The Breeders, a band formed by Pixies’ Kim Deal and Throwing Muses’ Tanya Donelly, emerged onto the music scene in the early 1990s, blending hooky pop melodies with experimental elements. Their debut album, Pod, released in 1990, showcased the shifting dynamics and warped pop sensibilities influenced by their previous bands. However, it was their platinum-selling album Last Splash in 1993 that propelled them to stardom with hits like “Cannonball,” drawing on diverse musical influences such as country, surf, and reggae. Over the years, their music evolved, with albums like Mountain Battles in 2008 retaining their unpredictable style. The band’s reunion in 2018 with All Nerve highlighted their lasting impact on artists like Courtney Barnett, Speedy Ortiz, and Lucy Dacus.
The origins of the Breeders trace back to Kim Deal and Tanya Donelly’s friendship during a European tour in 1988, where they bonded over a mutual love for music. Inspired by artists like the Sugarcubes, they embarked on a journey to create their unique sound, experimenting with genres and recording demos that eventually led to the formation of the Breeders. The band’s name, derived from an LGBT slang term, symbolized their identity and independence in the music industry. Throughout their career, the Breeders underwent changes in lineup and musical direction, with each member contributing to the band’s evolution and success. Their enduring legacy is marked by iconic albums like Last Splash and collaborations with renowned artists in the alternative music scene.