Minneapolis has long been more than just a geographic location. Internationally, the city has come to symbolize protest, police violence, and political tension – but also solidarity and mutual aid. Amid this complex situation, musicians and cultural workers are trying to find their place between art, activism, and very tangible support for their communities. We spoke with Tommy Ratz of Minneapolis-based electro-punk band Toilet Rats about the current situation on the ground, about solidarity beyond symbolic gestures, the role of art in times of crisis, and what it means to make music when even everyday life feels unsafe.

Crazewire: Minneapolis has become a symbol of protest, trauma, but also solidarity over the past weeks. How is the city’s subculture or art scene dealing with the current situation?

Tommy: The city as a whole – and we should also include St. Paul as the cities are connected – and much of MN has joined together to denounce inhumane treatment and constitutional violations against our friends and neighbors. The art scene is making graphics, contect, songs, etc and things that are aesthetically striking tend to get noticed first. But you know who is really doing a lot of heavy lifting? Moms. Everyday I see them guarding the school by my house in high-vis vests.

Photo: Dena Denny

Crazewire: Political tension feels omnipresent in the U.S. right now. As a musician, do you feel increased pressure to take a political stance – or to deliberately avoid one? Especially now, many artists seem to be clearly positioning themselves against Trump and ICE.

Tommy: Sometimes I am not sure if I’m able to articulate the trouble happening in the world, and in this particular instance, my neighborhood. Most of my songs are about ghouls and monsters. At the same time, there are some very real ghouls and monsters seizing power and harming others. Anyway, this kind of feels like an „all hands on deck“ situation. That will look different for different people. My role right now is providing assistance with scarcity in the areas of food, rent, and legal representation.

Crazewire: Together with artist Evil J and Matt from Steadfast Records, you designed a charity T-shirt whose proceeds support people and businesses in Minneapolis. What is the core idea behind this campaign?

Tommy: I’ll probably use the funds to help a couple of restaurants who have been shuttered for the past month. I’d hate to see them close permanently. They are vital members of our community and provide employment to people who live here. Depending how much is raised, I can look around and see where else we can assist. The needs are many.

Crazewire: The T-shirt pre-order directly supports people and places in your local scene. Why does this kind of solidarity matter so much right now – emotionally as well?

Tommy: You gotta show up for people when they’re down. Many have done the same for me throughout life.

Crazewire: In Germany, the U.S. is often perceived through headlines about politics, violence, or culture wars. What does everyday life for musicians in Minneapolis actually feel like beyond the news coverage?

Tommy: It’s been challenging. We want to get together and play shows, see our friends, and celebrate. But how do you do that when running basic errands feels dangerous. People get yanked off the sidewalk and pulled out of cars for driving while not being white. And there are a lot of concert goers and musicians, including very close friends, who fit this description. How can we have events that jeopardize their safety? My friends who aren’t white take their passport with them when leaving the house for anything. It’s absurd.

Crazewire: Bars, clubs, and small venues are often essential to musicians’ survival – not just in the U.S. What does it really mean when these places struggle or are forced to close?

Tommy: Life is full of horrors and it’s extremely important to come together and have other people, i.e. community, to let off some steam, dance, yell, converse, make new friends, and all of that. So, we lose places for this to occur when these places shutter. These places also make it possible for performing artists to gig and tour. They also employ sound engineers, baristas, bartenders, security, and custodians. So, those people also lose their income.

Crazewire: I know this isn’t really the time to focus on personal musical projects. Still, can you give us a brief outlook on your plans with Toilet Rats for 2026?

Tommy: We just dropped a new song on a benefit comp. Please pick up a copy of the digital comp at the link provided:

ASYLUM BENEFIT / BANDCAMP

We also have a bunch of new material recorded and plan on releasing an album in 2026. But yeah, things are weird so we are kinda taking things a little bit at a time.

Crazewire: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us during these difficult times. Take care of yourself.