Janet Weiss announces she’s leaving Sleater-Kinney, semi-literate drummers everywhere struggle to update their CVs

In rather shocking, non-NBA free agency-related Monday news, Janet Weiss has announced her departure from Sleater-Kinney. Weiss had been the band’s drummer since 1997’s Dig Me Out, and has held down the kit for many others, including Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, the Shins, Wild Flag, and Quasi.

Her decision seems oddly timed, as Sleater-Kinney’s next album The Center Won’t Hold is due out in a little over a month. It’s also ominous for that very same reason, especially as Weiss’ announcement of her decision on Twitter included the statement, “The band is heading in a new direction and it is time for me to move on.”

The band’s two new St. Vincent-produced singles — she also produced the entire album — “Hurry On Home” and “The Future Is Here” definitely stand out among the rest of Sleater-Kinney’s catalog, but just how much of a “new direction” The Center Won’t Hold takes the band in remains to be heard.

You can read Weiss’ full announcement, as well as the reaction from her now former band-mates — saddened but wishing her well — down below. The Center Won’t Hold is out August 16 via Mom + Pop.

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