Ep 14- Shut Up and Sing? Minnesota Musician Confronts Immigration Crackdown

From Prince to The Replacements, Minneapolis music has always reflected the moment. The moment now is urgent, as immigrant communities live in fear amid a sweeping federal crackdown that has led to massive deportations and the killings of two innocent people. One musician stepping into the moment is Tony Ortiz, best known for a one-hit wonder in the 80’s. His new song, “Americans,” calls for unity and acceptance of diversity. Yet despite being a U.S. citizen, Ortiz now carries his passport, just in case he’s stopped by immigration agents.

“I never voted until I was 35, 40 years old because I didn’t care. But now I care. I care where we’re at right now, and so does a lot of people that I know care. ”
— Tony Ortiz, Minnesota Musician

LISTEN TO TONY’S NEWLY RELEASED SONG, “AMERICANS.”

OUR INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Tony Ortiz's Musical Setup and Background

  • Ted comments on the abundance of musical instruments in Tony's living room, including a full drum set, electric guitars, and an acoustic guitar.

  • Tony acknowledges the perception of his band, the Monroes, as a one-hit wonder, mentioning their song "What Do All the People Know" from 1982.

Tony Ortiz's New Music and Collaborations

  • Tony discusses his current work, including writing new songs and collaborating with longtime friend Steve Shepherd on a single called "Americans."

  • Ted shifts the conversation to the current state of Minneapolis with the government’s immigration crackdown

Tony Ortiz on Minnesota's Cultural Diversity and Unity

  • Tony reflects on the growth of the Hispanic culture in Minnesota since his arrival from California.

  • He describes the song "Americans" as a call for unity and a reminder of the principles of democracy.

  • The song addresses the challenges faced by the country, including the events of January 6th and ongoing racial tensions.

  • Tony emphasizes the need for Americans to come together as one, regardless of their background.

Personal Concerns and Political Involvement

  • Tony shares his personal experience of carrying a passport due to concerns about his legal name and ethnicity.

  • He mentions his five grown children and their worries about his safety.

  • He reflects on his past indifference to politics and his newfound commitment to making a difference.

Tony Ortiz's Musical Legacy and Message

  • Tony expresses his hope that the song "Americans" will inspire people to share the message of unity and diversity.

  • He emphasizes the need for a collective effort to make America a better place, free from exclusion and discrimination.

Tony Ortiz's Upbringing and Diversity

  • Tony recounts his upbringing in a diverse neighborhood in California, where he was surrounded by people of different ethnicities.

  • He highlights the importance of diversity and how it shaped his perspective on life.

Encouraging Political Engagement

  • Tony discusses the importance of getting people involved in politics and making a difference.

  • He believes that people will become more engaged when they realize that the issues affect them personally.

  • Tony calls for a united front, regardless of political affiliations, to address the challenges facing the country.

  • He emphasizes the need for diversity and inclusion in making America a better place.