Bauhaus’ David J is turning outrage into art. On Monday, Rolling Stone can exclusively premiere the video for “Ice Too Cold to Thaw,” a post-punk outcry against ICE and its inhumane treatment of undocumented immigrants. The video, released under David J & the Resistance, follows an abandoned ice cream cart — inspired by the real-life story of a detained immigrant — as it journeys through the city of Los Angeles.
“I think this song has been gestating ever since the first brutal ICE raids began in LA,” David tells Rolling Stone. “Watching these awful scenes play out on a daily basis, it brought to mind the despicable actions of previous authoritarian regimes, and I could feel a burning rage building inside me.”
The “character” in the new video is an abandoned cart that rolls through Los Angeles and other locations, inspired by a local ice cream seller named Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano, who was detained while doing his job and sent to a detention center in Texas.
“The little ice cream cart is on the run and passing through various international locations, some of which are associated with political oppression in the past, while the Statue of Liberty tears up and eventually crumbles in dismay,” David J explains of the video, created by Mexican film student Tony D. “In the final scene, I visit the actual spot where Enrique was taken and lay down a floral tribute while contemplating the sad state of the USA.”
Joining David on the song is Ulises Bella, one of the members of Mexican American band Ozomatli, who plays baritone and alto sax on the track. Bella tells Rolling Stone that ICE’s attacks on Latinos are a way to “inject fear and terror” into the community under the guise of enforcing immigration laws.
“It’s obvious to all of us that between the blatant disregard for due process and racial profiling that this administration is more and more turning to a fascist wanna-be dictator situation,” Bella says. “Thankfully, my band Ozomatli and other amazing artists like David J know what time it is…it’s time to fight back with our music, art and presence.”
The song is being released through No Devotion Records, a Mexican-owned label, and features cover art made by activist and artist Shepard Fairey, the founder of OBEY Clothing. David J will be selling a limited-edition 7″ single on “ice blue” vinyl with a portion of the proceeds going to the USC Gould School of Law’s Immigration Clinic, which provides pro-bono help for those in immigration proceedings.
“No human being should be treated the way they are treating and profiling people, the misleading guidance from their bosses in exchange of money makes them the worst kind of humans there can ever be,” says Mario Cabada, CEO of No Devotion Records.
