Brownstein began her education at Lake Washington High School and completed her senior year at Overlake School, from which she graduated. She later enrolled at Western Washington University before transferring to The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, a decision that would eventually shape her career in music.

Introduction to Music and Formation of Excuse 17

At age 15, Brownstein began taking guitar lessons from Jeremy Enigk, a prominent guitarist who lived nearby. Her passion for music quickly developed, leading her to become involved in the Olympia music scene during college. At Evergreen State College, she met musicians Becca Albee, Tobi Vail, Kathleen Hanna, and Corin Tucker—figures central to the emerging riot grrrl movement.

In 1993, Brownstein co-founded the punk rock band Excuse 17 with CJ Phillips and Albee. The group frequently collaborated with Heavens to Betsy, Corin Tucker’s band. After both bands disbanded, Brownstein and Tucker came together to form a new band, Sleater-Kinney.

Sleater-Kinney and Breakthrough Success

Sleater-Kinney recorded their self-titled debut album during a vacation in Australia in 1994. It was released in 1995 and received critical acclaim. Initially touring with various drummers, the band solidified its lineup in 1996 when Janet Weiss joined as the drummer.

Between 1995 and 2006, Sleater-Kinney released several influential albums: Call the Doctor, Dig Me Out, The Hot Rock, All Hands on the Bad One, One Beat, and The Woods. The band went on hiatus in 2006 but reunited in 2015 and released a new album, No Cities to Love, followed by a European and North American tour.