People

Thurston Moore

In 1980, Thurston Moore formed the band Sonic Youth, drawing on a burgeoning scene for loud and brash experimental music, much of which was termed “no wave” at the time, and centered around a “Downtown” NYC scene that also helped spawn Bang on a Can. He and fellow guitarist Lee Ranaldo, with Kim Gordon on bass, created interwoven textures and bursts of feedback on retuned guitars, creating harmonics reminiscent of their idol composer Glenn Branca. By adding rock ‘n’ roll song structures to improvised breakdown sections, they set the stage for countless other “indie” bands to come. Even as Sonic Youth disbanded, Moore continues to pursue new sounds and techniques, while staying true to the independent rock ethic he helped create.