The Linda Lindas: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Marissa Lorusso | April 11, 2022
A library might not be the first place that comes to mind when you picture a suitable venue for a punk band - unless, of course, you're thinking about The Linda Lindas, who shot to viral stardom after a performance in the Los Angeles Public Library's Cypress Park Branch last year. For the band's Tiny Desk (home) concert, the teen punks returned to the library - this time, playing at the Los Angeles Central Library - with several members even sporting buttons that pledge love to the LA library system. "We're playing the library once more," guitarist Lucia de la Garza says with a smile, in awe of the "cool space." (It feels fitting - after all, having artists perform an intimate, powerful set under daytime office lights is kind of the Tiny Desk's whole thing.)
The four members of The Linda Lindas - sisters Mila de la Garza and Lucia de la Garza, their cousin Eloise Wong and their family friend Bela Salazar - first played together in 2018, as members of a new-wave cover band put together by Kristin Kontrol of Dum Dum Girls. Soon after that, they formed their own punk group, going on to open for artists like Bikini Kill, Alice Bag and Best Coast.
In the band's Tiny Desk (home) concert, each of the members - all between 11 and 17 - take turns singing, starting with "Growing Up," the title track to the band's debut album, sung by guitarist Lucia. After a couple upbeat tracks sung by drummer Mila and bassist Wong about friendship and frustration, the band is joined by an additional percussionist. "We put an advertisement in the library a few days ago," Lucia jokes, before introducing Spencer Lere of the band Bleached (who is also, Mila points out, her drum teacher) for a surfy track sung in Spanish by guitarist Salazar. The band ends its set with the scorching "Racist, Sexist Boy." Co-written by Mila and her cousin, it's the song that first caught the internet's attention with its powerfully righteous anger about a racist incident Mila experienced in the early days of the pandemic. "Here we go - let's blow the roof off," Lucia says dryly just before the final song - but given how hard these four rock, you'd be forgiven for thinking she's not joking at all.
SET LIST
"Growing Up"
"Talking to Myself"
"Why"
"Cuántas Veces"
"Racist, Sexist Boy"
MUSICIANS
Lucia de la Garza: vocals, guitar
Mila de la Garza: vocals, drums
Bela Salazar: vocals, guitar
Eloise Wong: vocals, bass
Spencer Lere: percussionist
CREDITS
Video: Ryan Baxley, Mario Framingheddu
Audio: Carlos de la Garza, Scott Cornish, Harriet Tam
Camera: Ryan Baxley, Mario Framingheddu
Editor: Ryan Baxley
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Video Producer: Joshua Bryant
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bobby Carter, Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Michael Zamora, Ashley Pointer
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #thelindalindas

[@MrMonikerjay]

The drummer Mila is 11. Take that in for a minute. Playing drums while singing your own song like it's just another day. New record has been on repeat in my car.

[@RachelBCadet]

Get out! thats amazing even more than what I was thinking before! How to word the words when I word them. Im not sure but I know I dig this!

[@o_almaia]

See Pau from The Warning too! She started very young!

[@MrMonikerjay]

@@o_almaia I will! Thanks so much.

[@jinggaddi]

Does anybody else agree that Mila has that "Ringo swing" in her drumming? It's actually very subtle, but you'll notice it once you start bobbing your head to her drum beats.

[@Apo023]

get out of here!! I just can't believe this.. 😮

[@zakiyyathurston8715]

Honestly im gonna cry, punk is in GREAT hands. Thanks for giving us faith kids

[@zakiyyathurston8715]

@dontFwsocal Well good thing its not 30 years ago! If the ramones are punk then these young girls certainly are. Why don't you listen to their album and lyrics and think about it? Good luck!

[@sevenchambers]

@@zakiyyathurston8715Wiki says they are Pop Punk, Punk Rock, and Power Pop. So you’re both right.

[@DaPoopIsInDaPudding]

@@sevenchamberslmao

[@jinggaddi]

If any of these girls was my daughter, I'll be at all the gigs as the driver, roadie, sound tech, and number one fan.

