Born and raised in Pasadena, California, she was a member of Sloppy Jane before embarking on a solo career. Bridgers' debut studio album, Stranger in the Alps, was released in 2017 to critical acclaim. In 2020, she followed it up with her second album, Punisher, to further critical success and mainstream recognition. Bridgers received four nominations at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist.

In addition to her solo work, Bridgers is also a member of the musical groups boygenius (with Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus) and Better Oblivion Community Center (with Conor Oberst).