Carrie Brownstein | |
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![]() Brownstein in 2012 | |
Born | Carrie Rachel Brownstein September 27, 1974 [1] Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
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Years active | 1993–present |
Member of | Sleater-Kinney |
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Carrie Rachel Brownstein [5] (born September 27, 1974) is an American musician, actress, writer, director, and comedian. She first came to prominence as a member of the band Excuse 17 before forming the rock trio Sleater-Kinney.
During a long hiatus from Sleater-Kinney, she formed the group Wild Flag. During this period, Brownstein wrote and appeared in a series of comedy sketches alongside Fred Armisen that were developed into the satirical comedy TV series Portlandia (2011–2018). The series went on to win Emmy and Peabody Awards.
Sleater-Kinney eventually reunited; as of 2023, Brownstein was touring with the band as well as in support of her new memoir. [6]
Brownstein was born in Seattle, Washington, and was raised in Redmond, Washington. [7] Her mother was a housewife and a teacher, and her father was a corporate lawyer. They divorced when Carrie was 14, and she was raised by her father. [8] Brownstein has a younger sister, Stacey. Her family is Jewish. [9]
She attended Lake Washington High School before transferring to The Overlake School for her senior year. [10] [11]
Brownstein began playing guitar at 15 and received lessons from Jeremy Enigk. [12] She later said: "He lived in the neighborhood next to mine, so I would just walk my guitar over to his house. He showed me a couple of open chords and I just took it from there. I'd gone through so many phases as a kid with my interests that my parents put their foot down with guitar. So [the instrument] ended up being the [first] thing that I had to save up my own money for – and maybe that was the whole reason that I actually stuck with it." [12]
After high school, Brownstein attended Western Washington University before transferring to The Evergreen State College. In 1997, Brownstein graduated from Evergreen with an emphasis on sociolinguistics [13] and stayed in Olympia, Washington, for three years before moving to Portland, Oregon. [14]
While attending Evergreen, Brownstein met fellow students Corin Tucker, Kathleen Hanna, Tobi Vail, and Becca Albee. With Albee and CJ Phillips, she formed the band Excuse 17, one of the pioneering bands of the riot grrrl movement in the Olympia music scene that played an important role in third-wave feminism. [15] Excuse 17 often toured with Tucker's band Heavens to Betsy. The two bands contributed to the Free to Fight compilation. With Tucker, she formed the band Sleater-Kinney as a side project and later released the split single Free to Fight with Cypher in the Snow.
After both Excuse 17 and Heavens to Betsy split up, Sleater-Kinney became Brownstein and Tucker's main focus. They recorded their first self-titled album in early 1994 during a trip to Australia, where the pair were celebrating Tucker's graduation from Evergreen [16] [17] (Brownstein still had three years of college left). It was released the following spring. They recorded and toured with different drummers, until Janet Weiss joined the band in 1996. Following their eponymous debut, they released six more studio albums before going on indefinite hiatus in 2006. In a 2012 interview with DIY magazine, Brownstein said that Sleater-Kinney still planned to play in the future. [18] On October 20, 2014, Brownstein announced on Twitter that Sleater-Kinney would be releasing a new album, No Cities to Love , on January 20, 2015, and would tour in early 2015. At the same time the announcement was made, they released the video for the first single from the album. The single, "Bury Our Friends", was also made available as a free MP3 download. [19]
Critics Greil Marcus and Robert Christgau deemed the band one of the essential rock groups of the early 2000s. [20] [21] In 2015, Stereogum Chief Editor Tom Breihan called them the greatest rock band of the past two decades. [22]
Brownstein and former Helium guitarist/singer Mary Timony, recording as The Spells, released The Age of Backwards E.P. in 1999.
Also in 1999, Brownstein, Lois Maffeo, and Peter Momtchiloff released a single ("The Touch"/"Louie Louie Got Married") on K Records as The Tentacles. [23]
In summer 2009, Brownstein and Weiss worked together on songs (produced by Tucker Martine) for the soundtrack of the documentary film !Women Art Revolution by Lynn Hershman Leeson. [24]
In September 2010, Brownstein revealed her latest project was the band Wild Flag, with Janet Weiss, Mary Timony, and Rebecca Cole, formerly of The Minders; according to Brownstein, about a year earlier, "I started to need music again, and so I called on my friends and we joined as a band. Chemistry cannot be manufactured or forced, so Wild Flag was not a sure thing, it was a 'maybe, a 'possibility.' But after a handful of practice sessions, spread out over a period of months, I think we all realized that we could be greater than the sum of our parts." [25] [ needs update ] They released a self-titled album in September 2011. [26]
Music has always been my constant, my salvation. It's cliché to write that, but it's true. From dancing around to Michael Jackson and Madonna as a kid to having my mind blown by the first sounds of punk and indie rock, to getting to play my own songs and have people listen, music is what got me through. Over the years, music put a weapon in my hand and words in my mouth, it backed me up and shielded me, it shook me and scared me and showed me the way; music opened me up to living and being and feeling.