[@koimiesprofeetta4832]

I am chauffeur, roadie and merch manager at my daughter's band

[@sweettlover123]

10000000%!!!

[@craigpeel5983]

I stumbled upon them some time during covid so she was probably 9-10 at that point...

[@Jonslondon]

Same

[@DerekReuter]

legit, same. Down the street from me, lives the first road manager of the Ramones, he'll get a kick out of this. Sometimes you just need to load up in the van and go play some gigs. School is out during Summer yo, find your roadie parent and rope em into booking a tour and chap so you an play any venue, bar or not.

[@clownnookie]

It's always cool when all four band members sing lead.

[@Meltedcheese567]

The drummer's voice is so great. Perfectly smooth and relaxed, even while she's drumming.

[@michaelvincentgaddi8743]

Yes! Plus the fact that she's only 11 and that she wrote a song like "Talking To Myself" make it all the more amazing.

[@perderlaprisa]

this is my favourite band since right now

[@stevenbard8026]

Probably the best band I've heard since just now...

[@MisaPavlicek]

Yep

[@frarfarf]

they are cool, I just want them to ditch the crazy outfits and face paint and dolls on stage etc.... just be like jeans and t-shirt punk teens plz

[@jademusic1211]

@@frarfarf Well, that's part of their style so you have to respect that.🙂 The t-shirts and jeans..not everyone likes/wants that look. Also, they apparently endorse a particular brand of clothing (it's mentioned on their Instagram), so that's probably what they're wearing here.❤️

[@DenCon143]

A few years ago, when I lived in Cypress Park Los Angeles, I went to my local LA Library on Cypress Ave in Cypress Park and learned the library was closed because the Linda Lindas were playing and being recorded. I found their video later and became so very enamored by these young women who I like to think of as my "home girls". At 72, I'm now retired living on the central coast and it's such a joy to find this new video, to see their growth both in stature and musically. I sit back and watch, listen like a very proud father. :)

[@crbradbury8282]

Great story! Cool to see their uprise right!!?

[@toddorelli6056]

For reasons I can't explain, this brings tears to my eyes. Amazing.

[@michaelvincentgaddi8743]

Same here, same here.

[@generalmalaise2930]

same, theyre an inspiration for sure

[@jlujan63]

Tears different reasons 😢

[@rrrusty49]

Just me, but is it ... hope? 🥲 🥰

[@1nittmo]

I saw The Linda Lindas open for Japanese Breakfast last week and everyone was blown away by their performance. See them live if you get the chance. I hope these kids keep at it for as long as they are enjoying it.

[@eversosleight]

Im a metal guy, preferably death or thrash but i gotta say, dang, this was such a fun live set and i love everything about this band! So impressive! Energy, vocals, musicianship, stage presence ❤ I hope they go far!! I'm forever a fan!

[@goodnightmoon]

punk is not dead!!

[@modestoney1577]

as a 42 year old dude, that grew up with 90`s alternative rock, i really dig this band

[@vincentsmiths9195]

Punk Rock is back people!!! and its coming back quick, young, female and strong. Just guitars, bass and drums like it should be.The future of Rock is in good hands. Well done girls.

[@crbradbury8282]

Very well said, AGREED !! This coming from a Misfits, Ramones, 2000's pop-punk and Metallica fan!

[@crbradbury8282]

@@rhino3193 Na. Inflation mannn.

[@princessmanitari4993]

@@rhino3193 they are quite popular already though, so this is within reason!

[@MMZS528]

oh gosh. never left man....cool your jets

[@rerikm]

lol nope

[@alyssamendoza4017]

This is so awesome. This is what 11 year old me wishes she was brave enough to do. Girl punk bands are healing!!

[@GVike]

Reminds me how (and yes some boys were not brave enough either) I secretly wanted to play bass at like 13 but never did until 27... Kathy Valentine was actually one of my idols (and I got to meet her, yay!)

[@geezuschrist2734]

im 35 hardcore punk and i love listen linda lindas, so fresh and nice

[@DeChaos137]

These girls fill me with glee. As long as kids are doin this, my world has hope

[@demzre]

Wow, what amazing growth since the last time they appeared just a year ago.

