In response to the devastating wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles, the Recording Academy, alongside MusiCares, has committed $1 million to aid musicians and industry professionals who have been severely impacted. This funding aims to offer both immediate relief and ongoing support to those affected by the calamity.
The fires have ravaged over 38,000 acres and led to the destruction of more than 12,300 structures, with the death toll reaching 11 as of Saturday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Officials anticipate that these numbers may rise as the fires persist largely uncontained, adding to the challenges faced by firefighters tackling the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles.
The ongoing disaster has displaced tens of thousands of residents and obliterated essential infrastructure critical to the music industry, including venues, recording studios, and equipment repositories. In light of these events, the Recording Academy and MusiCares have swiftly stepped in to provide much-needed support.
The Recording Academy’s CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., voiced profound concern for those in the music industry affected by the fires. He emphasized the importance of the music community coming together to support one another during this crisis, highlighting the role of music as a positive force worldwide and encouraging the broader industry to contribute to the relief efforts.
MusiCares has a history of organizing disaster relief initiatives, having previously provided assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hawaii wildfires in 2023. Aid is available not only to musicians but also to producers, event crew members, agents, and others within the music industry’s network.
A joint donation page has been established by the Recording Academy and MusiCares to bolster support for those in dire need. Additionally, the Red Cross is providing emergency shelter locations, while transportation services like Uber and Lyft are offering vouchers for evacuees. For further details on how to contribute or receive assistance, individuals are encouraged to visit the MusiCares website.