No Wave is an avant-garde music genre that emerged in New York City during the late 1970s. It is characterized by its dissonant sounds, unconventional song structures, and a rejection of traditional musical forms. Influenced by genres like punk rock, free jazz, and minimalism, No Wave artists sought to challenge the norms of popular music. Key figures in the No Wave movement include bands like Sonic Youth and Swans, as well as artists such as Lydia Lunch and James Chance. The genre is often associated with the downtown art scene and is known for its experimental approach, which often incorporates noise and performance art elements.