Girls in punk are no longer novelties, says the San Antonio four-piece
By fusing a riot grrrl ethos with steely-eyed Chicana grit, the band Fea have become American punk trailblazers. Comprised of ex-Girl in a Coma members Phanie Diaz and Jenn Alva, and musicians Letty Martinez and Sofi Lopez, the San Antonio four-piece released its sophomore album No Novelties on November 15th via Joan Jett’s Blackheart Records. A follow-up to the band’s 2016 self-titled debut, their latest bilingual collection is produced by L.A. punk legend Alice Bag.
As Fea, the band continues a legacy forged by punk women of previous generations, like Joan Jett, Alice Bag and Bikini Kill. “Aside from their talents, [Joan Jett and Alice Bag] are two amazing smart women that have inspired so many girls not just to do music but to speak your mind, do what you want to do, don’t follow norms, just be yourself. I was one that definitely needed them and their influence growing up,” says Martinez.
The group has gotten used to fans coming up to them and saying that their music makes them feel nostalgic; but their confrontational brand of punk is very much needed in the here and now. “Many of [our fans] were around when punk was starting out, and to us, that is a huge compliment because we love 1970s punk,” says Martinez. “But we have all sorts of fans, ranging from kids and teens to people in their sixties. It’s really cool to see all these people come together with our music.”