Cool Schmool w/ Allison Wolfe

On episode 22 of Date with the Night, I’m joined by singer, songwriter, and podcaster, Allison Wolfe - lead singer of the iconic feminist punk-rock band Bratmobile, and one of the founders of the riot grrrl movement of the early 90s. 

Allison digs into Bratmobile’s origins as a theoretical band, their famous feminist zine Girl Germs, and Bratmobile’s reunion after 20 years. Allison also talks about the punk-rock mentality behind songwriting and performing.

We also talk about the popularization of the riot grrrl movement and “girl power”, and the backlash, commercialization, and appropriation that followed. Despite some of the issues faced when starting a movement and coining a moniker (issues created largely by the media), Allison and I discuss the incredible impact that riot grrrl has had, and continues to have to this day.  

Make sure to follow Allison Wolfe and Bratmobile on Instagram, and check out Allison’s podcast I’m in the Band via Allison’s website here. 

PS. We also talk about Allison’s work on the english adaptation of one of my favourite manga series NANA.