The Brat

**The Brat** were a trailblazing Chicano punk band emerging from East Los Angeles in the late 1970s. Fronted by the dynamic Teresa Covarrubias (vocals) and featuring Rudy Medina (guitar), Arturo Bassick (bass), and Danny "DJ" Ballesteros (drums), they became pivotal figures in the East L.A. punk scene, blending raw punk energy with Chicano soul and rock influences. Their 1980 LP *Attitudes*—featuring tracks like "Whose to Blame?" and "Straight Outta East L.A."—showcased their sharp social commentary and gritty, danceable sound, while singles like "Romance" (in both Spanish and English versions) highlighted their bicultural roots.

Though short-lived, The Brat left a lasting mark by addressing themes of identity, inequality, and community struggles with unapologetic passion. Their music, a fiery mix of rebellion and melody, remains a touchstone for Chicano punk and DIY culture. Despite disbanding in the early '80s, their legacy lives on through reissues and their influence on later generations of artists.