—Brownstein in October 2010 [27]
In 2011, they toured for a second time [28] and played at CMJ Music Marathon. [29]
In 2006, Brownstein was the only woman to earn a spot in the Rolling Stone readers' list of the 25 "Most Underrated Guitarists of All-Time". [30]
Brownstein began a career as a writer before Sleater-Kinney broke up. She interviewed Eddie Vedder, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Karen O, and Cheryl Hines for The Believer magazine. [31] Brownstein has also written a couple of music-related video game reviews for Slate . [32] [33]
From November 2007 to May 2010, Brownstein wrote a blog for NPR Music called "Monitor Mix"; [34] she returned for a final blog post in October, thanking her blog readers and declaring the blog "officially conclude[d]." [27]
In March 2009, Brownstein was contracted to write a book to "describe the dramatically changing dynamic between music fan and performer, from the birth of the iPod and the death of the record store to the emergence of the 'you be the star' culture of American Idol and the ensuing dilution of rock mystique"; [35] The book, called The Sound of Where You Are, [36] was planned to be published by Ecco/HarperCollins. [27] In an April 2012 interview on Marc Maron's WTF podcast, Brownstein said she was no longer working on the book. [37]
Brownstein's memoir, Hunger Makes Me A Modern Girl, was released on October 27, 2015. [38] The book was published by Riverhead Books, an imprint of Penguin Books USA. [39]
In 2020, Ann Wilson, lead singer of hard rock band Heart, announced in an interview that Brownstein was writing the script for a Heart biographical film. [40]
Brownstein has acted (what she calls a "mere hobby") [41] in the short film Fan Mail, the experimental feature Group, and the Miranda July film Getting Stronger Every Day. Brownstein and Fred Armisen published several video skits as part of a comedy duo called "ThunderAnt." [42] She also starred opposite James Mercer of The Shins in the 2010 independent film Some Days Are Better Than Others . [43] The film had its world premiere at SXSW on March 13, 2010. [44]
After their ThunderAnt videos, Brownstein and Armisen developed Portlandia , a sketch comedy show shot on location in Portland, for the Independent Film Channel. [25] [27] [45] The two starred in the series and wrote for it with co-creator Jonathan Krisel, a writer for Saturday Night Live. [46] The show, which featured appearances of some of the characters from ThunderAnt, premiered in January 2011. [47] The series received positive feedback [48] and concluded after its eighth season in 2018. [49]
From 2014 to 2019, Brownstein played the role of Syd in the Amazon Studios original series Transparent . [50] [51]
In 2015, Brownstein portrayed Genevieve Cantrell in the Todd Haynes film Carol , based on Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price of Salt . [52] However, the majority of her scenes were cut due to the film's length. [53] The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2015. [54] It began a limited release on November 20, 2015. [55]
Brownstein has also appeared as a guest on Saturday Night Live , [56] Curb Your Enthusiasm , [57] and Man Seeking Woman , [58] among other shows.
