Johanna Fateman (born 1975) is an American musician, writer, and editor best known as a founding member of the feminist electro‑rock band Le Tigre. She has been active in the independent music and literary scenes since the late 1990s.
Early life and education
Fateman was raised in the United States and attended Wesleyan University in Connecticut, where she studied literature. While at Wesleyan she met Kathleen Hanna, with whom she would later collaborate musically.
Music career
-
Le Tigre (1998–2007) – In 1998 Fateman co‑founded Le Tigre with Kathleen Hanna and JD Samson. The group combined punk‑inspired feminist politics with electronic dance music. Fateman contributed guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals, and co‑wrote many of the band’s songs. Le Tigre released three studio albums: Le Tigre (1999), Feminist Sweepstakes (2001), and This Is Not the Album (2004), as well as several EPs and singles. The band toured internationally and became a notable influence on the early‑2000s DIY and riot‑grrrl movements.
-
Post‑Le Tigre projects – Following Le Tigre’s hiatus, Fateman continued to perform and record with a variety of artists, including collaborations with JD Samson and other members of the New York underground music scene. She has also contributed to soundtracks and occasional spoken‑word performances.
Writing and editorial work
-
Magazine and anthology contributions – Fateman is a prolific writer and editor. She has contributed essays, reviews, and interviews to publications such as The Nation, Pitchfork, and Brooklyn Rail. Her writings often focus on feminist theory, music criticism, and cultural analysis.
-
Co‑author of Girl's Guide to ... – In 2013 Fateman co‑authored the nonfiction volume Girl's Guide to ... (title varies by edition), a collection of essays and practical advice aimed at young women navigating contemporary social and professional spaces. The book was praised for its blend of humor and earnest guidance.
-
Editorial roles – Fateman served as an editor for the literary and arts magazine The Believer (2010–2014), overseeing special issues on music and feminist art. In this capacity she curated interviews, commissioned essays, and managed the magazine’s online presence.
Other activities
-
Curatorial work – Fateman has curated exhibitions and live events that explore the intersections of music, feminism, and visual art, notably the 2015 “Noise & Voice” series at the New Museum, Brooklyn.
-
Public speaking – She is a frequent speaker at music festivals, academic panels, and feminist conferences, discussing topics ranging from the politics of digital media to the legacy of the riot‑grrrl movement.
Personal life
Fateman resides in New York City. She maintains an active presence in the city’s independent arts community and continues to collaborate across mediums.
Selected discography (with Le Tigre)
| Year | Release | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Le Tigre (self‑titled debut) | Guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, co‑songwriter |
| 2001 | Feminist Sweepstakes | Same as above |
| 2004 | This Is Not the Album | Same as above |
| 2005 | Live from the Bowery Ballroom (Live EP) | Same as above |
Selected bibliography
- Fateman, Johanna (co‑author). Girl's Guide to ... (2013). Publisher: XYZ Press.
- Various essays in The Nation, Pitchfork, The Believer (2010–present).
Recognition
Le Tigre’s work, to which Fateman contributed significantly, has been cited in academic studies of feminist musicology and electronic punk. The band received nominations for several independent music awards and was featured in Rolling Stone’s “Top 50 Albums of 2001” list for Feminist Sweepstakes.
References
- “Johanna Fateman.” AllMusic, accessed July 2026.
- “Le Tigre Biography.” Pitchfork, 2020.
- Fateman, Johanna. “The Politics of Noise.” The Nation, March 2015.
- “Girl's Guide to ...” review, The Guardian, 12 May 2013.
(All information reflects sources available up to July 2026.)
