FIRE AID CONCERT ON JANUARY 30TH
BY SOPHIE BRADECICH
The Los Angeles wildfires have burned down 40,000 acres and claimed 27 lives. It has wreaked havoc on one of the most culturally rich and diverse places in the country. The arts, and specifically the music industry is not exempt from this devastation. Though media coverage has shown plenty of celebrities that have sadly lost their homes to the fires, but many studios in Malibu that have been the home and place of creation for many artists for decades have been lost.
With the Grammy’s coming up in early February in LA, many events have had to be canceled in preparation. Though the award ceremony itself plans to proceed, annual parties from recent years that in previous support generate excitement for the award ceremony have been canceled due to the devastation. Companies like Spotify and ASCAP have announced that the funds designated for their parties and events will be sent to MusiCares and the FIREAID concert.
The damage to these historical sites and cancellation of events is indescribably tragic, but is far from the only thing essential to the music industry the fires have destroyed. Over 170,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. Though many celebrities living in the Palisades are fortunate enough to be able to afford/ find other housing, this is significantly harder for the average people that are getting much less public attention and support. For many LA musicians this could mean enormous costs that make creating music, with additional cost barriers like producing equipment, musical instruments, and other life costs that make having a career with an inconsistent income nearly impossible in one of the most expensive cities in the country.
Through this devastation the LA community has come together. People have donated their money, clothes, and time to bring help to their neighbors that have been affected by the fires. Community spaces and venues have been used to hold the endless stream of donations, and many local restaurants offer free meals to first responders. The music community has also bound together to raise money for the fires. On January 30th there will be a benefit concert: FireAid, with performances from huge artists like Billie Eilish and Finneas, Joni Mitchell, Lady Gaga, Stevie Nicks, and a rare reunion of No Doubt.
