Kathleen Hanna and Ad-Rock cover Justin Bieber for ICE OUT

When art stops being decoration and starts being dynamite, change begins. This is the mission behind Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE OUT, a powerful compilation that transforms music, comedy, and spoken word into a collective act of resistance against inhumane immigration enforcement.

Curated by Dali Colorado, founder of Build Art Make Change (BAMC), the project gathers more than thirty artists to create something far bigger than just a collection of protest songs. It is a cultural infrastructure designed not only to amplify immigrant voices and support frontline organizations but also to mobilize creatives into action.

The soundscape of this resistance is wonderfully eclectic, featuring heavyweights like Ozomatli, the legendary Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill, Beastoe Boys’ Ad-Rock, Tom Morello, Fred Armisen, Fishbone, and Jello Biafra. These voices unite to address critical issues, weaving a tapestry of anger, grief, resilience, hope, and ultimate action.

One highlight that perfectly captures the project’s spirit is the unexpected cover of DJ Snake and Justin Bieber’s “Let Me Love You.” This track is a stunning collaboration featuring Kathleen Hanna and Ad-Rock, alongside Money Mark, Fredo Ortiz, and Frank Figueroa, with production handled by longtime Beastie Boys collaborator Mario Caldato Jr. For Hanna, this project provided a unique opportunity to fuse musical expression with grassroots organizing, passionately fighting “fascism and white supremacy” through art.

Artistic director Lalo Alcaraz describes the project as utilizing free expression to remind people what is at stake, demonstrating how culture itself can be a potent form of resistance. By using humor and creativity, Contra-ICE reminds us that the story of immigration demands more than just policy—it requires cultural infrastructure.

The impact of this work extends beyond the album itself. Proceeds from the compilation are directly channeled to support crucial frontline organizations, including the National Day Laborer Organizing Network and Unión del Barrio, groups dedicated to defending labor rights and protecting community-built wealth. This ensures that artistic expression fuels real-world defense.

Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE OUT will be available digitally and on CD, with a limited vinyl edition featuring selected tracks and a premium package signed by Alcaraz and other featured artists. BAMC is marking the release with a special event on October 3 at La Cita in Los Angeles, where artists and DJs will perform.

The track list for this powerful collection includes tracks such as “I Refuse” by filer coleman, “Redline” by Ozomatli, “Secret Police” by Fishbone, and the standout collaborative anthem, “Let Me Love You,” which ties together the political fight with raw musical energy.

This is more than an album; it is a movement—a sonic manifesto proving that creativity is perhaps the most powerful tool we have for demanding justice and building a better future.