Meaning: Thurston Moore, an influential musician, made this statement that sheds light on an unconventional approach to creating and sharing music. The quote reflects the idea that the music created by his band, Sonic Youth, is not notated or transcribed in a traditional manner, making it difficult for others to fully replicate or understand their music without experiencing it firsthand. This approach challenges the traditional methods of music notation and highlights the unique and ephemeral nature of Sonic Youth's music.

Sonic Youth, an American rock band formed in New York City in 1981, is known for its experimental and avant-garde approach to music. The band has been credited with influencing the development of alternative and indie rock music. Central to their sound is their use of alternative guitar tunings, dissonant harmonies, and unconventional song structures, which contribute to the complexity and depth of their music.

By stating that they never notate their music, Thurston Moore emphasizes the ephemeral and experiential nature of Sonic Youth's music. This approach aligns with the band's avant-garde and experimental ethos, as it challenges the traditional notions of music composition and dissemination. Instead of relying on written notation, Sonic Youth's music relies heavily on improvisation, collaboration, and the exploration of sound textures and dynamics.

The process of notating music has historically been a fundamental aspect of preserving and disseminating musical compositions. Standard music notation, with its system of staffs, notes, and rhythmic symbols, allows musicians to interpret and perform compositions accurately. However, Sonic Youth's decision to eschew traditional notation aligns with their desire to create music that is more fluid, spontaneous, and open to interpretation.

It's important to note that this approach is not entirely unprecedented. Throughout history, many musicians and composers have relied on oral tradition, improvisation, and non-standard notation to transmit their music. For example, the blues and jazz traditions often rely on improvisation and oral transmission, with musicians learning and passing on music through listening and playing rather than reading sheet music.

By choosing not to notate their music, Sonic Youth is positioning their work as a living, breathing entity that is best experienced in a live setting or through direct engagement with the recordings. This approach emphasizes the importance of the performance and the sonic experience, encouraging listeners to engage with the music on a deeper, more visceral level.

The quote also hints at the idea that while others may attempt to replicate Sonic Youth's music, they will never truly possess it. This notion speaks to the ineffable quality of music and the intangible aspects that make Sonic Youth's music so unique and impactful. By not notating their music, Sonic Youth preserves the enigmatic and elusive nature of their work, allowing it to remain a source of intrigue and fascination for listeners and musicians alike.

In conclusion, Thurston Moore's statement about not notating Sonic Youth's music offers a glimpse into the band's unconventional approach to composition and dissemination. By eschewing traditional notation, Sonic Youth embraces the ephemeral and experiential nature of their music, emphasizing the importance of live performance and direct engagement with the sonic textures and dynamics of their work. This approach aligns with the band's avant-garde ethos and positions their music as an enigmatic and elusive force that defies traditional modes of understanding and replication. Ultimately, Sonic Youth's decision to not notate their music speaks to the transformative power of music as an immersive and ineffable experience.