Le Tigre

Le Tigre is a feminist electro post-punk band formed in 1998 by Kathleen Hanna. Initially envisioned as a live back up band for Hanna's solo project Julie Ruin, Le Tigre mixes the politics and feminism of riot grrrl with fun electronic samples and lo-fi beats. Other members include Johanna Fateman and JD Samson. JD joined Le Tigre as a full member when co-founder Sadie Benning left the band before the Feminist Sweepstakes album was recorded. JD had previously worked with the band as a roadie and the operator of Benning's slide show during live performances in support of their first record. Le Tigre live shows are quite famous. The self-proclaimed "underground electro-feminist performance artists" combine visuals, music and dance in their performances. The band mixes politically aware lyrics with dance music.

The song "Hot Topic" on Le Tigre's self-titled debut pays tribute to dozens of visual artists, musicians, writers, feminists and others who have inspired them. Among the honorees are: Yoko Ono, Aretha Franklin, Vaginal Creme Davis, Yayoi Kusama, Sleater-Kinney, Billy Tipton, James Baldwin, and Jean Genet. In a similar fashion the s...