Billy Karren

Billy Karren
Also known asBilly Boredom
GenresPunk, riot grrrl
OccupationMusician
InstrumentGuitar
Years active1985–present
LabelsBikini Kill Records

William Francis Karren is an American musician, best known as the lead guitarist of the punk/riot grrrl band Bikini Kill, formed by Kathleen Hanna, with Karren, Tobi Vail and Kathi Wilcox.[1] He was also active in many other music projects, including the Go Team,[2] the Frumpies,[3] Corrections, and Spray Painted Love (with Tobi Vail).[4] He did not participate in Bikini Kill's 2019 reunion; his replacement was Erica Dawn Lyle.

In a Bikini Kill interview, Karren gave his influences as The Slits, The Ronettes, Chrissie Hynde, and Wire.[5]

  1. ^ Raha, Maria (2005). Cinderella's big score: women of the punk and indie underground. Emeryville, CA: Seal Press. p. 203. ISBN 9781580051163.
  2. ^ Chick, Stevie (2009). Psychic confusion: the Sonic Youth Story. London: Omnibus Press.
  3. ^ Jason Ankeny (1998-04-13). "Bikini Kill | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
  4. ^ Mitchell, Claudia & Reid-Walsh, Jacqueline (2008). Girl Culture: Studying girl culture, a readers' guide. ABC-CLIO. p185
  5. ^ "bikini kill summersault interview". Tigerbomb.net. Retrieved 2020-03-06.