How a viral library video launched a punk rock phenomenon
In short: In 2021, a video of four young musicians playing at a Los Angeles public library went viral. What began as a one-off project for a local gig quickly transformed into a global presence, earning the admiration of rock legends and securing major label deals.
The Linda Lindas, an American punk band from Los Angeles, formed in 2018. Formed for a Girlschool LA performance, the ensemble includes Bela Salazar, Eloise Wong, and Lucia and Mila de la Garza. Interestingly, the group's instrumental capabilities were initially lopsided; at the start, Bela Salazar was the only member who could play an instrument.
The band's meteoric rise was catalyzed in May 2021, when the Los Angeles Public Library shared a video of the group performing "Racist, Sexist Boy" during a "TEENtastic Tuesdays" event. The song, which addressed a racist comment made to drummer Mila de la Garza prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, became a social media sensation. This visibility drew praise from high-profile musicians including Tom Morello, Flea, and Kathleen Hanna, and led to the band being signed by Epitaph Records on May 22, 2021.
Since that viral moment, the band has expanded far beyond library performances. They have appeared on late-night television, such as Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and contributed to soundtracks for films like Moxie and Inside Out 2. Their touring history includes opening for iconic acts like the Rolling Stones at SoFi Stadium in 2024 and participating in the Saviors Tour with Green Day. As they move toward new releases like the single "Burning Out" under Reprise Records, the band continues to navigate the transition from a local project to an international fixture in the punk scene.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Linda Lindas
- Also: The Linda Lindas
- Also: Wikidata — The Linda Lindas · CC0
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