Sleater-Kinney
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1994 in Olympia, Washington, United States |
| Founder | Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein |
| Headquarters | Olympia , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, live albums |
Sleater-Kinney () is a rock ensemble from the United States, established in 1994 in Olympia, Washington. The current members are Corin Tucker (vocals, guitar) and Carrie Brownstein (guitar, vocals), following the exit of longtime drummer Janet Weiss in 2019. Emerging from the riot grrrl movement, Sleater-Kinney has become a prominent figure within the American indie rock genre, recognized for its feminist and progressive perspectives.
From 1994 until 2005, the group released seven studio records: Sleater-Kinney (1995), Call the Doctor (1996), Dig Me Out (1997), The Hot Rock (1999), All Hands on the Bad One (2000), One Beat (2002), and The Woods (2005). After disbanding in 2006 to focus on individual projects, they reunited in 2014 and subsequently released four additional albums: No Cities to Love (2015), The Center Won't Hold (2019), Path of Wellness (2021), and Little Rope (2024).
Esteemed critics such as Greil Marcus and Robert Christgau have acknowledged Sleater-Kinney as a defining rock band of the early 2000s. Marcus declared them America's top rock band in 2001, while Tom Breihan from Stereogum described them as the greatest rock band of the previous twenty years in 2015.
Formation and Early Period (1994–1999)
Sleater-Kinney originated in early 1994 in Olympia, Washington, founded by Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein. The band's name is derived from Sleater Kinney Road located in Lacey, Washington, near one of their initial rehearsal locations. Tucker had previously been part of the riot grrrl group Heavens to Betsy, and Brownstein came from Excuse 17. Initially conceived as a side project, Sleater-Kinney became their main focus after their former bands dissolved. Drummer Janet Weiss, known for her work with Quasi, became their most enduring percussionist, following earlier drummers such as Lora MacFarlane, Misty Farrell, and Toni Gogin.
Following Tucker’s graduation from The Evergreen State College while Brownstein remained enrolled there, they recorded their debut album during a trip to Australia in early 1994. Released the next spring, it was succeeded by Call the Doctor (1996) and Dig Me Out (1997), both earning critical praise. With production by John Goodmanson at Seattle’s John and Stu's Place, their music combined traditional rock 'n' roll elements with punk influences. From the release of Dig Me Out, Janet Weiss secured her position as drummer.
Subsequent Releases and Hiatus (2000–2006)
Albums such as The Hot Rock and All Hands on the Bad One broadened Sleater-Kinney’s appeal in mainstream circles, culminating with 2002’s One Beat. Beginning in 2003, they served as opening act for Pearl Jam on North American tours, an experience that shaped their seventh album, The Woods (2005). This record showcased a transition toward a richer, heavily distorted sound influenced by classic rock traditions. In 2006, they curated a British edition of the All Tomorrow's Parties festival and participated in the Burn to Shine project, featuring in Volume 3 (Portland) performing "Modern Girl."
Shortly before a European tour in 2006, Brownstein was diagnosed with shingles, triggered by anxiety-related stress, which led to her withdrawal and deterioration of mental health. Prior to their May 27 performance at Le Botanique in Brussels, she experienced a mental health crisis that precipitated the band's dissolution. Factors such as touring fatigue and personal obligations also contributed to this decision.
On June 27, 2006, Sleater-Kinney declared an indefinite break without intentions for future tours or recordings. Their final major concert took place at the 2006 Lollapalooza, with their last show before hiatus occurring on August 12, 2006, at Portland’s Crystal Ballroom. Brownstein later explained the reasons behind the breakup in her 2015 memoir titled Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl.
Hiatus (2007–2013)
During Sleater-Kinney's break, Weiss became a member of Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, participating in the creation of two albums: Real Emotional Trash (2008) and Mirror Traffic (2011), though she departed before the tour supporting the latter. In April 2010, Tucker revealed plans for a solo album under Kill Rock Stars, which was released as 1,000 Years in October 2010. This project featured collaborators such as Sara Lund and Seth Lorinczi. Tucker characterized it as a "middle-aged mom record." The album was met with favorable critiques and followed by a U.S. tour. Its successor, Kill My Blues, came out on September 18, 2012, accompanied by additional touring.
