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Girl In A Band By Kim Gordon
Sonic Youth was the band that paved the road that would be followed by the Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, and the whole Seattle grunge scene.
Girl in a Band is a memoir written by Kim Gordon, the co-founder, bassist, and vocalist of the alternative rock band Sonic Youth. It’s a tale from the heart of Sonic Youth.
The book was published in 2015 and covers Gordon’s life and career, including her experiences as a woman in the music industry and her personal relationships.
The book also covers the rise of Sonic Youth and the New York City art and music scene of the 1980s and 1990s.
Why We Love Girl In A Band
People said Kim was too aloof, so she sat down and wrote the kind of autobiography that opens every wound and detail of a life well-lived.
She shows us how a musical and personal partnership can change the world and how it feels to watch that partnership collapse before your eyes too.
Her cradle-to-now approach means you don’t miss a moment of Kim’s journey to the top and then down again.
Kim Gordon is best known as the bassist, vocalist, and visual artist for the post-punk band Sonic Youth.
As one of the most influential bands of the 1980s underground music scene, Sonic Youth helped to shape the sound of alt-rock and grunge. Gordon was a central figure in the band, writing many of their songs and creating their iconic album covers.
In addition to her work with Sonic Youth, Gordon is also an accomplished solo artist and visual artist. She has exhibited her work in galleries around the world and released several solo albums.
Throughout her career, Gordon has remained an outspoken advocate for DIY culture and independent music. She is respected for her innovative musicianship and her dedication to artistry outside the mainstream.
This memoir is one of the most insightful, raw, articulate and frankly, inspirational works we’ve ever read and even if you’re not a Sonic Youth fan, you’re guaranteed to get something out of reading it.
I’ve always admired Kim Gordon. She is cool, smart, and dignified. Girl in a Band is a fascinating and honest memoir full of raw emotion and insight.
Sofia Coppola
You can grab a copy online here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of music books does the list focus on?
The list highlights essential music books across genres, including history, criticism, and theory, while keeping biographies and memoirs separate. It presents a curated mix rather than focusing on autobiography content.
The list highlights essential music books across genres, including history, criticism, and theory, while keeping biographies and memoirs separate. It presents a curated mix rather than focusing on autobiography content.
Why is “Appetite For Self‑Destruction” included among the recommendations?
“Appetite For Self‑Destruction” is included because it offers critical insight into how the digital era disrupted the record business, making it essential reading on modern music industry history.
“Appetite For Self‑Destruction” is included because it offers critical insight into how the digital era disrupted the record business, making it essential reading on modern music industry history.
Are there books suitable for beginners featured?
Yes. The article includes books appropriate for novice music lovers and casual readers, offering accessible entry points into music writing and analysis.
Yes. The article includes books appropriate for novice music lovers and casual readers, offering accessible entry points into music writing and analysis.
Does the list include autobiographies of musicians?
No. The article explicitly excludes autobiographies and memoirs to focus on broader music themes and critical perspectives, though it hints at a separate list for memoirs.
No. The article explicitly excludes autobiographies and memoirs to focus on broader music themes and critical perspectives, though it hints at a separate list for memoirs.
What genres or themes are represented in the book selections?
The selections cover wide-ranging themes—music theory, business analysis, cultural context, criticism, and more—spanning genres from classical and pop to rock and electronic.
The selections cover wide-ranging themes—music theory, business analysis, cultural context, criticism, and more—spanning genres from classical and pop to rock and electronic.
How can readers benefit from reading these books?
Each recommended title enriches musical understanding—whether exploring industry evolution, creative process, or historical context—and inspires deeper appreciation of music and its stories.
Each recommended title enriches musical understanding—whether exploring industry evolution, creative process, or historical context—and inspires deeper appreciation of music and its stories.
The first time Nicholas went to a live gig, 31 years ago, it turned out to be an Iron Maiden secret gig and he became hooked on the music scene. He was one of the founding writers for Astro Zombie a heavy metal and new world techno-inspired zine and his interview with Rob Caggiano of Anthrax brought in over 300,000 readers. He’s based out of Southeast Asia now, but his love of music is as strong and diverse as ever.