Brownstein starred in and wrote the screenplay for The Nowhere Inn , a 2020 tour mockumentary thriller, with Annie Clark (St. Vincent). [59]
Brownstein was outed as bisexual to her family and the world by Spin when she was 21 years old. The article discussed the fact that she had dated bandmate Corin Tucker in the beginning of Sleater-Kinney (the song "One More Hour" is about their break-up). [17] [60]
In 2006, The New York Times described Brownstein as "openly gay." [61] In a November 2010 interview for Willamette Week , she stated that she identifies as bisexual. She says, "It's weird, because no one's actually ever asked me. People just always assume, like, you're this or that. It's like, 'OK. I'm bisexual. Just ask.'" [62] In a 2020 article, the Los Angeles Times noted that Brownstein and Annie Clark (who performs as St. Vincent) "dated years ago." [63]
Since working together on ThunderAnt, Brownstein and Fred Armisen developed what Brownstein has called "one of the most intimate, functional, romantic, but nonsexual relationships [they have] ever had." [64] According to Armisen, their relationship is "all of the things that I've ever wanted, you know, aside from like the physical stuff, but the intimacy that I have with her is like no other." [65]
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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2001 | Getting Stronger Every Day | Various | Short film |
2002 | Group | Grace | |
2003 | Fan Mail | Jo | Short film |
2007 | Girls Rock | Herself | Documentary |
2009 | Light Tiger Eye | Woman | Short film |
2010 | Some Days Are Better Than Others | Katrina | |
2011–2018 | Portlandia | Various characters | 77 episodes; also co-creator, co-executive producer, writer and director Peabody Award (2012) Writers Guild of America Award for Comedy/Variety (including talk) series (2013) Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series (2012–14; 2016) Nominated—Writers Guild of America Award for Comedy/Variety (including talk) series (2014) Nominated—Critics' Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2015) |
2012 | Vancouvria | Photo extra | Episode: "Big City Survival Class" |
2012 | The Simpsons | Emily (voice) | Episode: "The Day the Earth Stood Cool" |
2012 | Saturday Night Live | Cameo as herself | Episode: "Martin Short/Paul McCartney", "What Up with That?" sketch |
2013 | Saturday Night Live | Cameo as herself | Episode: "Ben Affleck/Kanye West", "It's a Lovely Day" sketch |
2014–2015 | Transparent | Syd Feldman | Recurring character Nominated—Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2015) |
2015 | Carol | Genevieve Cranell | |
2015 | Man Seeking Woman | Doctor at Chill Acres | Episode: "Branzino" |
2015 | Archer | Doctor Sklodowska (voice) | Episodes: "Drastic Voyage: Part 1" and "Drastic Voyage: Part 2" |
2016 | Saturday Night Live | Cameo as herself | Episode: "Fred Armisen/Courtney Barnett", "The Harkin Brothers" sketch |
2016 | The Realest Real | — | Short film; director and writer [66] |
2017 | Curb Your Enthusiasm | Mara | Episode: "Foisted!" |
2018 | Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot | Suzanne | |
2018 | Tag | Therapist | Uncredited [67] |
2018 | The Oath | Alice Button | |
2019 | Mrs. Fletcher | — | Director: "Parents' Weekend", "Invisible Fence" |
2019–2021 | Shrill | — | Director: "Date", "Ribs", "Will" |
2020 | The Nowhere Inn [59] | Herself | Also writer |
2022 | Minx | — | Director: "Mary had a little hysterectomy" |
Irma Vep | Zelda | Miniseries | |
Reboot | — | Director: "New Girl" | |
TBA | Fairy Godmother [68] | — | Director |
Sleater-Kinney is an American rock band that formed in Olympia, Washington, in 1994. The band's lineup features Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein, following the departure of longtime member Janet Weiss in 2019. Sleater-Kinney originated as part of the riot grrrl movement and has become a key part of the American indie rock scene. The band is also known for its feminist and progressive politics.
Heavens to Betsy was an American punk band formed in Olympia, Washington in 1991 with vocalist and guitarist Corin Tucker and drummer Tracy Sawyer. The duo were part of the DIY riot grrrl, punk rock underground, and were Tucker's first band before she co-formed Sleater-Kinney.
Corin Lisa Tucker is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known for her work with rock band Sleater-Kinney. Tucker is also a member of the alternative rock supergroup Filthy Friends, and previously recorded with the punk band Heavens to Betsy as well as The Corin Tucker Band.
Fereydun Robert Armisen is an American comedian, actor, musician, and writer. With his comedy partner Carrie Brownstein, he co-created and co-starred in the IFC sketch comedy series Portlandia. He also co-created and starred in the mockumentary IFC series Documentary Now! and the Showtime comedy series Moonbase 8.
Excuse 17 was a punk rock band from Olympia, Washington, US, that performed and recorded from 1993 to 1995. The band consisted of Becca Albee, Carrie Brownstein, and Curtis James (drums). The band recorded two full-length albums and a single, and contributed to several compilation albums.
The Woods is the seventh studio album by American rock band Sleater-Kinney. It was released in 2005 on Sub Pop. The album was produced by Dave Fridmann and recorded in late 2004. The album received widespread critical acclaim.