In September 2010, Brownstein co-founded Wild Flag alongside Janet Weiss, Mary Timony (formerly of Helium), and Rebecca Cole (formerly of the Minders). Their self-titled debut album was released on September 13, 2011, through Merge Records. By 2014, the band had dissolved due to logistical difficulties. Simultaneously, Brownstein’s television series Portlandia premiered on IFC in January 2011 and continued until March 2018.
Reunion, new albums, and Weiss's departure (2014–present)
In October 2014, Sleater-Kinney announced their comeback album, No Cities to Love, which was released on January 20, 2015. This release was supported by tours across North America and Western Europe during the same year. Additionally, they issued the vinyl box set Start Together, compiling earlier works and reinforcing their feminist and progressive identity.
The band's first live album, Live in Paris, recorded in 2015, was released in January 2017. By early 2018, they had begun gradually working on a follow-up to No Cities to Love. In January 2019, they confirmed a new album produced by St. Vincent (Annie Clark).
The lead single "Hurry on Home" from The Center Won't Hold was unveiled in May 2019 ahead of the album’s August release. During production, Tucker and Brownstein informed drummer Janet Weiss that her role would shift from being a creative equal to solely performing drums. Due to this reduction in creative input, Weiss opted to leave prior to the album’s launch.
On July 1, 2019, Weiss publicly announced her exit via Twitter. The band introduced Angie Boylan as their new drummer during their performance at the Hopscotch Music Festival on September 5.
In May 2021, Sleater-Kinney revealed their album Path of Wellness, which was released on June 11 alongside its lead single "Worry With You."
Their eleventh studio record, Little Rope, produced by John Congleton and distributed through Loma Vista Recordings on January 19, 2024, was preceded by the single "Hell" in October 2023. A deluxe edition including the outtake "Here Today" is scheduled for release on September 3, 2024.
Musical style
Sleater-Kinney’s sound developed within Olympia, Washington’s punk and indie rock scenes during the early to mid-1990s, coinciding with the latter phase of the riot grrrl movement. Founding members Tucker and Brownstein were active participants in this movement; their lyrics frequently advocated feminist principles that aligned with the band’s political stance. Carrie Brownstein has remarked that Sleater-Kinney aimed to "make a difference and get the word out."
Their music combines intimate and societal topics with minimalist arrangements influenced by punk rock and alternative/indie rock traditions from the 1980s and ’90s. They expanded this style by incorporating varied instrumentation and arrangements. Critics have drawn parallels between them and female artists such as Siouxsie Sioux, Patti Smith, and Poly Styrene. Influences include Bikini Kill, Mecca Normal, Bratmobile, Throwing Muses, and Sonic Youth. Corin Tucker’s powerful vocal delivery complements lyrics addressing both personal experiences and political issues—challenging war, conventional gender roles, traditionalism, and consumer culture from feminist and progressive viewpoints.
The band contributed "Off With Your Head," a protest track featured on NOFX frontman Fat Mike’s Rock Against Bush compilation; they also recorded "Here We Come" in 2017 for 7-Inches For Planned Parenthood, a charity compilation supporting Planned Parenthood.
Tucker’s intentionally raw vocal style commands listener attention and amplifies the band’s messages; critic Heather Phares described it as "love-them-or-hate-them vocals." Initially serving as lead vocalist while Brownstein handled lead guitar duties, over time Brownstein assumed more vocal responsibilities. Both played guitar without a bassist but tuned their instruments down one-and-a-half steps (D♭ tuning), with Tucker’s guitar often fulfilling bass frequencies.
Collaborations
In 1998, the group contributed the track "Big Big Lights" to a split single alongside Cypher in the Snow, part of the women's self-defense project Free to Fight, released via Candy Ass Records. By 2000, all three band members supported Robert Forster and Grant McLennan—formerly of Brisbane's indie band The Go-Betweens—in the creation of the album The Friends of Rachel Worth.
