Formed by Rudy Medina and Teresa Covarrubias, the Brat represents one of the few Chicano bands to be lead by a Chicana. Covarrubias’ penchant for writing cutting poetry about the classic topics of love, school, and teen angst meshed well with Medina’s punk rock music. In 1980 the Brat released a five-song EP, titled Attitudes, produced by Tito Larriva of the Plugz. Although it was their first and last record release, the Brat was a hit across Los Angeles; garnering a loyal following in the Eastside and many more fans in the larger punk scene. The Brat and Los Illegals are vividly remembered as a pioneers of Chicano punk, agitators of convention, and brutally honest social commentators.

José Anguiano Cortez

A 34-minute recording of the Chicano punk rock band “Brat” performing on stage at Aztlan Multiples opening of Exploratorium, early 1980s. This tape features Teresa Covarrubias on vocals. From video VS0987/UM in the Sean Carillo Papers, CEMA 85, at the University of California, Santa Barbara Davidson Library. It can be found in the California Ethnic and Multicultural Archives in Special Collections.