Kill Rock Stars emerged in early 1990s Olympia, Washington, as an independent record label founded by Matthew Moon and Tinuviel Sampson to support local musicians and spoken word artists who lacked mainstream label backing. Moon had moved to Olympia in 1986 after being drawn to its vibrant South Sound music scene, which contrasted with Seattle's more serious punk atmosphere. The label began with spoken word releases but expanded into rock music after Moon witnessed talented local bands like Unwound struggle without recording industry support.

The label's definitive moment came with a compilation album from the April 1991 International Pop Underground Convention, featuring Unwound, Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, Melvins, Nirvana, and Heavens to Betsy, with handmade covers created by Sampson. This release captured Olympia's musical landscape and helped establish Kill Rock Stars as a platform for the emerging feminist riot grrrl punk movement, which centered on women's rights and autonomy whilst challenging sexism in music. The label's success reflected Moon's philosophy of invisibly supporting artists' own creative vision rather than imposing external direction.