This past November marked the 10th anniversary of Sonic Youth’s farewell show, just after Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore announced their own split. Yet for those who still follow the band, it’s almost as if Sonic Youth never left the building. A steady stream of concert tapes and rarities comps has been released on Bandcamp; deluxe editions of Washing Machine and Sister are in the works; and Moore is at work on a memoir, Sonic Life, that will chronicle the band’s story up through their last album, The Eternal. And coming in March will be In/Out/In, a new compilation of rare instrumental jams from the 2000s.
The only thing missing, of course, is a reunion — which, according to guitarist Lee Ranaldo, is the one band project not in the pipeline. Ranaldo says the group has received “blank check offers” over the years from major festivals but says they’ve never been seriously considered (or that the offers themselves weren’t deemed serious enough). “We’re all living and breathing, so you never know what the future will bring,” he says. “But we have not entertained it at this point. It’s something that hangs out there and people are always asking about.”
For outside observers, one factor could be Moore and Gordon’s divorce, but Ranaldo is upfront about his own hesitations. “I’ve maintained my friendship with everyone in the band to speak to everyone with some degree of regularity, but learning all those old songs doesn’t appeal to me that much,” he says. “The Sonic Youth way [for a reunion] would be to write new material, which would give us a reason to do anything — a whole set of new music as opposed to being a jukebox. And festivals aren’t the most rewarding thing to do except for your pocketbook.”
“I don’t know where we would be if we hadn’t stopped,” he adds. “I go and see Wilco and they’re still on the road with all this gear. We were in that position at some point. But I guess my head is in a different space. I can’t imagine doing it that exact same way.”
At the very least, Sonic Youth is reconvened on the forthcoming In/Out/In, which collects instrumentals cut between 2000 and 2010, when the band was beginning work on albums like Murray Street and Rather Ripped. Sonic Youth had contributed two of its tracks to a limited-edition, 1,000-LP box set compilation of artists on the Three Lobed label. A few years ago, Three Lobed’s Cory Rayborn had the idea of asking Sonic Youth for more of their material for a standalone album to help the label celebrate its 20th anniversary. According to Ranaldo, the project’s initial point person, the four members, including drummer Steve Shelley, agreed: “This was a chance to put some different, non-vocals experimental stuff together as a little package and highlight the last decade of the band in an interesting way.”
The five tracks include “Basement Contender,” a languid jam recorded in Moore and Gordon’s Northampton, Massachusetts, home in 2008; “Social Static,” a more ambient sound-collage work with then-member Jim O’Rourke, from 2000; and the guitar-driven “Out & In,” which feels like a classic SY track but without anyone singing along. “In & Out,” parts of which were cut at a soundcheck of a California show in 2010, is likely one of the band’s last recordings. (The band’s actual final work is SYR9: Simon Werner a Disparu, the soundtrack for the French film Lights Out, which Ranaldo says is a favorite of despite “a bit of tension going on” in the band at the time.)
Some of the earliest tracks on In/Out/In were cut at Echo Canyon, the studio space that the band took over in downtown Manhattan for over a decade. “We were in a golden period,” says Ranaldo, who’s such a Beatles fan that he watched their recent Get Back mini-series several times. “It’s like what the Beatles had when started working at their own place. It didn’t last long for them, but for us, it lasted 10 years. After that, people were getting a bit more scattered and had a lot more outside interests going on. Things were more in flux.”
In/Out/In won’t be the last Sonic Youth archival dig. A deluxe version of 1995’s Washing Machine, largely completed but awaiting release, will include demos, live material from that period, and several different version of their epic “Diamond Sea.” (That release may not come until the album’s 30th anniversary, so be prepared to wait at least three years.) A deluxe edition of 1987’s Sister is also being readied.
Taken together, these reissues and compilations recall a time when Sonic Youth and its peers in the Eighties and Nineties were pushing rock into unchartered, paradigm-changing territory, less reliant on traditional song structures or guitar solos and more on a whirlwind sonic blur. With hip-hop having overtaken rock as the leading mainstream music of its time, those days seem even farther away, and Ranaldo reluctantly agrees. “Nirvana could be said to have put the nail in the coffin by blowing it wide open,” he says. “I wouldn’t want to put it on their shoulders. But it certainly seems like the thread seems to have gotten lost.”
“The world has kind of moved on to other stuff. Most of what my kids are listening to is not guitar-driven. It’s computer-made music. Some of the most mainstream hip-hop has some of the most experimental production. Some of those tracks are incredible-sounding. It’s like the way we used to talk about Sgt. Pepper or Pet Sounds. I don’t hear that experimentation in the rock world.”