[@rrrusty49]

Lyrics, tone, vibe, oof ❤️❤️❤️. Yes, yo, libraries are STILL cool.

[@ErnestoBadillo]

Everyone mentions their age but “why” is one of the best punk songs I’ve ever heard, kids or not. Seriously. Incredibly simple, melodic and powerful. This is the real deal. Eloise is going to become a legend.

[@michaelvincentgaddi8743]

So true! I really love how Eloise balances feelings of utter despair with shrewd optimism in her lyrics. Plus, I get some serious Descendents vibes from it -- like a cross between "Hope," "Clean Sheets," and "Myage."

[@CrashTestVictim]

I only consider their ages because it's kind of intimidating how freaking good they are already. You're absolutely right though, they're legit.

[@missmiseria]

eloise basslines are also sooo good

[@michaelvincentgaddi8743]

@@missmiseria Yes!!!! Soooo good! :)

[@txgoldrush]

I think Mila is already a legend.

[@AkutomiNamikaze]

Eloise flubbing the Why introduction joke is honestly funnier that way than playing the bit straight. So great to hear new proof that punk ain’t dead, with some other genres peppered in there to keep us on our toes!

[@mousafire]

As someone who was listening to punk and riot girrrl band in the 90s, I super appreciate this. The Linda Linda's come on the scene, and I get to introduce my teen daughters to all of my college music. Now there are no fights about what music to put on in the car.

[@faustsiftar7683]

I love how they have their own style but still make each song memorable in its own way- “Cuantas Veces,” “Talking to Myself,” etc.

[@Kinghenhog39]

NPR Tiny Desk always brings some of my fav new music and this young af punk band is just that. It's like a band straight outta Scott Pilgrim. The drummer is only 11 but they're all so awesomely talented and I liked that each got their own song. The Linda Linda's ♥️🔥🎵🎶🎸🥁🤯

[@heartlessvro]

fr 🔥

[@EnjoyTheChaos]

I was also thinking scott pilgrim!

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Growing Up* (3:04) 3:28 - *Talking to Myself* (5:46) 6:11 - *Why* (8:25) 9:07 - *Cuántas Veces* (12:17) 12:42 - *Racist, Sexist Boy* [14:34 - Tiny Desk team]

[@unbentcrayfish]

Thanks for the time stamps, you're awesome!

[@youtubeyoutubeyoutube9961]

People that do this are the real heroes of the world. Thank you!

[@crosstee2857]

Good job

[@jenniferreyes4168]

They are just outrageously talented. Love them.

[@GataBalinha]

Just one word: Hope

[@Nikk-Astyr]

Honestly, this is pretty wholesome. Just some kids having fun. And making awesome music in the process. I wish the best to the girls!

[@stevenbard8026]

Only to get patronized by some dude in the comment section... 🙄🙄

[@Nikk-Astyr]

@@stevenbard8026 I ain't patronizing. I really appreciate their efforts

[@metafuel]

Kids? They talking about way more adult stuff than the adults are. Edit: Rock on The Linda Lindas.

[@o_almaia]

Same!! :)

[@vickylikesthis]

Check out their og library show. Loved that they sang about missing eating dinner at grandma's house during the pandemic and their cats.

[@jochikondur]

Love that PHAT bass sound

[@jinggaddi]

Nothing like that Fender-Ampeg combo -- classic!!!!

[@susanritter6896]

Loved this. I am ancient, but love seeing young women challenging the status quo! Keep shredding.

[@IHearEverythingDude]

What status quo?

[@tomaszw3735]

@@IHearEverythingDude Exactly. When most ppl see a band playing music brainwashed leftis marksists see ideology.

[@IHearEverythingDude]

@@tomaszw3735 unfortunately that seems to be true :(

[@sublime9525]

They probably don’t identify as women.

[@stevealvarado4627]

The Go Gos did it 40 years ago, Veruca Salt 30 years ago.

[@storiesforsuccess3102]

Best kid band I’ve ever heard. In fact this is the only good kid band I’ve ever heard, I think. Their vocal melodies are insanely good.