The year 2003 saw them collaborating with Fred Schneider from The B-52's on the song "Angry Inch" for the charity tribute album Wig in a Box, honoring Hedwig and the Angry Inch and benefiting the Harvey Milk School, an institution supporting LGBTQ youth.
Corin Tucker lent her vocals to Eddie Vedder's solo project Into the Wild on the track "Hard Sun," and reunited with Vedder in 2008 to cover John Doe's "The Golden State" from Doe’s Golden State EP. On November 29, 2013, Sleater-Kinney performed alongside Pearl Jam, Scott McCaughey, and Peter Buck of R.E.M. in Portland, covering Neil Young’s "Rocking in the Free World."
In 2015, Sleater-Kinney collaborated with the creative team behind Bob's Burgers to produce a video for "A New Wave," featured on their album No Cities to Love. During summer 2021, they embarked on a co-headlining tour with Wilco.
Legacy
Guitarist Peter Buck of R.E.M. has referred to Sleater-Kinney as his "all-time favorite punk band." Britt Daniel from Spoon praised them as "legendary," highlighting their distinctively fierce sound. The artist St. Vincent identified their 2000 release All Hands on the Bad One as influential, leading her to acquire their complete discography. Likewise, Beth Ditto, frontwoman of the Gossip, acknowledges their impact.
British ensemble Big Joanie, contributors to the 2022 covers compilation Dig Me Out, performed a rendition of Sleater-Kinney’s "Things You Say." Meanwhile, Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance, an admirer of the band, appeared in the video for "No Cities to Love" and has delivered live performances of "I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone."
In 2023, Corin Tucker was ranked number 155 on Rolling Stone's list of the 200 Best Singers, recognized for her unique vocal presence within punk music.
Members
Template:Col-begin Template:Col-2 Current members
- Carrie Brownstein – guitar, lead and backing vocals (1994–2006; 2014–present)
- Corin Tucker – lead and backing vocals, guitar (1994–2006; 2014–present)
Current touring musicians
- Angie Boylan – drums (2019–2021, 2022–present)
- Katie Harkin – guitar, keyboards, percussion, backing vocals (2015–2021, 2023–present)
- Toko Yasuda – keyboards, bass, backing vocals (2019–2021, 2023–present)
- Teeny Lieberson – guitar, keyboards, percussion, backing vocals (2024–present; substitute for Katie Harkin)
Template:Col-2 Former members
- Misty Farrell – drums, percussion (1994)
- Lora MacFarlane – drums, guitar, backing vocals (1995–1996)
- Toni Gogin – drums (1996)
- Janet Weiss – drums, backing vocals, harmonica, percussion (1996–2006; 2014–2019)
Former touring musicians
- Vincent Lirocchi – drums (2021–2022)
- Bill Athens – bass (2021–2022)
- Fabi Reyna – guitar, backing vocals, percussion (2021–2023)
- Galen Clark – keyboards (2021–2023)
Timeline
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Discography
Template:Main article Studio albums
- Sleater-Kinney (1995)
- Call the Doctor (1996)
- Dig Me Out (1997)
- The Hot Rock (1999)
- All Hands on the Bad One (2000)
- One Beat (2002)
- The Woods (2005)
- No Cities to Love (2015)
- The Center Won't Hold (2019)
- Path of Wellness (2021)
- Little Rope (2024)
Live albums
- Live in Paris (2017)
Compilations
- Start Together (2014)
- Dig Me In: A Dig Me Out Covers Album (2022)
In popular culture
The band's name is referenced in lyrics by Le Tigre in their track "Hot Topic" as well as in "Bottleneck at Capel Curig" by Half Man Half Biscuit.
Sleater-Kinney’s songs have been included in various films and television series such as Six Feet Under, Lady Bird, Yellowjackets, Hearts Beat Loud, Moxie, Shrill, Itty Bitty Titty Committee, and Broad City.