonic Youth Split Up?
When bands break up, there’s usually a lot of finger-pointing. Unfortunately, when Sonic Youth split, it was more than just a musical group going their separate ways.
Co-founders Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon went through a rather public divorce due to infidelity. The two were married for 27 years, and their messy relationship spilled over into their ability to work together. Pursuing passion projects and other interests was better for everyone.
Moore and Ranaldo stayed in the music scene and released solo albums. On the other hand, Kim Gordon turned to fashion and visual art to express herself.
Fans were disappointed to hear the news of the split. However, you can feel Sonic Youth’s impact on alternative and experimental music to this day.
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What Are Sonic Youth Doing Now?
Today, Thurston resides in London and remains in the industry. He’s created several solo albums. In 2020, he married Eva Prinz, the woman involved in the affair. The duo are active in art, poetry, and film.
Gordon embarked on a European tour with Ikue Mori in 2012 and later formed the duo Body/Head with Bill Nace. Their album Coming Apart came out in 2013 through Matador Records. They went on tour throughout the United States.
More recently, her single Abstract Blues came out under Sub Pop Records.
The final consistent member of the group, Lee Ranaldo, remains is also still in the biz. He has multiple projects, like Between the Times and the Tides, released in early 2012. In addition to touring, he’s also authored over a dozen books, including travel journals, poetry, and artists’ books.
In 2020, a Bandcamp page for Sonic Youth popped up. If you’re unaware, this is an online record store and community where fans can support their favorite artists by purchasing their albums. This caused a bit of confusion among their listeners.
Two years later, the album In/Out/In was released under the band’s name. It was a compilation of previously recorded instrumental tracks. Their die-hard fans finally had some fresh tunes to enjoy.
Will Sonic Youth Reunite?
Sonic Youth played their final concert together in 2011 while in Brazil. Kim Gordon wrote in her autobiography, Girl in a Band, that she felt the separation was permanent. Many think a reunion is impossible, but others haven’t ruled it out.
In an interview with Far Out, Thurston remained open to getting the band back together. However, he did mention that it’d contradict much of what they were about during their prime. Additionally, Ranaldo shared that festivals provide lucrative opportunities, but no one is taking action.
So, while a reunion of Sonic Youth could happen, it isn’t likely. Members would have to conquer several hurdles, and no one seems overly excited about it.
Still widely considered their best album, you can get Daydream Nation on vinyl! (Plus, all the usual formats.)
The Fountain of Sonic Youth Flows in Our Hearts
Sonic Youth may have received few awards, but they had an incredible impact on the music industry. They brought attention to new genres and influenced future artists.
Unfortunately, we’re not holding out hope that we’ll see the group come together again. But it’s good to see them appear happy and content in their current adventures.
What’s your favorite song from this early alt-rock band? Let us know in the comments!