LA’s Music Community Unites for California Wildfire Relief

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have deeply impacted the city, especially those in the music industry. With about 200,000 people affected by evacuation orders, many musicians and industry professionals have sadly lost their homes, workspaces, and places of connection. Iconic studios where popular tracks were recorded are no longer, artists are being displaced, and the city is facing an unexpected and heartbreaking loss.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. noted the impact the destruction was having on the local community, adding, “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 not rally to this cause.”

For those living in LA and enduring the aftermath of this tragedy, know that the music community and local organizations are coming together to provide support. The resilience of the community is a reminder that, even in tough times, the collective movement to heal can be stronger than any challenge you may be faced with.

Below are a few music-focused organizations offering assistance to those in need: 

Recording Academy’s MusicCares  

MusiCares, a nonprofit organization, is offering immediate financial assistance of $1,500 and $500 in food vouchers if impacted by the wildfires. “MusiCares can help with short term emergency needs for those currently displaced, and then longer-term services as we get a handle on the full extent of how music people are impacted,” said MusiCares Executive Director Laura Segura. For more information, email musicaresrelief@musicares.org or call 1-800-687-4227.

We Are Moving The Needle 

We Are Moving The Needle is a nonprofit organization focused on empowering women and non-binary professionals in the recording and audio industries. Founded by Grammy-winning mastering engineer Emily Lazar, the organization provides education, equipment, and mentorship to help women succeed in the male-dominated field of music production. Through initiatives like the MicroGrants Fund for Wildfire Relief, the organization is offering financial support for creators affected by the Greater Los Angeles Wildfires. With grants ranging from $100 to $1000, these funds assist those whose careers have been disrupted by the loss of studio equipment or infrastructure.

The Guitar Center

Guitar Center is offering one-time grants to replace instruments and gear lost in the fires. Musicians and music programs in the LA area can apply for up to $1,500 worth of replacements through February 28, 2025. Proof of loss or address may be required, according to the Guitar Center Foundation.