The sisters grew up in Huber Heights, a suburb of Dayton and graduated from Wayne High School.

Though the Pixies songwriter, Black Francis, approved, Kelley was not confident in her drumming and was more interested in playing songs written by Kim.

[4] Kelley joined The Breeders in 1992, debuting on vocals and rhythm guitar on the band's second recording, Safari (EP).

After guitarist Donelly left to form Belly, Kelley promoted to lead guitar for Last Splash (1993).

The band supported the release by touring as Nirvana's opening act and performing at Lollapalooza 1994.

[8][9] Nice Records released a limited pressing of the supergroup's eponymous album, on which Deal shared lead vocals, guitar, bass, and songwriting duties.

One of her patterns is included in the DIY Network's book Knitty Gritty Knits: 25 Fun & Fabulous Projects.

[16] In a February 2018 feature article, The New York Times reported that Deal was in her eighth year of sobriety.