Born an identical twin in Memphis, Tennessee on November 9, 1969, Allison played a significant role in the formation of the riot grrrl movement of the 90s. She grew up in Olympia, Washington, with mother Pat Shively (founder of Eastside Women's Health Clinic) and sisters Cindy (Tennessee Twin) and Molly Wolfe. She attended the University of Oregon at Eugene, where she met Molly Neuman, and Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Together the two created the influential zine Girl Germs which, along with zines such as riot grrrl, Jigsaw and Bikini Kill by Kathleen Hanna and Tobi Vail, provided the manifestos for the movement that would come to be known as 'riot grrrl'. Allison and Molly's next project together was the creation of the band Bratmobile in 1991, soon joined by guitarist Erin Smith. This band, as well as Allison's subsequent group with Erin, Cold Cold Hearts provided a distinct voice in the third-wave feminist movement. She has recorded a number of albums and singles, many produced by Kill Rock Stars, an Olympia-based label, as well as for other independent record labels.

She remains involved in what she terms "cultural activism", not only with her current group Partyline, but also with the bands Dig Yr Grave, Deep Lust, Hawnay Troof and it's off-shoot, Baby Truth. She also initiated Ladyfest and has been involved in Bands Against Bush.