And whether or not Sonic Youth will conjure those bands again onstage, even once, remains to be seen. “For a long time,” Ranaldo says, “my initial response to people who did [reunion concerts] was, ‘They’re just doing it because they want to make money.’ It felt like such a cheapening way to go about that. But there’s a whole other side of it, people who want to see a band again. I felt that way when I saw Television and Gang of Four reunion shows. I didn’t care why they were doing it. It was just marvelous to see them again. But we haven’t had to deal with it yet. It remains an open question mark.”
Dave, Olivia Dean, RAYE and Jim Legxacy are some of the biggest names in the running for this year’s Urban Music Awards.
Now in its 24th year, the ceremony is heading back to London on December 15 to recognise talent from across the UK and the international urban music scene.
With ten nominations, Dave has earned more nods than any other artist this year. His nominations include Artist of the Year (UK) and Best Album for The Boy Who Played the Harp, while his Tems collaboration ‘Raindance’ is competing in three categories. Olivia Dean, RAYE and Jim Legxacy have each received eight nominations. Skepta is close behind with seven, with ‘Victory Lap’, his track alongside Fred again.. and PlaqueBoyMax, also earning recognition.
Central Cee, Dave, Finn Askew, FLO, J Hus, Jim Legxacy, Lola Young, Nemzzz, Odeal, Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress, RAYE, Scorcher and Skepta are all competing for Artist of the Year (UK). The Best Album shortlist features Central Cee’s Cant Rush Greatness, Little Simz’s Lotus, RAYE’s This Music May Contain Hope, Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving and FLO’s Access All Areas. Meanwhile, Ezra Collective, D Block Europe, NSG, SAULT and FLO are competing for Best Group.
The ceremony is also giving more attention to music from around the world, with awards recognising artists from the USA, Africa, the Caribbean, France, Asia and South America. Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Doechii, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, Tyla, Vybz Kartel, Aya Nakamura, Diljit Dosanjh, Bad Bunny and Karol G are among the international names nominated.
Speaking about this year’s nominations, Cressida Oppenheimer, Vice President of the Urban Music Awards, said: “For 24 years, the Urban Music Awards have championed the artists, producers, DJs and creators who drive our culture forward. This year's nominees show just how strong, diverse and global urban music has become. Now it's over to the fans: get voting, and we'll see you on 15 December for a night of elegance, fashion, performances and the biggest celebration of the year.”
Fans can cast their votes at urbanmusicawards.org/voting. Tickets and VIP tables can also be purchased through the awards’ official website, with the evening featuring a red carpet, live performances, the award presentations and an official afterparty. Viewers will be able to watch the celebration live on Channel One TV.
The 2026 Urban Music Awards nominations:
Artist of the Year (UK)
Central Cee
Dave
Finn Askew
FLO
J Hus
Jim Legxacy
Lola Young
Nemzzz
Odeal
Olivia Dean
PinkPantheress
RAYE
Scorcher
Skepta
Best Male Act
Aitch
Central Cee
Dave
Donaeo
Elmiene
Fuse ODG
Jim Legxacy
Kojey Radical
Myles Smith
Nemzzz
Odeal
Sampha
Scorcher
Skepta
Best Female Act
Cleo Sol
FLO
JADE
Jorja Smith
kwn
Little Simz
Lola Young
Mahalia
Nia Smith
Olivia Dean
PinkPantheress
Rachel Chinouriri
RAYE
Sasha Keable
Shae Universe
Sonna Rele
Tamera
Best Newcomer
Chy Cartier
CRISTALE
DC3
EsDeeKid
Finessekid
Finn Askew
Jim Legxacy
kwn
LeoStayTrill
Namesbliss
Nectar Woode
Nia Smith
Nippa
Olympia Vitalis
Owen Saward
Sekou
Skye Newman
YT
Best Group
D Block Europe
Ezra Collective
FLO
House Gospel Choir
NSG
SAULT
Sol and The Gang
STXRM Collective
WSTRN
Best Album
Central Cee – Cant Rush Greatness
DAMEDAME – Dreams on the Passenger Seat
Dave – The Boy Who Played the Harp
FLO – Access All Areas
Griminal – Grimace
Kojey Radical – Dont Look Down
Little Simz – Lotus
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Best Single
AJ Tracey feat. Jorja Smith – Crush
Akelle and Dexta Daps – Tink Bout It
Bugzy Malone – Tears
Dappy feat. Renaya – Straight Facts 2 Remix
Dave and Tems – Raindance
Dionne Bromfield – Greenlight
Donaeo feat. Omar, Lemar and House Gospel Choir – Nights Like This
Durrty Goodz – Fight For England
Finn Askew – Music All Over Her Body
Fred again.., Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax – Victory Lap
Fuse ODG – 54 Countries
kwn – Do What I Say
Kyla x Moliy – Do You Mind Remix
Mr Eazi feat. Moliy – Comfort
Nippa feat. Blxst – Homegrown
Olivia Dean – Man I Need
Owen Saward, ANGEL and WSTRN – Not Mine OWA Remix
Papoose – Jezebel
RAYE – Where Is My Husband!
