Corin Tucker

Corin Tucker

Corin Lisa Tucker, born on November 9, 1972, is renowned as an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, primarily celebrated for her contributions to the rock band Sleater-Kinney. Apart from Sleater-Kinney, Tucker is also recognized as a member of the alternative rock supergroup Filthy Friends. Previously, she was part of the indie rock group Heavens to Betsy and formed The Corin Tucker Band.


Tucker's impact on rock music, particularly during the riot grrrl era, is widely acknowledged. She is praised for her muscular guitar style, distinctive wail, and ability to craft punchy, intense three-minute songs. Entertainment Weekly regards Tucker's role in rock history as significant, emphasizing her unique contributions to the riot grrrl movement alongside Sleater-Kinney. Rolling Stone magazine has labeled her as a "punk-rock heroine," underscoring her influence and stature in the genre.


In 2023, Rolling Stone honored Tucker by ranking her at number 155 on its prestigious list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, highlighting her exceptional vocal talent and enduring impact on music.


Corin Tucker, born in State College, Pennsylvania, and raised in Grand Forks, North Dakota, hails from an academic and musical family background. Her father, a college professor and folk singer, and her mother, a medical technician, instilled in her a love for music from an early age. Tucker's exposure to various musical influences, including The Beatles and R.E.M.'s Murmur album, shaped her musical journey.


During her high school years in Eugene, Oregon, Tucker was involved in a band called This That with her friends. It was at this time that she attended her first concert, seeing the band X in Eugene around 1987. Her musical tastes expanded to include artists like Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, The B52's, Pat Benatar, Television, and Bikini Kill.


In 1990, Tucker enrolled at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where she studied film, political economy, and social change. It was in Olympia's vibrant music scene that Tucker found her inspiration, particularly through witnessing performances by Bratmobile and Bikini Kill. These experiences fueled her desire to participate in music with a feminist perspective, leading to the formation of her band Heavens to Betsy.


During her time at Evergreen, Tucker created a documentary about women in music, featuring early shows by Bikini Kill and Bratmobile, as well as interviews with bands like Beat Happening and Nirvana. After graduating in 1994, Tucker continued to pursue her passion for music, becoming an influential figure in the riot grrrl movement.


She cites Maya Angelou, Nora Ephron, and Patti Smith as her role models, admiring their long and diverse careers. Despite later moving to Portland, Oregon, Tucker remains connected to her roots, identifying herself as "a small-town girl" from Eugene. Her journey reflects a profound dedication to music, feminism, and artistic expression.


Corin Tucker's impact as a singer, guitarist, and songwriter in various rock bands since 1991 has been widely recognized. In 1999, Esquire magazine hailed her as "the most interesting singer in pop music" since her debut with Heavens to Betsy, a punk band she co-founded.


Throughout her career, Tucker has typically taken on the role of the front person and lead singer in her bands. Her vocal prowess has been a subject of acclaim, with one reviewer noting the enormity of her voice and its natural swing. This swing, described as a unique quality that even legendary performers like Tina Turner or Mick Jagger lack, allows Tucker to infuse her performances with depth and resonance, resonating like the ringing of a bell in a tower. This recognition speaks to Tucker's exceptional talent and the impact of her vocals on the rock music scene.


Corin Tucker co-founded the influential riot grrrl band Heavens to Betsy alongside Tracy Sawyer, her longtime friend from Eugene, Oregon. The band made its debut performance at the International Pop Underground Convention in August 1991, marking Tucker's first public show. Heavens to Betsy gained recognition for their energetic performances and raw, unapologetic approach to punk rock.


During their tenure, Heavens to Betsy recorded a split single with Bratmobile and released several singles for independent record labels. They also produced a self-titled demo in 1992, followed by the four-song 7" record "These Monsters Are Real" later that year. In 1994, the band released their album "Calculated" and the 7" four-song "Direction". Despite their relatively short existence, Heavens to Betsy made a significant impact on the riot grrrl movement and the broader punk rock scene.


Rolling Stone magazine recognized Heavens to Betsy as one of the standout acts associated with the riot grrrl movement, highlighting their contribution to the ethos and sound of the era.


After the dissolution of Heavens to Betsy in 1994, Corin Tucker joined forces with Carrie Brownstein from Excuse 17 and their mutual friend Lora McFarlane to form Sleater-Kinney. In this new venture, Tucker took on the role of primary lyricist, lead vocalist, and second guitarist, complementing Brownstein's lead guitar work. Together, they crafted the band's signature sound, with Brownstein and Tucker collaborating on musical compositions. Later, Janet Weiss replaced McFarlane on drums, solidifying the lineup that would define Sleater-Kinney's distinctive sound.


Sleater-Kinney quickly garnered critical acclaim, with Esquire hailing them as "the best band in the world" in 1999. Over the course of eleven years, the band released seven albums, showcasing their evolution and innovation within the indie rock genre. In 2006, Sleater-Kinney initially went on hiatus after what was meant to be their final show at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland on August 12th.


However, the band reunited and surprised fans by releasing "No Cities to Love" in 2015, marking their return to the music scene. They followed this with "The Center Won't Hold" in 2019 and "Path of Wellness" in 2021, demonstrating their enduring relevance and creative vitality. Sleater-Kinney's distinctive blend of raw energy, incisive lyrics, and innovative musicianship continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

References

1.  Pastorek, Whitney Pastorek (September 29, 2010). "1,000 Years". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
2. a b Hilleary, Mike (June 18, 2012). "Corin Tucker Band Announce New LP". Under the Radar magazine. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
3. ^ Everhart, John (September 20, 2012). "Kill My Blues". Under the Radar mamgazine. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
4. ^ Hilleary, Mike (July 31, 2012). "Listen: Corin Tucker Band - "Neskowin"". Under the Radar magazine. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
5. Millevoi, Nick (May 1, 2019). "Interview: Corin Tucker on the Making of Filthy Friends' New Record, "Emerald Valley"". Reverb.com. Archived from the original on June 6, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
6. ^ Richards, Will (June 5, 2019). "Filthy/Gorgeous: Filthy Friends". DIY. Archived from the original on June 5, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
7. ^ "Golden State EP". JOHN DOE. Archived from the original on February 25, 2016. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
8. ^ "Fraggle Rock - Do It on My Own". i Heart Radio. May 21, 2018. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
9. ^ McStarkey, Mike (September 25, 2021). "Exploring every musician to have appeared in 'Portlandia'". Far Out Magazine. Retrieved January 31, 2022.