The band was started in Olympia, Washington by Kathleen Hanna (vocals), Billy Karren (guitar), Kathi Wilcox (bass), and Tobi Vail (drums). They released a demo cassette tape in 1991. They were then signed to Kill Rock Stars. Their first extended play "Bikini Kill" was released on the label. In September 1993 the band's first album "Pussy Whipped" was released. The band's last album, "Reject All American" was released in 1996. In 1997 the band broke up. In 2012 "Bikini Kill" was released again. In 2014 "Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah" was released again.