Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth is an American band formed in 1981 New York City amid the no wave scene. The band would go on to be extremely foundational to the American noise rock scene, being cited as a major influence for countless bands. Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, and Lee Ranaldo all performed vocal duties, and were the founding members of the band. Steve Shelley joined on drums in 1985, and thus the core lineup was formed. Jim O'Rourke and Mark Ibold would join the band at various points throughout their existence as well.

The band earned praise for redefining the capabilities of guitar music, utilizing unorthodox tunings and making use of drum sticks, screwdrivers, and more to affect the instruments' timbre. The band achieved a massive underground following and critical praise throughout the '80s, and achieved mainstream success throughout the '90s and 2000s before their breakup in 2011.

The band released many albums throughout the '80s, building their experimental style up until they culminated in 1988's Daydream Nation. Albums like Goo and singles like "Bull In the Heather" saw them gain mainstream attention in the '90s, and songs like "Rather Ripped" continued their mainstream and artistic prowess into the 2000s. The group disbanded in 2011 following the dissolution of Gordon and Moore's marriage due to Moore's infidelity. Since then, band members have garnered solo careers.