Los Angeles Fire Relief Resources For The Music Biz

In response to the ongoing devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, nonprofit organizations and everyday people alike are stepping up to help those in need – including those who work in the music industry.
The fires have destroyed more than 15,000 homes, businesses and other structures, while more than 100,000 people were forced to evacuate. With Los Angeles being the epicenter of entertainment, the catastrophe has affected countless people in live from musicians to agents to publicists. See below for resources available to music professionals who have been affected by the fires, with more information at Pollstar.com.
The Recording Academy and nonprofit MusiCares announced Jan. 10 that the organizations have pledged $1 million to support music professionals impacted by the wildfires with the launch of the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort. The announcement explains that the effort will provide immediate relief as well as long-term support to those in the music industry facing displacement and loss because of the disaster. For help, click here.
Live Nation and Crew Nation Global Relief Fund are doing their part to help those impacted by the disaster. The Crew Nation Global Relief Fund, which was established by Live Nation in 2020 and is dedicated to helping the music community experiencing unforeseen hardships, is committing $1 million to assist performing musicians, live music crew and live music industry workers affected by the wildfires.
Crew Nation opened applications for grants up to $5,000 for individuals currently employed within the industry facing displacement expenses as a result of mandatory evacuation orders, damage or loss. Those seeking help can click here.
The major entertainment company is also a partner in producing and promoting the FireAid benefit concert on Jan. 30 at Intuit Dome and Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Green Day, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Lil Baby and P!NK are among those performing at the one-night-only event, and all proceeds from the benefit concert will go toward rebuilding infrastructure and supporting displaced communities devastated by the wildfires.People can donate to Crew Nation to support artists and crews impacted by the L.A. fires by visiting www.livenationentertainment.com/crewnation/
The nonprofit Entertainment Community Fund – which provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals – is taking applications for emergency financial assistance. A post on Facebook from the Fund says, “If you’re a part of the entertainment industry and have been impacted by the California Fires, the Fund is here to help through support, connection to resources and emergency financial assistance. Call us at 323.933.9244 or visit here for more information.”
Backline – a nonprofit that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources – is encouraging those affected by the fires to reach out to the organization via its case submission form “and a case manager will contact you to help you get the long term support you need.” A post on Facebook says “Our hearts are with the Los Angeles community and all those affected by the devastating wildfires. 💙 Know that Backline is here for you and that you are not alone. … If you need immediate assistance, please reach out to the Disaster Distress Hotline for free 24/7 support by calling 1-(800)-985-5990.” Click here for more information.
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund – which was founded to provide financial assistance to “career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing physical or mental health issues, disability, or age-related problems” – also announced fire relief for those residing in Los Angeles county and the surrounding areas.
A post on Sweet Relief’s website notes that the organization “is here to provide immediate financial assistance to music industry professionals impacted by natural disasters. Applications will be taken during a short stretch of time surrounding the disaster, but donations are always welcome.”
The nonprofit also shared a frequently updated resource list by MALAN (Mutual Aid LA Network) that includes information about assistance including free prepared meals by World Central Kitchen, animal boarding, shelter, free meals and other sources. That Google Doc is available here.
Another Google Doc has been created to help support the music community with a list of resources and a collection of GoFundMe pages to donate to those in the industry in need including artists, agents, tour managers, record executives, publicists and others. That doc can be found here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jyJ-NM2qP-iRk1LJ8l3dc7e0M3IhHlo3E7Agvo9JOAQ/htmlview?#
Check out this Google Doc for a list of volunteer opportunities: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eaSXTYlLY_spJ-_w43ac55qu6X4YtgApgRGfads3cM4/htmlview?urp=gmail_link
And see the link below for a Google Doc listing brands providing products to families impacted by the LA fires.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1L0dQpfj3c86mXRjADRrLshUCZrFzA3vcM_TfYxITjmc/edit?gid=0#gid=0
GoFundMe has dedicated a page to verified fundraisers for people affected by the recent Palisades Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, and Woodley fires in Los Angeles County. Visit https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california for more information. You can also start a GoFundMe for fire relief via that page.
The Newport Festivals Foundation – which was launched by the organizers of Newport Folk and Newport Jazz – is encouraging Festival Family musicians, crew members or industry partners who have been impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires to apply for the Foundation’s Musician Relief Fund here.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers help for artists and folks who are self-employed. A post on FEMA’s website notes, “If you are self-employed, FEMA may be able to provide funds to repair or replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment required for your job. This help is available to a wide variety of applicants, including farmers, artists, musicians, mechanics and many other occupations.” For more information, click here.
The LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, led by Getty, is providing emergency relief for artists and arts workers across all disciplines who have lost residencies, studios, archives, artworks or otherwise been impacted by the fires. You can donate in support of the fund online at click here or email Emily Cregg, Senior Development Officer, at ecregg@getty.edu for major gifts.
The California Jazz Foundation offers $1,000 grants to help musicians cover expenses such as evacuation costs, replacement of lost instruments and loss of gigs. Those eligible can email help@californiajazzfoundation.org with your name, email address, phone, former/current address, zip code of your affected area, instrument and specific request. Validation that those submitting requests are California jazz musicians will be required. More information can be found here.
The National Independent Venues Foundation (NIVF) is accepting applications for the organization’s Emergency Relief Fund to support independent venues, festivals and promoters impacted by recent wildfires. In an email seeking applications from affected venues, NIVF stated: “We know that recovery isn’t easy, and we are committed to ensuring these cultural spaces have the support they need to get back on their feet.” NIVF is also making an appeal to the industry for donations to funnel into recovery efforts. Visit https://www.nivf.org/ for more information.
Warner Music Group and the Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund announced a $1 million pledge for relief, donating to efforts including MusiCares, the California Community Foundation, LAFD Foundation and Project Hope.
Discogs is donating sales revenue from Jan. 17 directly to MusiCares.
The Guitar Center Music Foundation and Guitar Center are helping Los Angeles-area musicians who were affected by the fires with a special one-time grant replacing instruments and gear destroyed by the fires. A post on the foundation’s website explains that rather than offering cash, the “the grant will only replace instruments and/or gear. Proof of loss or address may be required.” Requests for grants will be accepted now through Feb. 28, 2025. Visit https://guitarcenterfoundation.org/fires/ for more information.
Altadena Girls was launched by 14-year-old Avery Colvert, an eighth-grader from Altadena, California, to help restore normalcy for teenage victims of the Eaton fire by collecting donations of clothes, personal items, beauty products and hair care. Visit Altadena Girls’ instagram at https://www.instagram.com/altadenagirls/ for more information and make a donation at altadenagirls.org
Beyoncé and Fuerza Regida are among the artists helping individuals affected by the Los Angeles fires, with Beyoncé’s BeyGood Foundation donating $2.5 million to the L.A. Fire Relief Fund and Fuerza Regida renting out an entire hotel to host families who have lost their homes.
The Weeknd announced a donation of $1 million dollars to LAFD Foundation, GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund, and LA Regional Food Bank “to help aid the relief efforts and support firefighters bravely battling the flames and to help residents displaced by the disaster.” An announcement pointed out that these efforts are in partnership with World Food Program USA and The Weeknd’s XO Humanitarian Fund.
Metallica has announced that its non-profit, philanthropic organization All Within My Hands is granting $500,000 to help Los Angeles fire relief efforts, which will be carried out by the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund.
Along with FireAid, other benefit events include LA Gives Back Fire Relief, set for Jan. 29 at The Bellwether in Los Angeles. The event – which is presented by IHEARTCOMIX, Brownies & Lemonade, Another Planet Entertainment and Teragram – features Brownies & Lemonade, A Club Called Rhonda, Emo Nite, Pangea Sound, Lights Down Low, Heav3n, Electric Feels, Shrek Rave, Ninja Tune, Mad Decent and Production Club.
For Los Angeles: A Benefit For Those Impacted By The Wildfires is set for Jan. 28 at Lodge Room in Los Angeles. The event features Lord Huron, Magdalena Bay, Madi Diaz, Stephen Sanchez and Zinadelphia and more. Proceeds from the show will go directly to the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund and Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Fund.
Blink-182 has announced a Feb. 13 benefit show at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, featuring special guest Alkaline Trio. 100% of the ticket proceeds from the benefit show will be donated to the Pasadena Humane Society, California Fire Department, LAFD Foundation, and ARC Firefighter Fund.
Insomniac, the underground movement that was created in the warehouses of Los Angeles 25 years ago, is hosting a series of wildfire relief benefit shows through Jan. 31 at Insomniac’s SoCal venues. The artists involved are volunteering their time and Insomniac is giving 100 percent of the net proceeds to charities aiding in the rebuild and rehabilitation efforts for fire victims and first responders. Performers include Slander, NGHTMRE, Flosstradamus, Oliver Heldens, Svdden Death, Emo Nite, Deorro and more. Participating Insomniac California venues include Exchange LA, Academy LA, Avalon, Nova SD and Bloom SD. Additional shows and dates will be announced soon. Tickets are available now.
Editor’s Note: This story will be updated as more resources become available.
