Even if one is not really familiar with indie music in particular, most rock music fans in general the odds are that at some point you have heard of Sonic Youth. The band is synonymous with indie music (which of course means that they enjoy the paradigm of being considered passé by some indie fans) and have had a huge influence in the music industry as well, albeit at some distance removed.

Sonic Youth has been around for more than two decades, and the passing of time has seen a lot of changes both in the music the band puts out and the line-up. Perhaps the ever-changing format is a good reason for the band’s continued relevance in the indie scene.

Perhaps one of the best lessons that indie fans can take from Sonic Youth’s example is not labeling success within the music mainstream as a sell-out. This does not mean that they laud the musical integrity of bands like the Backstreet Boys, far from it. But Sonic Youth, unlike many indie fans, seem to know where the boundary is between artistic sell-out and a genuine desire to offer one’s message to a larger audience. This has been demonstrated throughout their history, in moves such as encouraging Nirvana to work with Butch Vig and in touring with Pearl Jam (as a supporting act, no less!).

Sonic Youth has also been recognized on a national level, with the induction of Daydream Nation into the Library of Congress’ Recording Registry.

Sonic Youth are probably the best example of a band that continues to successfully walk the fine line between the indie and big music scenes.