Learning about aging in noise rock from Kim Deal and Kim Gordon
In 1995, while living in a small town in West Michigan as a high school sophomore, my passion for music and affinity for punk rock was on the rise. With a background in playing the guitar and being part of a few bands already, I was looking for inspiration and female role models in the male-dominated music scene. During those pre-internet days, discovering new music meant relying on CMJ samplers, college radio stations, and music magazines like Spin to stay connected.
One day, as I flipped through an old issue of Rolling Stone from ’94 in my friend’s room, I stumbled upon an article titled “A Breed Apart” featuring the Breeders. Kim Deal, with her iconic shoe-polished hair dye and sharp wit, had already captivated me through her work with the Pixies and now the Breeders. Similarly, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth fame was making waves with her effortless coolness and impactful music.
The influence of these two Kims on my musical journey cannot be overstated. As they paved the way for women in music like myself, I found myself gravitating towards more aggressive genres over the years. Despite the challenges faced as a female guitarist in the hardcore scene, I continued to pursue my passion for heavy music.
Fast forward to 2023, at the age of 44, I decided to embark on a new music project called Tonguecutter. Despite concerns about being perceived as too old for the music scene, I drew comfort from the realization that the noise rock scene had older listeners compared to other genres. As a woman musician in her 40s, breaking into the music industry and maintaining relevance in a youth-centric culture was no easy feat.
The disparities within the music industry become more apparent when considering the inequitable representation of women songwriters and the societal expectations placed on aging women performers. Despite these challenges, the resilience and creativity displayed by the two Kims, Kim Deal and Kim Gordon, have served as a source of inspiration and motivation for me as I navigate my own musical journey.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Breeders album “Last Splash” in 2023, Kim Deal continued to create music that resonated with audiences. Kim Gordon, in her 70s, released an exceptional solo album, showcasing her enduring talent and relevance in the industry. Their unwavering dedication to their craft and refusal to conform to ageist stereotypes serve as a reminder that passion and creativity know no age limits.
As I continue to pursue my musical aspirations with Tonguecutter, I draw strength from the legacies of the Kims and their commitment to pushing boundaries and defying expectations. Their influence transcends age and gender, inspiring musicians like myself to keep dreaming, creating, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the ever-evolving music industry.