Bratmobile

Bratmobile was an American punk rock band from Washington, D.C. and Olympia, Washington, formed in 1991 by Allison Wolfe, Molly Neuman, and Erin Smith. The band was a key part of the Riot Grrrl movement, which also included bands like Bikini Kill, Heavens to Betsy, and Huggy Bear. Bratmobile's music was characterized by its energetic and rebellious sound, with lyrics that often addressed issues of feminism, social justice, and personal relationships, drawing inspiration from The Runaways, The Slits, and The Raincoats. The band's music was also influenced by the post-punk scene, with bands like The Fall, The Cure, and Joy Division.

● History

Bratmobile's history began in 1991, when Allison Wolfe and Molly Neuman met while attending University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. They began playing music together, and soon recruited Erin Smith to complete the lineup. The band's early sound was influenced by the D.C. hardcore scene, which included bands like Bad Brains, Minor Threat, and Fugazi. Bratmobile's music was also shaped by the Olympia, Washington music scene, which was home to bands like K Records and Kill Rock Stars. In 1992, the band released their debut single, "Bratmobile," on the K Records label, which was founded by Calvin Johnson. The band's music was also featured on the Kill Rock Stars compilation album, Kill Rock Stars (compilation), alongside bands like Heavens to Betsy and Huggy Bear. Bratmobile's music was influenced by the UK punk scene, with bands like The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Damned.

● Members

The original members of Bratmobile were Allison Wolfe (vocals), Molly Neuman (drums), and Erin Smith (guitar). In 1993, Erin Smith left the band and was replaced by Jen Smith. The band's lineup changed again in 1999, when Jen Smith left and was replaced by Michelle Mae. Bratmobile's members were also involved in other musical projects, including Cold Cold Hearts and Partyline, which featured Allison Wolfe and Michelle Mae. The band's members were influenced by the Washington, D.C. music scene, which included bands like The Make-Up and The Nation of Ulysses.

● Discography

Bratmobile released several albums and singles during their career, including the debut album Pottymouth in 1993 on the Kill Rock Stars label. The album was produced by Don Zientara and featured songs like "Panik" and "Love Thing." The band's second album, Lucky Ace, was released in 1994 on the Kill Rock Stars label, and featured songs like "Cheap Trick" and "In Love." Bratmobile's music was also featured on several compilation albums, including Kill Rock Stars (compilation) and Free to Fight. The band's discography was influenced by the indie rock scene, with labels like Sub Pop and Matador Records.

● Musical Style

Bratmobile's musical style was characterized by its energetic and rebellious sound, with lyrics that often addressed issues of feminism, social justice, and personal relationships. The band's music was influenced by the post-punk scene, with bands like The Fall, The Cure, and Joy Division. Bratmobile's sound was also shaped by the D.C. hardcore scene, which included bands like Bad Brains, Minor Threat, and Fugazi. The band's music was influenced by the UK punk scene, with bands like The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Damned. Bratmobile's musical style was also influenced by the Olympia, Washington music scene, which was home to bands like K Records and Kill Rock Stars.

● Influence

Bratmobile's influence can be seen in the many bands that followed in their footsteps, including Sleater-Kinney, The Gossip, and Le Tigre. The band's music was also influential in the Riot Grrrl movement, which sought to empower women and challenge the dominant patriarchy. Bratmobile's influence can also be seen in the indie rock scene, with bands like Bikini Kill, Heavens to Betsy, and Huggy Bear. The band's music was influenced by the feminist movement, with figures like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan. Bratmobile's influence extends beyond the music world, with their message of empowerment and rebellion inspiring activism and social change in the United States and around the world, including the Women's March and the Me Too movement. The band's influence can also be seen in the work of artists like Kathleen Hanna and Johanna Fateman, who were influenced by Bratmobile's music and message.