There are two words that describe why I love Sonic Youth so much and they are … wait for it … KIM GORDON. Kim Gordon was the bassist, guitarist and vocalist of Sonic Youth. She went to art school and was the only ‘girl in a band’ [Sonic Youth – Sacred Trickster]. She is known as the ‘Godmother of Grunge’, she is kickass and taught me that I can do whatever men can do. She being the only girl in such a successful alternative band really inspired me. I guess it taught me that I, too, can be kickass, my angry opinions can demand to be heard and any girl can successfully make it in such a male dominated industry.
Okay so fast forward to Year 12, imagine me sitting in a history mock, nervously sweating it out and heart racing. Staring at the clock, clutching my pen and not knowing what to do. I can hear my heart thumping and suddenly my phone buzzes!!! I leap up out of my seat and scream ‘MY DAD’S DONE IT, HE’S ONLY GONE AND GOT KATE BUSH TICKETS, I AM GOING TO SEE KATE BUSH’. The next thing I know is I am being told to ‘calm down’ and to ‘shut up’. Admittedly I didn’t care about how my history mock went that morning and I apologize for disturbing the whole class in my ecstatic state. Kate Bush is probably known as one of the most bizarre women to ever grace the music scene. At sixteen she was discovered and helped into fame by the one and only David Gilmore and thank goodness he did so because she has played a vital role in the music industry. I honestly believe that her bizarre eclectic ways paved the way for many women in the music industry. Without her women like Florence Welch, ST. Vincent and Bat for Lashes would not be where they are today. She allowed women to have their own voice, to not be manufactured by others and to be as loud and outrageous as they want. When I went to see Kate Bush it was the most strange thing I have ever experienced but it was truly magical as you could tell Bush was doing what she loved.
So I guess there are three woman who I think have changed and shaped the music industry for the better and have changed and shaped me for the better. This article is like a thank you to them. So thank you Lauryn Hill, Kim Gordon and Kate Bush for helping me become the woman I am today. I honestly could not have done it without you.