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Band Timeline
1994
Formation of Sleater-Kinney
Sleater-Kinney was formed in early 1994 in Olympia, Washington, by Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein. The band's name was inspired by Sleater Kinney Road near Olympia. Both founders had roots in influential riot grrrl bands—Tucker from Heavens to Betsy and Brownstein from Excuse 17. Initially a side project, Sleater-Kinney became their main focus after their former bands disbanded. The band quickly positioned itself within the riot grrrl and indie rock scenes, setting the foundation for their later critical acclaim.
1995
Debut Album Released: 'Sleater-Kinney'
Sleater-Kinney recorded their self-titled debut album in early 1994 during an all-night session while in Australia. Released in 1995, it introduced the dynamic duo's energetic punk rock sound characterized by aggressive guitar work and feminist themes. The album established their presence in the underground music scene, laying the groundwork for their future impact. The early sound mixed punk influences with classic rock elements, signaling a distinct approach that would evolve in subsequent albums.
1996-1997
Release of 'Call the Doctor' and 'Dig Me Out', Early Critical Success
Following their debut, the band released 'Call the Doctor' in 1996 and 'Dig Me Out' in 1997. These albums were pivotal in earning the band significant critical praise and growing popularity. 'Dig Me Out' was especially notable for solidifying Janet Weiss as the band's permanent drummer, enhancing their distinctive sound. Produced by John Goodmanson, their music combined classic rock influence with punk vigor. These releases further entrenched Sleater-Kinney as key figures in the indie rock and riot grrrl movements, showcasing feminist and progressive politics through their lyrics.
1999-2002
Albums 'The Hot Rock', 'All Hands on the Bad One', and 'One Beat' Propel Band Toward Mainstream Recognition
Between 1999 and 2002, Sleater-Kinney released three albums that pushed their music toward a broader audience. 'The Hot Rock' (1999) and 'All Hands on the Bad One' (2000) showed musical growth and a willingness to experiment with their sound. In 2002, 'One Beat' was released, an album inspired by political and personal events, and considered one of their best works. Their increasing prominence led them to open for major acts like Pearl Jam in 2003, exposing them to larger audiences and arena venues for the first time, a rewarding experience that motivated future works.
2005
Release of 'The Woods' Marks a New Sonic Direction
'The Woods,' released in 2005, was a significant departure from previous Sleater-Kinney albums. The record featured a denser, heavier, and more distorted sound, drawing on classic rock influences with a more aggressive edge. This evolution demonstrated the band's versatility and willingness to explore new sonic landscapes. The album received critical acclaim, affirming the band's inventive spirit and cementing their status as trailblazers in alternative music during the early 2000s.
2006
Band Disbands and Pursues Solo Projects
In 2006, Sleater-Kinney disbanded. The breakup followed health challenges faced by Carrie Brownstein and marked the end of an era for the band. Prior to disbanding, they contributed to the British All Tomorrow's Parties festival and participated in the Burn to Shine project. Members then focused on solo careers and other projects, taking a hiatus from their collective work. This break lasted for several years but did not diminish the fanbase or critical regard for the band's influential catalog.
2014
Sleater-Kinney Reunites and Returns to Music
After an eight-year hiatus, Sleater-Kinney reunited in 2014, much to the excitement of fans and critics alike. The reunion marked a fresh chapter for the band, intent on creating new music and performing again. This comeback underscored the band's enduring influence on the indie and alternative rock landscape and reaffirmed their commitment to feminist and progressive ideals through their art. The reunion paved the way for new album releases and revitalized tours that followed in subsequent years.
2015
Release of 'No Cities to Love' Following Reunion
In 2015, Sleater-Kinney released 'No Cities to Love,' their first album in a decade. The record was celebrated for its energy and return to form, combining the band's punk roots with evolved musicianship and contemporary perspectives. Produced with John Goodmanson, it was praised for tight songwriting, passionate performance, and relevance in modern rock. This release marked a successful reintegration into the music scene, rekindling the band's legacy and confirming their status as a major force in indie rock.
