Virginia-based Demons (project of Zach Gehring of Mae) released their new charity single “Uglier Americans” on Bandcamp in July and other digital platforms in August. All proceeds from the politically-charged track will be going to RAICES, which is the largest immigration legal services provider in Texas.
You can buy the track and donate here: https://demonsband.bandcamp.com/track/uglier-americans
About the track and the charity, frontman Zach Gehring stated:
“The separation of families at the border, and the policies that underscore recent activities targeting families from Mexico, Central, and South America, and US citizens are completely backwards and unquestionably cruel. Immigration policies and the inhumane treatment of people of all ages demands a response – any action that can help thwart or slow down what is happening. This song is was motivated by an attempt to critique the gap between immediacy and reflection – the immediacy and urgency for those threatened by these policies versus the reflective and abstract media commentary and discourse that privileged people (like us) engage in and respond to earnestly. There is no shortage of obstacles and cynicism that can undermine good intentions, but anything we can do – even the smallest act – is a positive step forward.
We chose RAICES because of its focus on education, the affordable legal assistance provided to those impacted by illegal and unjust raids, and opportunities for involvement from those interested in helping. Awareness is important, but the legal needs of those in targeted areas are urgent and we wanted to focus our efforts there.”
Founded in 1986 as the Refugee Aid Project by community activists in South Texas, RAICES has grown to be frontline organization in the roiling debate about immigration and immigrants in the world. The unique organization combines expertise developed from the daily practice of immigration law with a deep commitment to advocacy. A diverse staff of 130 attorneys, legal assistants, and support staff provide consultations, direct legal services, representation, assistance and advocacy to communities in Texas and to clients after they leave the state. In 2017, the organization’s staff closed 51,000 cases at no cost to the clients. With offices in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, their advocacy and commitment to change are driven by the clients and families they serve every day.
Last fall, Demons released their latest EP ‘Made in the USA’ via Spartan Records.
Photo Credit: Joe Justice