Janet Lee Weiss is an American rock drummer, a member of Quasi and former member of Sleater-Kinney. She was the drummer for Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, leaving after the album Mirror Traffic, and contributed to the Shins' fourth studio album, Port of Morrow (2012). She was also the drummer for the supergroup Wild Flag.
Sleater-Kinney is the debut studio album by the American rock band Sleater-Kinney, released in 1995 by Chainsaw Records. The album received favorable reviews from critics.
One Beat is the sixth studio album by the American rock band Sleater-Kinney, released on August 20, 2002, by Kill Rock Stars. It was produced by John Goodmanson and recorded between March and April 2002 at Jackpot! Studio in Portland, Oregon. The album peaked at number 107 in the United States on the Billboard 200 and entered the Billboard Top Independent Albums at number five. One Beat was very well received by critics. Praise centered on its cathartic musical delivery and progressive politics.
Dig Me Out is the third studio album by the American rock band Sleater-Kinney, released on April 8, 1997, by Kill Rock Stars. The album was produced by John Goodmanson and recorded from December 1996 to January 1997 at John and Stu's Place in Seattle, Washington. Dig Me Out marked the debut of Janet Weiss, who would become the band's longest-serving drummer. The music on the record was influenced by traditional rock and roll bands, while the lyrics deal with issues of heartbreak and survival. The album cover is an homage to the Kinks' 1965 album The Kink Kontroversy.
All Hands on the Bad One is the fifth studio album by the American rock band Sleater-Kinney, released on May 2, 2000, by Kill Rock Stars. The album was produced by John Goodmanson and recorded from December 1999 to January 2000 at Jackpot! Studio in Portland, Oregon and John & Stu's Place in Seattle, Washington. The music on the record ranges from softer melodies to fast punk rock guitar work, while the lyrics address issues such as women in rock, morality, eating disorders, feminism, music journalism, and media.
The Hot Rock is the fourth studio album by the American rock band Sleater-Kinney, released on February 23, 1999, by Kill Rock Stars. It was produced by Roger Moutenot and recorded at the Avast! recording studio in Seattle, Washington in July 1998. The Hot Rock marks a considerable change in the band's sound, veering into a more relaxed and gloomy direction than the raucous punk rock style of its predecessors. The lyrical themes of the album explore issues of failed relationships and personal uncertainty.
Call the Doctor is the second studio album by the American rock band Sleater-Kinney. It was released on March 25, 1996, by Chainsaw Records to critical acclaim.
Portlandia is an American sketch comedy television series starring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, set in and around Portland, Oregon, and spoofing the city's reputation as a haven for eccentric hipsters. The show was produced by Broadway Video Television and IFC Original Productions. It was created by Armisen and Brownstein, along with Jonathan Krisel, who directs it. It debuted on IFC on January 21, 2011.
Wild Flag was an American four-piece indie rock supergroup based in Portland, Oregon and Washington, D.C. The group consisted of Carrie Brownstein, Mary Timony, Rebecca Cole and Janet Weiss, who were ex-members of the groups Sleater-Kinney, Helium and the Minders.
No Cities to Love is the eighth studio album by American rock band Sleater-Kinney, released on January 20, 2015, through Sub Pop. It is the first album following a decade-long hiatus and the band's 2005 release, The Woods. The album received universal acclaim from music critics and was listed on several "Best Albums of 2015" lists.
Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl is a 2015 memoir by Carrie Brownstein, a member of the band Sleater-Kinney. Named for one of her lyrics, the book is about her life in and around music. The book starts with her as a hyper-performative young nerd who runs for vice president of her Washington State elementary school. The story goes on to cover Brownstein's escape from a turbulent family life into a world where music was the means toward self-invention, community, and rescue. Along the way, Brownstein chronicles the excitement and contradictions within the era's flourishing and fiercely independent music subculture, including experiences that sowed the seeds for the observational satire of the popular television series Portlandia years later.
The Center Won't Hold is the ninth studio album by American rock band Sleater-Kinney, released on August 16, 2019 by Mom + Pop Music. The album was produced by St. Vincent and is the last album with drummer Janet Weiss, who announced her departure from the band on July 1, 2019, a month before the album was released. Upon release, the album received generally favorable reviews from critics.
Path of Wellness is the tenth studio album by the American rock band Sleater-Kinney. The album was released on June 11, 2021 by Mom + Pop Music.