Sonic Youth is an American alternative rock band from New York City, formed in 1981. Their most recent lineup consisted of Thurston Moore , Kim Gordon , Lee Ranaldo , Steve Shelley , and Mark Ibold . In their early career, Sonic Youth was associated with the no wave art and music scene in New York City. Part of the first wave of American noise rock groups, the band carried out their interpretation of the hardcore punk ethos throughout the evolving American underground that focused more on the DIY ethic of the genre rather than its specific sound. As a result, some consider Sonic Youth as... pivotal in the rise of the alternative rock and indie rock movements. The band experienced success and critical acclaim throughout their existence, continuing into the new millennium, including signing to major label DGC in 1990, and headlining the 1995 Lollapalooza festival. Sonic Youth expressed a wide variety of influences, ranging from the influential protopunk musician Patti Smith to composer John Cage.
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| Career began: | 1981 |
| Members: | Thurston Moore, Lee Ranaldo, Jim O'Rourke, Kim Gordon, Steve Shelley, Mark Ibold, Bob Bert, Jim Sclavunos, Richard Edson, Anne DeMarinis |
| Hometown: | New York City |
| Also known as: | Sonice Youth, The Sonic Youth, Sonic Youth |