2019
Departure of Drummer Janet Weiss and Release of 'The Center Won't Hold'
In 2019, longtime drummer Janet Weiss departed from Sleater-Kinney, ending a significant chapter in the band's history since she had been a key member since 1997. That same year, the band released 'The Center Won't Hold,' showcasing a new direction with dense production and synth elements. The album reflected both change and resilience, as the core duo of Tucker and Brownstein adapted their sound post-Weiss. This period was notable for the band's evolution amid lineup changes and ongoing political and social commentary.
2021
Release of 'Path of Wellness' Continues Band's Contemporary Relevance
Sleater-Kinney released 'Path of Wellness' in 2021. The album was noted for its introspective lyrical content, exploring themes of health, recovery, and personal growth alongside upbeat and complex musical arrangements. It received critical acclaim for balancing the band's punk energy with mature, nuanced songwriting. The release reinforced the band's longevity and adaptability, proving their ability to engage with new generations and contemporary issues while maintaining the distinctive sound that has defined their career.
2024
Release of 'Little Rope', Latest Album Extending Legacy
In 2024, Sleater-Kinney released 'Little Rope,' continuing their streak of impactful releases since reuniting. The album further explores the band's creative evolution, combining elements of their punk origins with experimental and modern sounds. As their ninth studio album overall, it demonstrates the band's sustained relevance and creative ambition over three decades. 'Little Rope' contributes to the band's legacy as essential figures in American rock, celebrated for innovation, political engagement, and musical excellence.
Albums
Sleater-Kinney
10 tracks
1995
Call the Doctor
12 tracks
1996
Dig Me Out
13 tracks
1997
The Hot Rock
13 tracks
1999
All Hands on the Bad One
13 tracks
2000
One Beat
12 tracks
2002
The Woods
12 tracks
2005
No Cities to Love
10 tracks
2015
The Center Won’t Hold
11 tracks
2019
Path of Wellness
11 tracks
2021
📷
No Image
Little Rope
10 tracks
2024
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Corin Tucker
2014
Guitar
Carrie Brownstein
2014
Lead vocals
Carrie Brownstein
2014
Guitar
Corin Tucker
2014
Lead vocals
Angie Boylan
2019
Drums (drum set)
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Laura MacFarlane
1994
1996
Drums (drum set)
Janet Weiss
1996
2006
Drums (drum set)
Misty Farrell
1994
1994
Drums (drum set)
Janet Weiss
2014
2019
Drums (drum set)
Corin Tucker
1994
2006
Guitar
Lead vocals
Toni Gogin
1994
1994
Drums (drum set)
Janet Weiss
1996
2006
Background vocals
Carrie Brownstein
1994
2006
Lead vocals
Guitar
Janet Weiss
2014
2019
Background vocals
Story of Sleater-Kinney
Sleater-Kinney (pronounced SLEY-ter KIN-ee) exploded onto the scene in Olympia, Washington in 1994, quickly establishing themselves as a cornerstone of the riot grrrl movement and a vital force in American indie rock. The core duo, Corin Tucker (vocals, guitar) and Carrie Brownstein (guitar, vocals), forged a sound both ferocious and fiercely intelligent. For many years, the powerhouse rhythm section was completed by Janet Weiss (drums, harmonica, vocals), until her departure in 2019.
Their early output – 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) – cemented their reputation, showcasing their dynamic interplay and politically charged lyrics. After a 2006 hiatus dedicated to solo pursuits, the band reunited triumphantly in 2014, releasing No Cities to Love (2015), The Center Won`t Hold (2019), Path of Wellness (2021), and Little Rope (2024), proving their enduring relevance and continued creative evolution.
Sleater-Kinneys influence is undeniable. Critics like Greil Marcus and Robert Christgau have championed them as essential figures in early 2000s rock, with Marcus even declaring them Americas best rock band in 2001. Stereogums Tom Breihan further solidified their legacy in 2015, calling them the greatest rock band of the previous two decades. Their feminist and progressive ideals, interwoven with their powerful music, have inspired generations of musicians and listeners alike. The bands impact extends far beyond their discography; they remain a potent symbol of female empowerment and artistic integrity within the broader landscape of alternative rock.
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