Resources for Musicians and Industry Workers Impacted by the L.A. Fires

By Thania Garcia

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have impacted thousands of residents, including musicians and entertainment industry professionals. With more than 2,000 homes destroyed in the Palisades and Eaton fires, many have lost not only their homes but also studios, instruments, and vital tools of their trade. Thankfully, numerous organizations and companies are stepping up to provide support during this challenging time.

Here’s a comprehensive list of resources to help musicians and industry workers recover and rebuild.

Financial Assistance

MusiCares

• What They Offer: Up to $1,500 in financial aid, plus $500 grocery cards for immediate needs like evacuation costs, instrument repair, home damage, and medical care.
• Who’s Eligible: Anyone with 5+ years in the music industry or six commercially released projects.
• Contact:
  • Phone: 1-800-687-422
  • Email: musicaresrelief@musicares.org

Entertainment Community Fund

• Financial relief for performing arts and entertainment professionals. Applications are flexible for those lacking complete documentation.

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund

• Grants for musicians earning 50%+ of their income from the industry for at least three years. Funds can be used for lost equipment, medical bills, or living expenses.

Inevitable Foundation

• Emergency Relief Fund for disabled creatives affected by the fires, covering costs like evacuation, health impacts, and loss of employment.

Equipment and Studio Assistance

Guitar Center Foundation

• Instrument replacement assistance for musicians who lost gear.
• Learn More: guitarcenterfoundation.org/fires

We Are Moving the Needle

• Microgrants for producers and engineers to replace gear or rebuild studio spaces.

Good Boy Records

• Free studio time in Studio City.
• How to Book: Sign up via their public calendar.

Seahorse Sound Studios

• Offering storage for evacuated musicians’ gear and equipment.

Housing and Shelter

Fuerza Regida Evacuation Space

• Providing free hotel accommodations for over 50 families.
• Contact: logistics@streetmobcorp.com

Food and Essentials

Hollywood Food Coalition

• Community dinners every night starting at 6:30 p.m. in Hollywood.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank & Food Share Ventura County

• Offering food assistance across multiple locations.

Transportation Relief

Uber and Lyft Credits

• Uber: $40 credit for trips to evacuation sites using the code “WILDFIRE25.”
• Lyft: $25 vouchers (valid for two trips) with the code “CAFIRERELIEF25” through Jan. 15.

Creative Support and Grants

Dramatists Guild Foundation

• Crisis Relief Grants for composers, lyricists, and playwrights to cover rent, insurance, or medical expenses.

Final Thoughts

The L.A. fires have left an indelible mark on the creative community, but these resources aim to provide immediate and impactful relief. If you or someone you know has been affected, don’t hesitate to reach out to these organizations for assistance.

We’re all in this together, and with the right support, the music and entertainment industry can rebuild stronger than ever.

Know someone in need? Share this resource to help spread the word.

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