Kill Rock Stars

Kill Rock Stars is an independent record label founded by Slim Moon in 1991, known for its significant role in the Riot grrrl movement and its association with bands such as Bikini Kill, Huggy Bear, and Heavens to Betsy. The label has released music by a wide range of artists, including Elliott Smith, The Decemberists, and Sleater-Kinney, and has been instrumental in shaping the Pacific Northwest music scene, alongside other influential labels like Sub Pop and K Records. Kill Rock Stars has also been compared to other notable independent labels, such as Matador Records and Merge Records, in terms of its commitment to releasing innovative and experimental music.

● History

The history of Kill Rock Stars is closely tied to the Olympia, Washington music scene, which was a hub for Riot grrrl and Indie rock bands in the early 1990s. The label was founded by Slim Moon, who was also a member of the band Nuzzle, and was initially run out of his apartment. Kill Rock Stars quickly gained a reputation for releasing music by innovative and provocative bands, such as Bikini Kill and Huggy Bear, who were associated with the Riot grrrl movement. The label also released music by other notable bands, including Heavens to Betsy, Bratmobile, and The Nation of Ulysses, and was praised by critics such as Greil Marcus and Robert Christgau. In addition to its releases, Kill Rock Stars also played a significant role in the Ladyfest movement, which was a series of festivals and events that celebrated women in music and art, featuring performers such as Ani DiFranco and Mecca Normal.

● Discography

The discography of Kill Rock Stars is diverse and extensive, featuring releases by a wide range of artists, including Elliott Smith, The Decemberists, and Sleater-Kinney. The label has released music in a variety of formats, including CDs, LPs, and 7-inch singles, and has also released several compilations, such as the Kill Rock Stars compilation, which features tracks by Bikini Kill, Huggy Bear, and other notable bands. Kill Rock Stars has also released music by other influential artists, such as Unwound, The Microphones, and Mirah, and has been praised for its commitment to releasing innovative and experimental music, often in collaboration with other notable labels like Drag City and Touch and Go Records. The label's releases have been reviewed by critics such as Pitchfork Media and NME, and have been featured in publications such as The New York Times and Rolling Stone.

● Artists

Kill Rock Stars has released music by a wide range of artists, including Bikini Kill, Huggy Bear, and Heavens to Betsy, who were all associated with the Riot grrrl movement. The label has also released music by other notable bands, such as Elliott Smith, The Decemberists, and Sleater-Kinney, who have all been praised for their innovative and experimental approach to music. Other notable artists who have released music on Kill Rock Stars include Unwound, The Microphones, and Mirah, who have all been associated with the Indie rock and Lo-fi movements. The label has also released music by artists such as Ani DiFranco, Mecca Normal, and The Gossip, who have all been praised for their energetic and provocative live performances, often at festivals like SXSW and Coachella. In addition to these artists, Kill Rock Stars has also released music by other notable bands, such as Quasi, The Thermals, and Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, who have all been associated with the Pacific Northwest music scene.

● Releases

Kill Rock Stars has released a wide range of music, including LPs, CDs, and 7-inch singles. The label has also released several compilations, such as the Kill Rock Stars compilation, which features tracks by Bikini Kill, Huggy Bear, and other notable bands. Some notable releases on Kill Rock Stars include Bikini Kill's Pussy Whipped, Huggy Bear's Weaponry Listens to Love, and Elliott Smith's Roman Candle, which have all been praised for their innovative and experimental approach to music. The label has also released music by other notable artists, such as Sleater-Kinney's Dig Me Out and The Decemberists' Picaresque, which have both been critically acclaimed and have helped to establish the label as a major force in the Indie rock scene, alongside other influential labels like Sub Pop and Matador Records. In addition to these releases, Kill Rock Stars has also released music by other notable bands, such as Unwound's Leaves Turn Inside You and The Microphones' The Glow Pt. 2, which have both been praised for their innovative and experimental approach to music.

● Impact

The impact of Kill Rock Stars on the music industry has been significant, with the label playing a major role in shaping the Pacific Northwest music scene and influencing the development of Indie rock and Riot grrrl. The label has also been praised for its commitment to releasing innovative and experimental music, and has been credited with helping to launch the careers of several notable bands, including Bikini Kill, Huggy Bear, and Sleater-Kinney. Kill Rock Stars has also been influential in terms of its DIY ethos and its commitment to independent music, and has been cited as an inspiration by other labels and artists, such as K Records and Olympia, Washington-based bands like Heavens to Betsy and Bratmobile. The label's influence can also be seen in the work of other notable artists, such as Ani DiFranco and Mecca Normal, who have both been praised for their energetic and provocative live performances, often at festivals like Ladyfest and SXSW. In addition to its influence on the music industry, Kill Rock Stars has also been recognized for its contributions to the Riot grrrl movement, which was a significant cultural and feminist movement in the 1990s, featuring bands like Babes in Toyland and Hole.