The Julie Ruin is an American band forged in the flames of punk rock and riot grrrl movements, originating as the solo project of Kathleen Hanna, former lead singer of the influential punk band Bikini Kill and electroclash group Le Tigre. The project emerged from Hanna's need to create during a time of illness and the name 'The Julie Ruin' was taken from her 1997 lo-fi solo album. The band's sonic DNA is a rich tapestry of punk, dance, and feminist anthems, which reinvigorated Hanna's confrontational, raw, and politically charged aesthetics.
In 2010, The Julie Ruin expanded into a quintet, featuring Kathi Wilcox on bass, Kenny Mellman on keyboards, Carmine Covelli on drums, and Sara Landeau on guitar. Together they created a blend of fiery punk rock, infectious melodies, and sharp-tongued commentary that has resonated with fans worldwide. Their debut album as a band, "Run Fast," released in 2013, captures the energetic spirit and social relevance reminiscent of Hanna’s previous work while establishing a fresh identity. Their follow-up, "Hit Reset" in 2016, delves into more personal territory, addressing Hanna’s own struggles with illness and childhood trauma, but retains their characteristic humor and defiance. Tracks like "Blueberry Island," "Brightside / In the Picture," and "Ha Ha Ha" exemplify the band's ability to juxtapose raw authenticity with catchy, danceable tunes, marking them as a dynamic and integral part of the contemporary punk landscape.
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