Stormzy and Odeal – 24 Hours
Best Collaboration
Akelle and Dexta Daps – Tink Bout It
Ama Louise and Wilfy D – Love Or War
Ayo Beatz and DJ Ironik – Lil Bit
Clean Bandit, Chloe and Omah Lay – Company
Coki and Durrty Goodz – We Nah Business
Dave and Tems – Raindance
Deyah and Mercston – Switch
Donaeo feat. Omar, Lemar and House Gospel Choir – Nights Like This
Fred again.., Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax – Victory Lap
Jim Legxacy and Dave – 3X
Kyla x Moliy – Do You Mind Remix
Lioness feat. Queenie – Savage 4 Who
Nippa feat. Blxst – Homegrown
Sam Fender feat. Olivia Dean – Rein Me In
Stormzy and Odeal – 24 Hours
Tamera feat. Aitch – Undeniable
Tinie Tempah and Daecolm – Living Life
Yourboywonder and Stylo G – Keep It Sweet
Best Music Video
Akelle and Dexta Daps – Tink Bout It
Ayo Beatz and DJ Ironik – Lil Bit
Casper Walsh – Hustler Boogie
Dave and Tems – Raindance
Donaeo, Omar, Lemar and House Gospel Choir – Nights Like This
Dopebwoy and AJ Tracey – Stupid Move It
DJ MAC, MDot R and George P feat. CrashDummy – Confessions
Durrty Goodz – Fight For England
FKA twigs – Eusexua
Jim Legxacy – Father
Lioness feat. Queenie – Savage 4 Who
Little Simz feat. Obongjayar and Moonchild Sanelly – Flood
Olympia Vitalis – Painted Smiles
PinkPantheress – Illegal
Pozer – Shanghai Noon
RAYE – Where Is My Husband!
Best Live Act / Performance
Dave
FLO
J Hus
Jorja Smith
Kojey Radical
Little Simz
Olivia Dean
Oritse Williams
RAYE
Sampha
Skepta
Best Singer / Songwriter
Elmiene
Jorja Smith
Lola Young
Michael Kiwanuka
Myles Smith
Odeal
Olivia Dean
RAYE
Sampha
Sasha Keable
Best Producer
Fred again..
Inflo
JAE5
Knucks
M1OnTheBeat
P2J
PinkPantheress
Sammy Virji
Steel Banglez
TSB
Best DJ
Charlie Sloth
Conducta
DJ AG
DJ Ironik
DJ Maximum
DJ Semtex
DJ Target
Jamz Supernova
Kenny Allstar
Larizzle
Mak 10
Sammy Virji
Sherelle
Genre Awards
Best Hip Hop Act
Aitch
Ceebo
Central Cee
D Block Europe
Dave
Jim Legxacy
Knucks
Kojey Radical
Little Simz
Loyle Carner
Nemzzz
Youngs Teflon
Best R and B / Soul Act
Elmiene
Jim Legxacy
Jorja Smith
kwn
Mabel
Nectar Woode
Nia Smith
Nippa
Odeal
Olympia Vitalis
Owen Saward
Sampha
SAULT
Sasha Keable
Shae Universe
Best Grime Act
Chip
D Double E
Durrty Goodz
Griminal
Jayahadadream
JME
Kano
Kasst 8
Scorcher
Skepta
Wiley
Best Drill Act
36
Booter Bee
Chy Cartier
Digga D
EsDeeKid
Headie One
K Trap
LeoStayTrill
Nemzzz
Pozer
Twin S
Wohdee
Best Afrobeats Act
Asake
Ayra Starr
Burna Boy
Davido
Moliy
Mr Eazi
Rema
Shallipopi
Tems
Tiwa Savage
Wizkid
Best Reggae / Dancehall Act
Koffee
Lila Ike
Masicka
Popcaan
Protoje
Shenseea
Skillibeng
Spice
Vybz Kartel
Yung Bredda
Best Jazz Act
Blue Lab Beats
Chelsea Carmichael
Kokoroko
Moses Boyd
Nubya Garcia
Shabaka
Yussef Dayes
Best Gospel Act
Aaron Cole
CalledOut Music
DC3
Faith Child
Limoblaze
Rachel Kerr
Triple O
Volney Morgan and New Ye
Yourboywonder
International Awards
Artist of the Year (USA)
Cardi B
