Noise has taken the place of punk rock. People who play noise have no real aspirations to being part of the mainstream culture. Punk has been co-opted, and this subterranean noise music and the avant-garde folk scene have replaced it
Interpretation
The quote compares the current state of music to punk rock, suggesting that true punk has been overshadowed by noise music and other underground genres.
Thurston Moore reflects on the evolution of music, arguing that punk rock, originally a form of rebellion and cultural commentary, has been 'co-opted' by mainstream culture. He suggests that in its place, noise music and avant-garde styles have emerged, representing a shift towards more experimental and underground sounds that reject mainstream acceptance and aim for artistic integrity instead.
In practice
During a music lecture discussing the evolution of punk rock.
Rock music is important to people , because it allows them to escape this crazy world. It allows them not to run away from the problems that are there, but to face up to them , but at the same time sort of DANCE ALL OVER THEM. That's what rock and roll is about.
In L.A., we listen to everything. If it's banging, it's banging - we don't care where it's from.
Rock 'n' roll offered me a platform to speak what I felt. It also offered me a platform to support my mama and my brothers and sisters - twelve children.
Rock'n'roll as a genre is different from pop and hip hop: it is about bands, and that for me suggests brotherhood, family, friendship and community.
The fact that we elected Obama was a sign that the black struggle inherent in the blues and so much of the music I have loved can triumph.
It's not about battling the original artists when I record these songs, it's about paying tribute to them.
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