An all-girl band has signed with L.A. punk label Epitaph Records.
As part of the AAPI Heritage Month celebration, The Linda Lindas played a gig at the Los Angeles Public Library. Fueled with outrage over a racist incident, the band took to the stage armed with electric guitars, armored with tartan skirts and channeled their feelings into performing the now-viral hit Racist, Sexist Boy.
Don’t mess with The Linda Lindas.
Watch the full concert: https://t.co/Usv7HJ1lLR pic.twitter.com/pKZ5TKDdiA
— L.A. Public Library (@LAPublicLibrary) May 20, 2021
To kick off the concert, the drummer began by explaining the inspiration behind the song. “A little while before we went into lockdown, a boy in my class came up to me and said that his dad told him to stay away from Chinese people, ” she explained. “After telling him that I was Chinese he backed away from me. Eloise and I wrote this song based on that experience.”
The band is made up of Bela, Eloise, Lucia and Mila with ages ranging between 10 and 16. Their Bandcamp bio describes them as “Half Asian / half Latinx. Two sisters, a cousin, and their close friend. The Linda Lindas channel the spirit of original punk, power pop, and new wave through today’s ears, eyes and minds.”
Thrashing chords and furious screams were contrasted with the still stacks of books, but fittingly serving up an education. It’s a powerful image and has established the song as an anthem for race and gender activists as well as anyone who has experienced racism and misogyny.
So considering all the major issues that have been brought to light in recent years, it comes as no surprise that the band landed a record deal with L.A. punk label Epitaph Records shortly after the L.A. Public Library’s post went viral. And we love to see it.
Featured Image: L.A. Public Library/YouTube