Marissa Paternoster
A fiercely independent guitarist and vocalist who became a cornerstone of DIY punk, wielding a searing guitar tone and raw, commanding voice.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American rock musician·Birthday: August 1·Millennials
Biography
Marissa Paternoster emerged from the basement shows of New Brunswick, New Jersey, as a singular force in indie rock. As the frontwoman and guitarist for Screaming Females, she defied easy categorization, merging punk aggression with classic rock virtuosity and melodic punk-pop sensibility. Her guitar playing is immediately recognizable—a torrent of distorted, melodic leads that feel both technically impressive and emotionally cathartic. On stage, her slight frame belies a volcanic presence, her voice shifting from a sneer to a soaring wail. For over 15 years, she led the band as a true collaborative unit, maintaining an unwavering DIY ethos, self-recording albums and touring relentlessly in a van. Beyond Screaming Females, her solo project Noun allows for more personal and experimental songwriting. Paternoster is also a visual artist, often designing the band's album covers, creating a cohesive aesthetic world that mirrors the intensity and detail of her music.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Marissa was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Marissa Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Marissa's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Released seven critically praised studio albums as the frontwoman of Screaming Females between 2006 and 2023.
- Gained significant recognition for the 2012 album 'Ugly,' produced by Steve Albini.
- Performed as a touring guitarist for the band Garbage on their 2021 tour.
- Maintained a completely independent career, releasing music on the DIY label Don Giovanni Records for most of her career.
- Her guitar prowess led to features in major music publications like Rolling Stone, which has praised her 'fiery, shred-heavy solos'.
Did You Know?
She is an accomplished visual artist and has illustrated comic books, including covers for *The Amazing Spider-Man* for Marvel.
Paternoster is known for building and modifying her own guitar effects pedals.
She has a degree in visual arts from Rutgers University.
The name 'Screaming Females' was chosen ironically, as Paternoster is the only woman in the band's classic trio lineup.
She provided guest vocals on the song 'Bull' on the 2021 album by the band Shame.
“I'm not a girl in a band; I'm a guitarist in a band.”
