Rocker Kim Gordon has always been on the fringe of music. For decades she has carved out a career with such legendary bands as Sonic Youth and Free Kitten, the latter with Julia Cafritz of Pussy Galore.
She has made movie and television appearances including Gilmore Girls and Gossip Girls along with Gus Van Sant's Last Days.
With credentials like these, many may not know about the other side to Gordon. She has a history of being a visual artist and curator. Her exhibits have been shown globally from Europe to Japan.
She blends those worlds together with White/Light as part of the Museum of Contemporary Art's monthly "Face the Strange" concert series.
Windy City Times: Hi, Kim. What have you been up to?
Kim Gordon: I've been working on mainly visual arts stuff and this improv deal with Bill Nace. We have been recording and have an EP out. We have recorded an album that we have been mixing.
My daughter is actually going to the Art Institute in Chicago. She's a freshman.
WCT: She's actually across the street from me right now. I'm working downtown. Does she like it?
Kim Gordon: She does really like it.
WCT: Do you currently reside in Massachusetts?
Kim Gordon: I am there most of the time. I just moved into a place in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. I'm sharing a place with somebody.
WCT: You recorded with Yoko Ono not too long ago?
Kim Gordon: It was about two years ago. She was fascinating. That was another improvisation session where we just went in and played. We basically mixed it. We didn't really do too much to it. It's all coming out as a three record box set. It has a spray painted cover from a painting that I did.
WCT: Are you still working on clothing lines?
Kim Gordon: Not really. The last time I was collaborating with a French label called Surface to Air. I think the last line is coming out this spring but then that is it.
WCT: You have been in the strong female rocker category for so long with artists such as Chrissie Hynde over the years. Do you feel like part of the music elite?
Kim Gordon: I know it sounds funny but I don't even think of myself as a rocker. I am flattered to be put in that category. I was just in Oslo for their version of SXSW, and I met Neneh Cherry for the first time. I had met her mother years ago but had actually never met her. That was really exciting to meet her. Her latest project is an improv free jazz record and it was up for this Nordic music award.
WCT: She's another powerful woman from back in the day. Are there any anniversary projects coming out soon?
Kim Gordon: Dinosaur Jr. had an anniversary concert for You're Living All Over Me and they had all sorts of different guests. I played there and it was really fun. I got to sing the song "Don't."
WCT: I know The Breeders are doing something with their anniversary, and you are friends with them.
Kim Gordon: Oh yeah, right. I think we are playing at ATP in England in June. Actually, Ikue Mori is playing drums with us. She's the drummer for DNA. They are a famous new wave band from New York who inspired me to start playing music. Since I have played with her she has played electronic percussion over the years. I have been trying to talk her into playing drums again. She was always one of my favorite drummers. We are going to be doing some trio gigs together and one is ATP and then Meltdown that Yoko Ono is curating. It's a festival at Southbank Centre.
WCT: You are coming back to Chicago with the band White/Light.
Kim Gordon: Yes I am and I'm curious to what it will be like. I have never played with Jeremy from White/Light before so we will see.
WCT: This is not all planned out yet then.
Kim Gordon: We will rehearse and it will be an improv based thing.
WCT: You will be singing?
Kim Gordon: There will be vocals. It is two guitars and my vocals through an amp and some effects.
WCT: It seems like you know a lot of people in the art community in New York.
Kim Gordon: We all run into each other.
WCT: How do you want fans to keep up with you?
Kim Gordon: I'm not very good at that sort of thing. I guess they can go to the Sonic Youth website and it should be posted there, if I remember to tell them. [Laughs] I do Twitter but it is usually after the fact. My Twitter is @KimletGordon. What is something fun to do in Chicago?
WCT: You need to find a good restaurant. We have over 8,000 of them.
Kim Gordon: Hopefully, I am not too busy rehearsing and can check some out.
Look for Gordon Tuesday, March 26, at the MCA, 220 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets are free for Illinois residents with a suggested museum admission for others. The free ticket can be obtained at the box office at 5 p.m. the day of the event. Visit www.mcachicago.org for details.