[@jinggaddi]

Totally agree. Apart from their great vocal melodies, their musical arrangements and songwriting belie their ages as well.

[@demonhoopa]

I love the Linda Lindas but I can’t say it’s the only good group of kids I’ve heard. Liliac and The Warning were incredible as kids

[@heliosho]

I was on a school with a focus on music and I heard lots of young people in bands, choirs, and stuff. I still am quite impressed!

[@technocatdance]

how you gunna act like tiny masters of today didn't ever exist!!

[@LisaMarie-rh5yn]

@ Stories for Success? What? "Best?" "Only?" "Insanely good?" I'm feeling an Emperor's New Clothes situation here.

[@Dante_Bruno]

The world will be a better place in the future just because of The Linda Lindas. They're FRESH, THEY TEEN, THEY PUNK, THEY REBEL, all we wanted to be in the late 70's. I'm 57 and I love this band, I'm proud of these girls. Our fight was not in vain. These RRRIOT GRRRLS are the best. NEVER GIVE UP!!!

[@GregBri-1371]

Saw them at Coachella and dammmm they sounded awesome…never heard of them, but now I witnessed the beginning of greatness 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💯💯💯

[@dizzys3900]

Once I thought that Eloise was the only golden child of this band. Now I know I was wrong. Each and everyone of them is special.

[@jinggaddi]

So true! So much talent in just one band.

[@Chiefbeaner78]

I hope their parents, teachers, and schools are beyond proud of them and support them. Because they're absolutely awesome.

[@jlujan63]

I'm sure they're all.of that... but why

[@lapubliclibrary]

Awesome! So happy to host.

[@vickylikesthis]

Thank you for introducing us to them

[@demonhoopa]

@@vickylikesthis Ditto

[@tonymorris4335]

This is the kind of stuff libraries everywhere should do more of. I mean, clearly it's tough because of the opposite nature to a libraries primary purpose but it serves the public and helps give young people something to look up to.

[@demonhoopa]

@@tonymorris4335 Amen

[@BradWadeNL]

Just remember that libraries are an amazing example of punk. Public funded knowledge with a free library card.

[@hermitkungfu]

Talking To Myself made me cry.....I don't even know why - it was the weirdest thing, but I think I needed that, so thank you.

[@thermitthetan9375]

Me too

[@karenastorga5479]

Aaah chiquillas las amé !!!! Y me encanto que tengan canciones en español!! Idolas!!! 🙌

[@musicsurfer17]

How the heck are they this talented??? oh my god???? They're each so talented in their own right but together they are absolutely phenomenal. As once being in a punk band when i was a tween/teen, I have only the most upmost respect

[@GVike]

Two of them are daughters of a musician, songwriter and record engineer.

[@jlujan63]

Explains allot sadly

[@bjpunker]

Bring me to tears that they’re so good at this young age 😊😊😊

[@zakiyyathurston8715]

THEY ARE SO ADORABLE T__T

[@marcbrimble5222]

Cuantos veces is so sweet

[@samthomas1945]

Wow really cool performance and so much room for growth too. It's pretty ridiculous how good they are for their age, particularly for anyone who was in a band between the ages of 11 and 17.

[@stevenbard8026]

Why did you say: "and so much room for growth too,?

[@samthomas1945]

@@stevenbard8026 really mate? Because they're so young and have many years to grow artistically and as musicians.

[@jinggaddi]

And judging by this performance, they will get better for sure! I am also in awe of them.

[@HermanWaldorf]

libraries turn out to be an excellent place for live music. Keep going girls!

[@guidofurlotti5969]

I love their fresh and rough style. It's a jump back to my teenage-years. Go guys

[@ohbogey]

Here after seeing them Coachella, really won me over!!❤

[@CR00K__Gaming]

Go ahead and throw one of their songs on the next big skateboarding game. They'll fit right in! Skate 4 is on the way, soooo....

[@DUSTINBARTRUM]

For reall?!?!?? I’ve been playing skater XL just wishing skate 4 was a thing

[@fernandalbauer]

Or aggresive rollerskate videos!

