Tobi Celeste Vail, born on July 20, 1969, is an influential American independent musician, music critic, and feminist activist hailing from Olympia, Washington. She rose to prominence as a central figure in the riot grrl movement and is credited with coining the spelling "grrl" and founding the zine Jigsaw. Vail's musical talents extend to drumming, guitar, and vocals, and she was a founding member of the iconic band Bikini Kill. Throughout her career, she has been involved in various projects and collaborations, leaving a lasting impact on the Olympia music scene. Vail's passion for music is also reflected in her work as a writer for eMusic. Born in Auburn, Washington, she later moved to rural Naselle before settling in Olympia, where she attended high school and became immersed in the local music scene. Her early musical endeavors include the punk project Go Team and later the formation of Bikini Kill with her college classmates. Vail's commitment to promoting gender equality in music and her outspoken feminist views have made her a pivotal figure in the music industry. Her influence extends beyond her musical contributions, as she continues to advocate for social and political change.