You generally think “’90s” when you think of Indie music. And while that genre certainly exploded in that decade thanks to Oasis, Blur, and a whole slew of other, lesser known artists (this list by NME is a great starting point if you want to dive in), the roots of the genre’s massive success then can arguably be traced to the prior decade.
Sonic Youth, one of the pioneers of the format, formed all the way back in 1981. Decades later, they remain a criminally underappreciated act. In fact, there’s a good chance you’re more familiar with the member’s work outside the group. Phoenix New Times has the receipts on everything from poetry books, record label management, and appearances on “Gilmore Girls.” Besides, what quirky mid-2000s indie dramedy (looking at you, “Juno”) hasn’t featured at least one Sonic Youth song? But the group’s influence is powerful and important. Formed in the “No Wave” post-punk movement, as per Britannica, the avant-grade group didn’t even sign with a major label until 1990, two years after their masterpiece, “Dream Nation.” What’s more Underground and Indie than that?
Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore’s marriage ended in 2011, taking the band with it. But everyone is more than thankful for the game-changing music they made throughout their nearly three-decade-long career. Besides, their legacy lives on in the form of every indie rock outfit that still stands on their shoulders.
