

Best of Design Matters: Carrie Brownstein
Jan 27, 2025
Carrie Brownstein, celebrated for her work with Sleater-Kinney and the series Portlandia, reflects on her diverse career as a musician, writer, and comedian. She shares her journey of growing up in suburban Seattle, navigating identity and early musical ambitions. The conversation explores how personal loss shaped her songwriting, particularly in her album 'Little Rope,' and the healing power of creativity. Brownstein also discusses the intersections of punk music and comedy, highlighting the importance of authentic connections in her artistic evolution.
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First Concert
- Carrie Brownstein's father took her to her first concert, Madonna's Virgin Tour, in fifth grade.
- The Beastie Boys opened, but were booed off stage by the audience.
Desire to Perform
- Seeing George Michael in concert sparked Brownstein's desire to perform.
- She realized she wanted to be the object of desire on stage, not a spectator.
First Guitar
- Brownstein bought her first guitar, a cherry red Epiphone, at 15.
- She saved money from her job at Crossroads Movie Theater to buy it.