Full Name: Carrie Rachel Lawrence Brownstein
Have you ever adopted a pseudonym and, if so, why? In the late 70s I went under the name Silky Rumbler at poetry slams. I still get the occasional "Silky, is that you?" when we play in certain cities. My hair is so much shorter now, I don't know how they recognise me.
Have you ever lied about your age and, if so, why? Yes. I enjoy the occasional senior discount at All You Can Eat restaurants. The "endless" macaroni salad and "bottomless" coffee goes down a lot easier with a 10% discount.
How would you describe yourself in a lonely hearts ad? I'm a square looking for another square for some square dancing.
What was the last illegal thing you did? Treason.
What was the last kind-hearted thing you did? Rescued a puppy from drowning in the Deschutes river in Olympia, Washington. I made the front page of our local paper.
Who's the nicest person you've ever worked with? Chloe Sevigney.
What are the initials of the most unpleasant person you've ever worked with? Y.O.U.K.N.O.W.W.H.O.Y.O.U. A.R.E.
Has a critic ever made you cry? Yes. Mothers can be so cruel.
What would you advertise without a fee? Fake moustaches.
What would you never advertise? Cigarettes.
What wakes you up screaming at 4 in the morning? The person lying next to me screaming.
What takes you to a "happy place"? I don't like to be taken anywhere.
• Sleater-Kinney's album All Hands On The Bad One is out now on Matador
