Allison Wolfe - Biography

Allison Wolfe is a Washington, DC-based singer and performer.

Background

Born an identical twin in Memphis, Tennessee on November 9, 1969, Allison played a significant role in the formation of the riot grrrl movement of the 90s. She grew up in Olympia, Washington, with mother Pat Shively (founder of Eastside Women's Health Clinic) and sisters Cindy (Tennessee Twin) and Molly Wolfe. She attended the University of Oregon at Eugene, as well as Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.

Career

It was at the University of Oregon where Allison first met Molly Neuman, and together the two created the influential zine Girl Germs. Along with zines such as riot grrrl, Jigsaw and Bikini Kill (written by Kathleen Hanna and Tobi Vail), Girl Germs provided the manifestos for the movement that would come to be known as 'riot grrrl'. Allison and Molly's next project together was the creation of the band Bratmobile in 1991, soon joined by guitarist Erin Smith. This band, as well as Allison's subsequent group with Erin, Cold Cold Hearts provided a distinct voice in the third-wave feminist movement. Allison has recorded a number of albums and singles, many produced by Kill Rock Stars, an Olympia-based label, as well as for other independent record labels.

Back in 1988, Allison was an exchange student living in Krathumbaen District in Samut Sakhon Province in Thailand where she learned about Thai language and culture.

Recent

After Bratmobile split up in 2001, Allison began other bands, notably the Washington D.C. based Partyline. She remains involved in what she terms "cultural activism", not only with Partyline, but also with the bands Dig Yr Grave, Deep Lust, Hawnay Troof and its offshoot, Baby Truth. She also initiated Ladyfest and has been involved in Bands Against Bush. Allison also occasionally writes for the Washington Post. She currently lives in Echo Park, Los Angeles and sings for a band called Cool Moms.

External links

• Allison Wolfe's myspace
• Interview with Allison Wolfe