The Artist: Le Tigre
Le Tigre was formed by Kathleen Hanna (of Bikini Kill), Johanna Fateman and Sadie Benning - later replaced by JD Samson. After years in the riot grrrl trenches, Hanna turned to drum machines and samples, swapping out snarling guitars for a lo-fi electronic palette.
But the fire was still there.
This was protest music you could dance to. Songs tackled sexism, homophobia and cultural erasure - but never felt like lectures. Instead, they were full of wit, colour and conviction. Political zines turned into synth-pop.
Le Tigre rewired punk for the digital age.
The Record: Le Tigre (1999)
The opener Deceptacon is a manifesto disguised as a dance track - buzzy, bratty, instantly iconic.
Hot Topic is a shoutout list turned power anthem - paying homage to queer icons, artists and activists with relentless warmth.
What’s Yr Take on Cassavetes confronts sexism in cinema with sarcastic flair.
My My Metrocard name checks Giuliani and rides on a bouncing beat that sounds like a protest in motion.
The album was made on basic gear - 8-tracks, toy keyboards, borrowed samples -but the scrappy sonics only sharpen its spirit. This wasn’t about polish. It was about impact.
It’s short. It’s sharp. It’s radical.
And it hasn’t lost an ounce of voltage.
Play Now:
🔊 Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube
Start With:
- Deceptacon - Electro-punk perfection.
- Hot Topic - A love letter to every outsider.
- My My Metrocard - Bubblegum with teeth.