[@OdaKa]

lol. I love the variety of styles of music the Skate series has

[@adamjohnson5307]

Wait…is it really?? Lol

[@DJKuroh]

@@DUSTINBARTRUM no lies. Its why i havent bought Skater XL or Session. I'll wait for more news about Skate 4. But it is officially in development.

[@dahsaw]

The drummer was my standout player. Found her very impressive. Good group, overall. Tight harmonies and rhythm!

[@andrewnolastname2337]

These kids give me hope for new music. Thank god someone's still in their garage making something real and worth listening to.

[@joshuacox1446]

Dang, they've really improved since that first NPR spot they did. I remember at the time thinking "hey, this is cool, they're obviously not very GOOD yet, but they've got the energy and vibe and they're super young." Just goes to show how much you can imrpove with consistent practice and dedication. They're a legitimately good band now.

[@sashamiaa]

This is so wonderful. And also that copy of "Miss Nelson is Missing" on the shelf in the back...arguably one of the most punk children's books.

[@kathywaghorn3824]

love that book!

[@charlestresnicky1144]

wow, saw them when they were even younger. They've evolved and gotten better and better. This is really good talent material.

[@micasaestudio4643]

Que demais! Minha filha de 9 anos se amarra! ❤

[@dynjarren8355]

I like their energy and enthusiasm! I’m old now but it’s great to hear some good new music. Finally! These girls rock! 👍🏻🎸

[@majorlow333]

Their sound is solid!!! This band is friggin awesome!!!!

[@jinggaddi]

I really dig how Eloise and Bela's rough edges blend so well with the sweetness of the Dela Garza sisters. Their music has this yin-yang balance that permeates throughout the entire album.

[@deniartemisa]

90's vibe but completely fresh energy, love these girls, so much talent!!!

[@jinggaddi]

"Cuantas Veces" is such a beautiful song. ♥️

[@savethezombies]

I'm already old so I envy you kids who will get to see these girls on their 3rd farewell tour when they're all in their 70s.

[@Scp716creativecommons]

Great writing, great coming of age music!

[@petecampbell6117]

I have been telling people that every 14 year old has been trying to write "Growing Up' since rock and roll began. It is truly an amazing song!

[@tinadasat]

My babies are growing up ✨💛

[@yukenni]

Bella's song....me gusto mucho. Love these little punks. Great set.

[@amytrigoura9797]

One of my all time favorites!!!! Something new and so loud, so charming.

[@carissanami5824]

these girls have strong "voice" both literally and figuratively! 💙❤️💛

[@Cool7Songs]

Great job Linda Linda's!! Your growth as a band is awesome to watch!

[@eversosleight]

I can see Descendants influence in "Why." Spectacular!

[@bookgirl2]

Love all of this! Reminds me of The Donnas!

[@divineobject]

I love them all, but Eloise is amazing! Such skills!

[@ky-qy5gg]

FM802で流れてきてから大好きです！

[@andrssamoreira]

these girls remember a version of myself that i want to be when i was a teenager

[@GVike]

As for the library setting... might not be that rock'n'roll, but Ian Curtis was an avid reader and was able to write mind-blowing lyrics. Some of the great songwriters read a lot.

[@michaelporter383]

This gives me hope for the future!

[@ZyxthePest]

These girls are definitely the new Redd Kross and I mean that in the BEST way possible. Extremely young, but INSANELY talented.

[@jinggaddi]

I totally agree! Bassist Eloise gave a shout-out to Redd Kross by including Neurotica in her Ameoba bag.

[@ZyxthePest]

@@jinggaddi Nice Norman 3 bass cover. Thirteen is insanely underrated!!!

[@jinggaddi]

@@ZyxthePest Thanks a lot! Glad you dig it. Yes, I consider Thirteen as one of TFC's best.

[@Bea-rq1uf]

this song captures the feeling of growing up so perfectly :')

[@nibelnox1772]

Me gusto mucho la canción "Cuantas Veces", Les deseo mucho éxito...

