Los Angeles’s vibrant and diverse communities have been challenged with one of the most soul-crushing climate disasters in recent history. Large wildfires have raged across various neighborhoods, flattening some to the ground and leaving hundreds to thousands with only what they could carry. In the face of tragedy, residents of L.A., SoCal, and several music industry figures have come together to uplift their communities and offer a helping hand.
Andrew Terry – Photographer
Andrew Terry is a respected photographer in the entertainment space, collaborating with The Voice, Fantasy Factory, Shaquille O’Neal, and Post Malone, to name a handful. He has documented the efforts of the noble firefighters and first responders amidst the hellish destruction, serving as a reminder of the perilous, sleepless nights that have gone into preserving Los Angeles.
Paris Hilton
Multi-hyphenate Paris Hilton initiated an emergency relief fund through her media company’s non-profit, 11:11 Media Impact. Her campaign has already raised $200,000, thanks to her contribution of $100,000, and a matching contribution by philanthropist Amy Marks Dornbusch. The funds are to be directly distributed to displaced families with young children, “focused on ensuring…safe, short-term housing and vital resources including cash assistance and essential supplies.” Hilton volunteered to deliver supplies to the evacuation centers and encouraged others to do the same.
Impacted families can e-mail 11:11 Media at impact@1111media.co for specific information and assistance.
Ice Nine Kills
Theatric metal-punk fusion band Ice Nine Kills launched a benefit T-shirt fundraiser for The California Fire Foundation Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund. The garment honors the firefighters through the band’s unique horror-based style, providing an exclusive and charitable opportunity for fans. 100% of the $100,000+ raised was donated, making a significant impact. Band frontman Spencer Charnas was personally affected by the wildfires, stating “Most of us live in California, and like many people here, we felt powerless as we watched the devastation unfold… We are proud to stand alongside other musicians, creatives, and workers in our industry…”
The Weeknd
Iconic entertainer The Weeknd or Abel Tesfaye shared his support for L.A. by donating a total of $1 million to the LA Regional Food Bank, the LAFD Foundation, and GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund, in partnership with his XO Humanitarian Fund and World Food Program USA. Given the gravity of the situation, he also decided to cancel his album release concert which was to be held at the Pasadena Rose Bowl on January 25th.
Rubblebucket
Psychedelic pop duo Rubblebucket released a cover of Moldy Peaches’s “Anyone But You,” following last year’s full-length album release, Year of the Banana. To support L.A., the band will donate 100% of Bandcamp revenue from these releases to the Altadena Girls Fire Recovery, a grassroots organization started by 8th-grade student Avery Colvert.
Purchase “Anyone But You” for $1 here.
For more about Rubblebucket and their upcoming tour, visit their website: http://www.rubblebucket.com/
Son Lux
Since their genius 2023 soundtrack for Everything Everywhere All At Once, composer band Son Lux finally returned with a passionate and experimental EP, Risk Of Make Believe. Shortly following this release, the trio announced that all streaming and digital sales would be donated to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, a non-profit focused on providing financial assistance to industry workers struggling with physical, mental, disability, or age-related issues. Band member Ryan Lott provided insight into this decision:
As someone proud to call this city home, it’s been devastating watching this happen in my own backyard, and while my family and home have been spared any damage, it’s not lost on me that the collective trauma of loss will be deeply felt among our creative community for some time.
Space Yacht & Dim Mak
On January 21st, music media company Space Yacht and record label Dim Mak teamed up for “City of Angels,” a seven-hour fundraising event at Sound Nightclub. Featuring surprise guests and exciting B2B DJ sets, 100% of ticket revenue was donated to Habitat for Humanity of Greater LA, who provide essential resources for rebuilding homes and supporting displaced families.
BMAC (Black Music Action Coalition)
On January 29th, the BMAC will join forces with Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, ASCAP, and the Wasserman Foundation to host a “ReStore & ReBuild LA” fundraiser event. Total funds raised will support the BMAC LA Fire Relief Fund, directly empowering residents and small businesses to survive and rebuild. At this event, the coalition also plans to award its third round of Music Maker Grants which provide financial boosts to emerging Black artists from across the country.
Fire Aid LA Benefit Concert
Fire Aid LA will host a benefit concert at the Intuit Dome on January 30th, with proceeds funding various fire safety initiatives, displaced groups, and community rebuilding. In solidarity with thousands, the renowned Annenberg Foundation will help direct the collected funds for significant impact. The star-studded lineup spans a wide variety of genres, age groups, and subcultures, sure to attract a large turnout.
For more about the nonprofit and concert tickets, visit their website: https://fireaidla.org/
The figures mentioned above are only a few music industry professionals affected by the wildfires and/or launched fundraising initiatives. Here is an extensive spreadsheet of affected individuals who require help: Support The Music Community – Fire Loss + Resources
Time and time again, trust in one’s community proves to be crucial in today’s world. Working together to protect and uplift Los Angeles in turn protects and uplifts a large and important part of the music industry. Discover even more ways to help below:
Additional Resources, Donation Links, and Events
The Guitar Center Music Foundation
She Is The Music Compilation of Charities & Resources
MusiCares Relief for Music Professionals
Flavor Flav’s GoFundMe – “Providing Relief for Black Families Impacted by LA Wildfires”
Doja Cat Exclusive Merch Collection with American Red Cross
EVENT: Dublab & In Sheep’s Clothing – L.A. Fire Relief Fundraiser Record Sale (February 2nd)
EVENT: Rüfüs Du Sol Benefit Concert at the Hollywood Palladium (March 6th)