The Brat (punk band)

The Brat was a Chicano punk rock ensemble originating from the barrios of East Los Angeles, California. Its three core members consisted of lead singer Teresa Covarrubias, lead guitarist Rudy Medina, and alternate lead and rhythm guitarist Sidney Medina. From their conception in 1979 to their eventual break-up in 1985, The Brat contributed to the customization and intermeshing of multiple musical and cultural models that culminated in the distinct East Los Angeles, Chican@ punk sound.

Along with being pioneers in the East Los Angeles punk movement, they are best known for their five song EP Attitudes — released in 1980 through the independent label Fatima Records — while contributing to the understanding of the many ways culture transforms and challenges dominant hegemonic ideologies.

Teresa Covarrubias was a second generation Chicana who was born and raised in the Boyle Heights section of East Los Angeles. Her father was born in El Paso, Texas yet moved to Los Angeles where he met Teresa’s mother, a lifetime resident of the city. She attended Boyle heights Elementary School and Resurrection school, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School and studied psychology at California State University, Los Angeles for two years. Musicians such as Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Benny Goodman and David Bowie had a heavy influence on the young musician as they influenced her to seek alternative forms of music that deviated from the mainstream. This drive to seek alternative forms of media was only heightened when her sister returned to her D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself) punk fanzines from Germany — immediately attracting her to the underground subculture.

Guitarists, Rudy Medina and Sidney Medina (despite being uncle and nephew, were very close in age) lived only a mile away from Teresa in the same section of Los Angeles. Although practically neighbors, the Medinas grew up in a completely different household compared to Teresa. Unlike Teresa who was second generation Chicana, the Medinas were first generation Chicanos whose parents immigrated to the United States through the bracero program. Their parents were extremely traditional and non-English-speaking, maintaining a strong sense of their cultural identity. Both Rudy and Sidney were classically trained musicians specializing in classical guitar and regularly performed as a duet in recitals through a small music and art center targeting low-income families who desired their children to be exposed to musical instruction. Rudy’s record collection consisted of the usual suspects of the era, heavy on guitar, rock, and iconic legends. But in and amongst the heavy rock were albums by outsiders such as The Clash, David Bowie, The New York Dolls, and Sparks. Rudy eventually studied at California State University Los Angeles, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in music while Sidney, who also attended the university, did not finish.

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