[@printingthings4560]

Wow...so totally blown away. These girls are amazing!! The Linda Lindas give me hope for rock, hope for for punk, hope for American music and well....hope for everything...including the human race!!

[@jimmyzbike]

I love their spirit and each one has such a unique style of songwriting yet the band makes music together. It’s like 4 amazing punk bands in one. There might just be hope for us punks. We may not be quite dead yet

[@crazyfool4325]

This feels more 90s than the 90s.

[@demonhoopa]

Right! Feels like the GOOD part of the 90s

[@maddymud]

@@demonhoopa - feels like Wet Leg and this band bringing it back

[@demonhoopa]

@@maddymud Right? Also Maneskin from Italy. They are, as I understand it, the first rock band to win Eurovision. To say they’re blowing up is an understatement

[@angelicupstart23]

@@maddymud the chats in Australia too.

[@demonhoopa]

@Bare Knuckle Depends on which 90s you’re talking about

[@aquadee91]

I am 31 and this still resonates with me. Makes me remember how hard it was to feel ok with me “back in the day”. Their lyrics really unlock memories!

[@marshalllancaster2314]

There’s a certain power pop vibe here that rocks.

[@Tipperary757]

Love, love, love.

[@NoahFroio]

Eloise is a child of an age that she couldn't remember.... Her vocals are A-MAY-ZING - No wonder Exene and Kathleen respect you all sooooooooooo much!!

[@michaelvincentgaddi8743]

I'm sure Kim Shattuck of The Muffs would've also loved them, especially Eloise's take on "Big Mouth."

[@0stre]

Absolutely love The Linda Lindas🤘

[@exunderscorejai]

I think the future of music will be fine

[@kakacis6784]

this is just too good to be true.. you have made me 70 times happier than I was today.. thanks so much.. please never ever stop.. 😁🌞

[@colokor]

Excellent...keep writing and playing your own songs! You Linda's have it!

[@petewebber5470]

Love them! Huge future ahead 🎤🎸🥁🔥

[@music_by_carlos]

I AM OBSESSED

[@chrisheiner6584]

Insanely adorable, which is secondary to how great they are.

[@angelicupstart23]

Such a throwback to the 90’s power pop/punk scene. Glad to see the kids keeping this kind of music alive. It’s in good hands

[@NathanBass]

I've been listening to these girls since they went viral a year ago; I just had to stop and drop a comment. It's insanely refreshing to hear a modern punk band that's not stuck in a single sub-genre. I had been convinced for awhile now that punk was dead (more specifically it got brutally murdered in the late 90s and early 2000s); these girls are the future of punk, and I whole heartedly support it.

[@itsnotthatserious9102]

I’m not even to this genre of music buts it’s so dope to see younger musicians with talent rise up and make it onto a platform like this 👏

[@anthonyllamas169]

I rock my linda lindas t shirt all the time..and yes i can name 3 songs..

[@mr-tj7cx]

Punk Rock means freedom!!

[@stevo43068]

Been waiting for this! Diggin' the energy! Everybody sings! Love.

[@Bramz26.]

I love when you see them playing your like oh wow those are some pros then when they talk you can see them as children giving a PowerPoint haha love it. They are killing it

[@adonisjesien]

the drummer is so cute, omg she playing drums while sing!

[@johnnyc.3261]

Clever name, good vibes, fun lyrics and a good comprehension of song writing. Just all around good, thx.

[@LifeInMontana]

Most Awesome! Rock on you precious young minds. From a 60 year old rockin ron. You kept me glued to the screen. God bless NPR for the musicians you spotlight! Rock on.

[@LifeInMontana]

Montana should be on your next tour. We need some Linda Linda's music to pierce this clean air up in here. Peace and music. 🤘🥸

[@wandajames143]

Absolutely perfect for npr types

[@daffnifarmer8495]

She totally wanted to pull the whole "who's on first" with the "Why" intro... friggin ' priceless... Love this band!

[@Apo023]

So casual and natural, very melodic and energetic if needed, the text has a point 👏👏 My new favorite band, keep it on!