Kim Gordon, the iconic former member of Sonic Youth, shares insights as her latest solo album, “The Collective,” is unveiled. She addresses fan queries spanning her acting roles with Kristen Stewart, her early work for Basquiat, and her thoughts on the origins of punk rock.
Did you initially aim to revolutionize rock music, or did your enduring career unfold more organically?
When Sonic Youth began, the standard for groundbreaking music was exceptionally high. It was challenging to conceive how we could contribute uniquely, given the immense influence of bands like The Velvet Underground and the entire no-wave movement. Confronted with such creative brilliance and a feeling of not quite fitting in, the drive becomes about crafting something truly unprecedented. While it might sound ambitious to claim we aimed for novelty, that was precisely the essence of our approach then, and it remains so today. For instance, I never envisioned a solo career; my focus was on improvisation projects like Body/Head with Bill Nace. It was producer Justin Raisen in LA who persistently encouraged me to record a solo album. There was no grand strategy; ultimately, it was about taking a leap and seeing where it led.
Your memoir, “Girl in a Band,” is highly regarded for its novelistic quality. Have you ever considered venturing into fiction?
The idea has crossed my mind. I tend to see myself primarily as a visual artist who also writes, rather than a dedicated writer. While I wouldn’t rule out attempting a novel someday, the initial phase of writing is always a struggle for me – I’m quite prone to procrastination. However, once I immerse myself in the process, I find deep enjoyment in it. The contemplative aspect, the act of thinking through ideas, is what I truly appreciate. Often, I only truly grasp my own thoughts on a subject once I begin to articulate them through writing.