Sleater-Kinney takes a hiatus

On Tuesday, the renowned post-punk band Sleater-Kinney, known for their influential contributions to the rock and punk scenes, announced that they would be going on an ‘indefinite hiatus’ following their final performances this summer. This decision marks a significant pause for the band, which was founded in 1994 in Olympia, Washington, by Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein, later joined by Janet Weiss. Sleater-Kinney has been acclaimed for its fervent and relentless sound, feminist undertones, and dynamic live performances.

The announcement came as a surprise to many fans, especially since the band had been actively touring and releasing music over the past 11 years, including their acclaimed album “The Woods” released last summer. The band described “The Woods” as possibly their strongest effort to date, showcasing their evolution from a raw punk sound to a more structured rock resonance. Despite their success and active engagement with their fanbase, the trio provided no specific reason for their decision to disband, but they emphasized that this was not just a temporary cessation.

“The upcoming summer shows will be our last. As of now, there are no plans for future tours or recordings,” the band stated in their press release. This definitive halt in their musical journey has left many questions unanswered in the music community.

Sleater-Kinney’s final tour will include six pivotal shows in Louisville, Philadelphia, New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Portland. Their last performance will be a poignant farewell to their fans at a show in Portland, their home base, adding a symbolic closure to their illustrious career. Notably, their stop at this year’s Lollapalooza festival in Chicago is expected to be a highlight, potentially drawing fans from across the nation to witness their final festival appearance.

Fans of the band, while saddened by this news, can hold onto hope that the individual members, Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein, and Janet Weiss, might pursue solo projects or collaborate with other artists in the future, although they have confirmed that they will not be working together as Sleater-Kinney. Their impact on the music scene, particularly in empowering female musicians and contributing to the feminist discourse through their art, ensures that their legacy will endure beyond their active years.