Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl

1. Carrie Brownstein's journey from fan to musician shaped her identity

"This is a story of the ways I created a territory, something more than just an archipelago of identities, something that could steady me, somewhere that I belonged."

Fandom as foundation. Carrie's early experiences as a passionate music fan laid the groundwork for her future as a musician. She immersed herself in the Pacific Northwest music scene, attending shows and collecting records. This deep engagement with music provided a sense of belonging and identity during her formative years.

From observer to participant. Carrie's transition from fan to musician was gradual but purposeful. She learned guitar, formed her first band in high school, and sought out like-minded individuals in the Olympia music scene. This shift from passive observer to active participant allowed her to channel her passion into creativity and self-expression.

Creating a new identity. Through music, Carrie found a way to reinvent herself and create a sense of belonging. Sleater-Kinney became more than just a band; it was a vehicle for self-discovery and a means of defining her place in the world. The band's success allowed Carrie to transform from an unsure fan into a confident and influential musician in her own right.

2. Sleater-Kinney's formation and early years were defined by DIY ethos and feminist punk

"We were in dialogue with ourselves; we responded to and addressed the fans, the critics, and even our own work."

Riot Grrrl influence. Sleater-Kinney emerged from the Riot Grrrl movement, a feminist punk subculture that emphasized DIY ethics and female empowerment. This background shaped the band's early sound, lyrics, and approach to the music industry.

Creating their own space. The band refused to be defined by existing labels or expectations. They:

• Recorded their first album in Australia, far from established music scenes
• Developed a unique two-guitar sound without a bass player
• Wrote lyrics that addressed personal and political issues from a feminist perspective

Collaborative songwriting. Carrie and Corin Tucker's songwriting partnership was central to Sleater-Kinney's identity. They developed a style where their guitars and vocals intertwined, creating a conversation within the music itself. This approach set them apart from other bands and allowed them to explore complex themes and emotions in their songs.

3. The band's sound evolved through collaboration and experimentation

"It was a labyrinthine record, sad, fractious, not a victory lap but speaking to uncertainty."

Constant reinvention. Sleater-Kinney refused to rest on their laurels, constantly pushing themselves to evolve their sound with each album. This drive for innovation kept the band creatively engaged and challenged their audience.

Key sonic shifts:

• Call the Doctor: Established their raw, punk-influenced sound
• Dig Me Out: Refined their songwriting and added Janet Weiss on drums
• The Hot Rock: Explored more complex arrangements and introspective lyrics
• One Beat: Incorporated broader influences and tackled political themes
• The Woods: Embraced a heavier, more experimental sound

Collaborative process. The band's evolution was driven by the interplay between its members. Carrie and Corin's guitar work became increasingly intricate, while Janet's powerful drumming added new dimensions to their songs. Producer Dave Fridmann pushed them to deconstruct their sound on The Woods, resulting in their most sonically adventurous album.

4. Touring life brought both exhilaration and personal challenges

"Tour is a precarious nexus between monotony and monomania—a day of nothingness followed by a moment that feels like everything."

The grind of the road. Carrie vividly describes the less glamorous aspects of touring:

• Long drives in cramped vans
• Sleeping on floors in strangers' houses
• Dealing with unpredictable crowds and venues
• Struggling to maintain relationships back home

Moments of transcendence. Despite the challenges, touring provided intense highs:

• The rush of connecting with audiences
• Exploring new cities and cultures
• Bonding with bandmates and other musicians
• Feeling part of a larger musical community

Personal toll. The constant travel and pressure took a physical and emotional toll on Carrie. She experienced panic attacks, developed allergies, and ultimately suffered from shingles during their final European tour. These health issues became a metaphor for the strain touring placed on the band as a whole.

5. Sleater-Kinney navigated the tension between indie credibility and mainstream success

"We knew there was a potential audience in parts of the country that didn't have a 'scene,' an infrastructure."

Indie roots. Sleater-Kinney began on small, independent labels and was deeply connected to the DIY ethos of the Pacific Northwest music scene. This background instilled a wariness of mainstream success and "selling out."

Expanding horizons. As the band grew in popularity, they faced decisions about how to reach a wider audience without compromising their values:

• Chose to sign with larger independent labels rather than major labels
• Toured with Pearl Jam, exposing them to arena-sized crowds
• Balanced critical acclaim with modest commercial success

Redefining success. The band learned to measure success on their own terms, valuing artistic integrity and connection with fans over chart positions or radio play. This approach allowed them to maintain credibility while expanding their reach and influence.

6. The band's impact on rock music challenged gender norms in the industry

"We were considered a female band before we became merely a band; I was a female guitarist and Janet was a female drummer for years before we were simply considered a guitarist and a drummer."

Confronting stereotypes. Sleater-Kinney faced constant questions about being women in rock, often overshadowing discussions of their music. They pushed back against reductive labels and fought to be taken seriously as musicians first.

Inspiring others. The band's success and uncompromising attitude paved the way for other female musicians. They demonstrated that women could:

• Play aggressive, complex rock music
• Write politically charged and personally vulnerable lyrics
• Command respect in a male-dominated industry

Changing the conversation. Over time, Sleater-Kinney's impact helped shift the discourse around women in rock. Their musicianship and songwriting became the focus, rather than their gender, though they continued to address feminist issues in their work.

7. Personal struggles and band dynamics led to Sleater-Kinney's hiatus

"I knew right then and there that the band was done."

Mounting pressures. As Sleater-Kinney reached their peak with The Woods, internal and external stresses took their toll:

• Carrie's health issues and mental health struggles
• Corin's responsibilities as a mother conflicting with touring
• Creative tensions during the writing and recording process
• The pressure to continually evolve and meet expectations

Breaking point. The final European tour for The Woods became a crucible for these issues. Carrie's shingles diagnosis and subsequent breakdown in Brussels marked the moment when the band's future became untenable.

Difficult decision. The choice to go on hiatus was painful but necessary. It reflected:

• The need for individual healing and growth
• Recognition that the band had run its course in its current form
• A desire to preserve the legacy of what they had created

8. Carrie's self-discovery continued beyond the band

"I don't want to know what's going to happen. As frightening as that is in real life, it's a crucial aspect in creativity."

Exploring new paths. After Sleater-Kinney's hiatus, Carrie sought out new creative outlets and personal growth:

• Considered pursuing graduate studies
• Acted in film and television projects
• Wrote for other mediums

Lessons learned. The experiences with Sleater-Kinney shaped Carrie's approach to future endeavors:

• Embracing uncertainty and creative risk-taking
• Balancing personal life with artistic pursuits
• Valuing collaboration while maintaining individual identity

Ongoing evolution. Carrie's journey of self-discovery and artistic expression didn't end with Sleater-Kinney. She continued to push herself creatively, ultimately returning to music with a new perspective and renewed passion.

Last updated: January 22, 2025