By Shannon Neu, Staff Writer

Published in print Mar. 4, 2015

Since the early 1990’s, the Riot Grrrls have been transforming the dynamic of the punk and indie rock music scenes.

The Riot Grrrl movement, which was formed in the Pacific Northwest, began as a music, art and literature-based social justice movement that spoke out regarding issues relating to third wave feminism, such as rape culture, body image issues, slut-shaming, sexual objectification, media portrayal of gender and family roles, equal opportunities for employment and education, equal pay and health issues such as reproductive rights. They made it a priority to fight against the sexism they experienced in day to day life, especially in the punk rock culture.

During the movement, Riot Grrrls formed bands that spread messages of female empowerment, gave performances that encouraged female-centric environments and wrote ‘zines (tiny, self-published magazines) that served to facilitate dialogue to help women overcome feelings of isolation. 

The movement itself had dissolved by the mid-1990’s due to severe media misrepresentation. However, musicians associated with the movement are still making music and spreading their empowering messages today.

The band that pioneered the entire Riot Grrrl movement was Bikini Kill. Its lead singer and songwriter, Kathleen Hanna, made significant contributions to rock music with her fiery songs that challenged sexist views and encouraged women to seek positive, supportive relationships with one another.

Though Bikini Kill disbanded almost two decades ago, Kathleen Hanna and Bikini Kill’s bassist, Kathi Wilcox, still rock out and continue to communicate ideas relating to social justice together in their current band, The Julie Ruin. 

The Julie Ruin released a new single, “Blueberry Island,” in January 2015. The dreamy, downtempo song was originally featured in Sini Anderson’s documentary, “The Punk Singer,” which traces the life and career of Kathleen Hanna and offers an in-depth history of the Riot Grrrl movement.

Another band that was significant to the Riot Grrrl movement was Sleater-Kinney. Sleater Kinney’s members include Corin Tucker, Janet Weiss, and Carrie Brownstein (whom readers may recognize from the IFC sketch comedy television series, “Portlandia”.)

Sleater-Kinney released their latest album, “No Cities to Love,” on January 20, 2015. The album is Sleater-Kinney’s eighth and marks the band’s celebrated return after a decade-long hiatus. Still maintaining its left-leaning, feminist notions, Sleater-Kinney has grown from a punk band with a D.I.Y. ethic to a powerful force that has grown in its sound with elegance and dignity.

Though the movement as a whole is no longer active, the influence of its musicians still rages onward.