Kevin Morby brought Carrie Brownstein onstage during a Portland performance to play Sleater-Kinney's "Modern Girl," the 2005 track from the indie rock band's album "The Woods." The collaboration marks a notable reunion of sorts for Brownstein, who has largely stepped back from regular Sleater-Kinney performances in recent years, though the band reunited for a 2024 tour.
Morby, the indie rock singer-songwriter known for his solo work and previous roles in bands like Woods and The Babies, frequently curates special moments during his live shows. The choice to feature Brownstein on a Sleater-Kinney song in Portland, the Pacific Northwest city so closely tied to the band's identity and legacy, feels intentional and locally rooted. "Modern Girl" remains one of the trio's most recognizable songs, capturing the post-punk energy that defined their mid-2000s output.
Sleater-Kinney formed in the 1990s with Brownstein and Janet Weiss on drums, later joined by Corin Tucker. The band became a cornerstone of indie rock, particularly within Pacific Northwest music culture. Though they disbanded in 2007, the group reunited in 2014 and has performed intermittently since, though lineup changes and member departures have shaped recent iterations.
Brownstein's appearance alongside Morby represents the kind of cross-pollination common in indie rock circles, where artists frequently collaborate on special performances. The moment captures the enduring cultural weight of Sleater-Kinney's catalog and Brownstein's continued relevance as both a musician and creative force. The performance underscores how songs from the band's peak period continue to resonate with audiences and fellow artists alike, even as members pursue separate projects and the band's future remains uncertain.