In a heartwarming display of solidarity and support, several iconic figures in the music industry have banded together to produce Los Angeles Rising, a new benefit album aimed at raising funds for musicians affected by recent wildfires in the Los Angeles region.
Participating artists include Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, PJ Harvey, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, DEVO, Primal Scream, among others. This collaborative effort showcases the musicians’ dedication to giving back to their community and helping their peers in need.
Origins of the Musician Relief Effort
Luke Haskins and Richard Launay, longtime residents of Los Angeles, personally experienced the harrowing effects of the wildfires. Both were forced to evacuate their homes and recording studios, considered a lucky escape as several homes and studios in the area were destroyed.
“As the wildfires were raging and destroying thousands of homes around Los Angeles, both my neighborhood and Nick’s were instructed to evacuate. But we were the lucky ones,” Haskins commented in a press statement. The fire that threatened their homes and studios was extinguished by firefighters just minutes away. However, countless musicians and friends lost everything in the disaster.
Launay reflected on the emotional impact of the tragedy. “This harrowing experience and witnessing the monumental destruction of entire communities inspired Nick and I to team up to create a compilation album to raise money for the less fortunate. We reached out to our musician friends for unreleased recorded gems and the response was incredible! PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker, Primal Scream, Gary Numan, and Devo are just some of the artists that rushed in to help.”
Response from the Music Community
Both Haskins and Launay expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the music community. “Nick and I were lucky. We had to evacuate, but our homes and studios survived,” Haskins said in a statement. “So many musicians we know lost everything.” The two approached their network of artists, asking if they had unreleased tracks that could help raise money. Launay elaborated, “These musicians didn’t hesitate to contribute to something that could directly help their peers.”
Additional Relief Efforts in the Industry
The initiative is part of a larger effort by the music industry to support wildfire relief efforts. Bandcamp recently announced that all proceeds from purchases made on February 7 would be donated to MusiCares, a charity that provides financial assistance to professionals in the music industry. Furthermore, a separate benefit album featuring contributions from R.E.M., Death Cab for Cutie, The Postal Service, and other artists is also in development.
Availability and Future Plans
Los Angeles Rising is now available for purchase on Bandcamp. Vinyl pressings and limited-edition merchandise will be released later this month. This project serves as a powerful reminder of the music industry’s ability to rally and make a tangible impact in times of crisis.
As wildfires continue to affect communities across California, the support and generosity demonstrated by these musicians and their fans provide a ray of hope and resilience in the face of devastation.
We encourage you to support these artists and their cause by purchasing the album and spreading the word about the important work being done to help those affected by the wildfires. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of many musicians and their families.
Comment below to share your thoughts on this inspiring collaboration and let us know how you plan to support the Los Angeles Rising initiative. Follow us on social media to stay updated on more stories like this and other industry news.