Clipse
Doechii
Kehlani
Kendrick Lamar
Leon Thomas
Mariah the Scientist
Papoose
SZA
Tyler, The Creator
Artist of the Year (Africa)
Abigail Chams
Ayra Starr
Black Sherif
Burna Boy
Davido
Diamond Platnumz
Fally Ipupa
Fuse ODG
Moliy
Mr Eazi
Rema
Tems
Wizkid
Artist of the Year (Caribbean)
Amanda Reifer
Armanii
Kes
Koffee
Machel Montano
Masicka
Popcaan
Shenseea
Skillibeng
Spice
Vybz Kartel
Artist of the Year (France)
Aya Nakamura
Dadju
Franglish
Gazo
Gims
Hamza
JADE
Ninho
SDM
Tayc
Tiakola
Artist of the Year (Asia)
AP Dhillon
Diljit Dosanjh
DIVINE
Hanumankind
Jackson Wang
Jay Park
Karan Aujla
KEI
Keshi
Artist of the Year (South America)
Anitta
Bizarrap
Blessd
Emilia
Feid
J Balvin
Karol G
Nicki Nicole
Ryan Castro
Trueno
Best International Act
Ayra Starr
Bad Bunny
Dina Ayada
Doechii
Kehlani
Kendrick Lamar
Leon Thomas
Papoose
Sarah Black
Shenseea
SZA
Tems
Tyla
Vybz Kartel
Culture, Media and Digital
Best Entertainer
Big Zuu
Boris Becker
Chunkz
Harry Pinero
KSI
Munya Chawawa
Niko Omilana
ShxtsNGigs
Sol and The Gang
Stephen Sarpong
Zoe Baptiste
Best Podcast
3 Shots of Tequila
90s Baby Show
Cocktails and Takeaways
HC Pod
No Behaviour Podcast
Saving Grace
ShxtsNGigs
The Day After TNB
The Diary of a CEO
The Receipts Podcast
Best Radio Show
DJ Target – DJ Target, BBC Radio 1Xtra
Kenny Allstar – Radio 1s Rap Show, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra
Chuckie – 1Xtras R and B Show, BBC Radio 1Xtra
DJ Edu – 1Xtras AfroSounds Show, BBC Radio 1Xtra
Seani B – 1Xtras Dancehall Show, BBC Radio 1Xtra
Remi Burgz – Remi Burgz, BBC Radio 1Xtra
Robert Bruce and Shayna Marie – Capital XTRA Breakfast, Capital XTRA
DJ Semtex – DJ Semtex, Capital XTRA
Manny Norte – The Norte Show, Capital XTRA
Ras Kwame – Reggae Recipe, Capital XTRA
Ace – The R and B Show, KISS XTRA
Juls – Afrobeats with Juls, KISS XTRA
Esi – The Rap Show, KISS XTRA
Davda – The Dancehall Show, KISS XTRA
Nick Gibbons – Nick Gibbons, Reprezent Radio
DJ GBE – ONDECKWITHGBE, Reprezent Radio
TEEQS – New Music Mondays with TEEQS, The Beat London 103.6 FM
Lashana Camille – Lunchtime with Lashana Camille, The Beat London 103.6 FM
Best Radio Station
BBC Radio 1Xtra
Capital XTRA
Capital XTRA Reloaded
Foundation FM
KISS XTRA
KISSTORY R and B
No Signal
Reprezent Radio
Rinse FM
The Beat London 103.6 FM
Best Music Discovery Platform
Spotify
TikTok
Apple Music
YouTube Music
SoundCloud
Audiomack
Bandcamp
Shazam
Kick
Amazon Music
Best Record Label
0207 Def Jam
Merky Records
Atlantic Records UK
Black Butter Records
Dirty Hit
EMI Records
Since 93
Sony Music UK
Universal Music UK
Warner Records UK
Young
Best Viral Breakthrough Song
EsDeeKid – Phantom
Fred again.., Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax – Victory Lap
Jim Legxacy and Dave – 3X
Olivia Dean – Man I Need
PinkPantheress – Illegal
RAYE – Where Is My Husband!
Shenseea feat. Vybz Kartel – Talk to Me Nuh
Skye Newman – Family Matters
