Music Industry Rallies to Support Those Impacted by Los Angeles Wildfires

In the wake of the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles, the music community has mobilized to provide much-needed relief for those affected. As of January 11, 2025, at least 13 lives have been lost, and over 13,400 structures have been damaged or destroyed. The fires, including the Palisades and Eaton blazes, have left thousands displaced, creating an urgent need for support.

The Recording Academy and its charitable arm, MusiCares, have pledged $1 million to assist music professionals impacted by the disaster. Their Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort is designed to offer both immediate and long-term aid to individuals and families within the music industry. The initiative also seeks donations to supplement the initial pledge, providing further assistance to those in need.

"The entire Grammy family is shocked and deeply saddened by the situation unfolding in Los Angeles," said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares. "The music community is being so severely impacted, but we will come together as an industry to support one another. Our organizations exist to serve music people because music is a powerful force for good in the world, and we hope the broader industry will now rally to this cause."

MusiCares, which has supported the music industry for more than three decades, has a history of responding to crises. From the COVID-19 pandemic to previous California wildfires, the organization has been a lifeline for music professionals. This latest initiative underscores their commitment to offering vital aid during challenging times.

Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares, highlighted the extensive need for support. "We expect the disaster relief efforts in Los Angeles to be extraordinary, if even just on the basis of how many music people have lost their homes in the last day. MusiCares is always committed to ensuring that music professionals are supported in times of crisis, and we ask for the larger community to donate for those in need at this dire time."

Beyond the efforts of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, other organizations and individuals have stepped up to provide assistance. Musicians and industry workers affected by the fires can access resources through 211LA, which offers updated information on evacuations, road closures, and emergency shelters. Additionally, ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft are providing free or discounted rides to evacuation sites, while the Red Cross is operating emergency shelters throughout Los Angeles County.

For artists specifically, the LA Art World Fire Relief fund, along with other mutual aid programs, is working to support those who have lost homes, studios, or essential tools for their craft. These initiatives are accepting donations and offering temporary housing, clothing, and legal aid to those in need.

Efforts are also being made to aid individual artists directly. Fundraisers have been launched for musicians such as Diiv’s Zachary Cole Smith and indie rapper Fat Tony, who are among many to have lost their homes. Resources like the Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant and the CERF+ Craft Emergency Relief Fund are providing financial assistance to those within the creative community who have faced catastrophic losses.

MusiCares’ Fire Relief Effort offers immediate financial aid for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. Music professionals can apply for assistance via their website or contact MusiCares directly at 1-800-687-4227 or by emailing musicaresrelief@musicares.org.

In this time of unprecedented challenges, the resilience and solidarity of the music community serve as a beacon of hope. “Music is a powerful force for good in the world,” said Mason, urging the industry and broader community to come together to support those affected by this crisis.

Individuals who wish to contribute to the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort can make donations through the MusiCares website. Every contribution counts in helping to rebuild the lives and livelihoods of those impacted by the fires.

Resources for Those Affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires:

General Resources:

• MusiCares Fire Relief Effort: Immediate financial aid for music professionals. Contact via 1-800-687-4227 or email musicaresrelief@musicares.org.

• 211LA: Offers updated information on evacuations, road closures, and emergency shelters. Visit the 211LA website.

• Red Cross Emergency Shelters: Find shelters by visiting the Red Cross website.

• Uber: Use code WILDFIRE25 for $40 credits to evacuation sites.

• Lyft: Use code CAFIRERELIEF25 for $25 vouchers (valid for two trips).

  
  

Artist-Specific Aid:

• LA Art World Fire Relief Fund: Mutual aid for artists who’ve lost homes or studios.

• Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant: Financial support for painters, sculptors, and printmakers.

• CERF+ Craft Emergency Relief Fund: $3,000 grants for craft artists facing disruption.

• Rauschenberg Emergency Medical Grants: Aid for artists with unexpected medical or mental health needs.

• Artist Material Exchange: Crowdsourced resources for art materials.

  
  

Donation Centers:

• Superchief Gallery LA: Accepting supplies for fire victims, including art materials.

• Thinkspace Projects: Collecting supplies for Red Cross distribution and providing N95 masks.

  
  

How to Donate:

• Contribute to the MusiCares Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort through their website.

• Support individual artists via fundraisers such as those for Zachary Cole Smith and Fat Tony.