New Statesman
·Jul 2026
Is Kim Gordon Still a Kool Thing?
Kim Gordon discusses her restless, cross-disciplinary career as a musician, visual artist, writer and fashion figure, emphasizing that she identifies as an artist rather than being confined to a single medium. Her new album, Play Me, channels anger at billionaire culture, algorithmic entertainment, artificial intelligence and the political and social deterioration of the United States through abrasive, experimental sound rather than direct political songwriting. The interview also reflects on Sonic Youth's influence on alternative rock, Gordon's experiences with sexism and celebrity mythology, her divorce from Thurston Moore, and her long-standing commitment to creative independence, ambiguity and authenticity.