MusiCares, the Recording Academy’s philanthropic arm, has raised over $3 million in wildfire relief funds for the Los Angeles music community, Variety reports.
$2.2 million has reportedly been distributed to those affected thus far. However, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the organization is “going to need a lot more” as the catastrophic fires continue to prompt evacuations.
28 people have died, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and officials have warned the death toll is likely to rise.
“I was lucky, but when I see people and friends of mine who have lost their studio, lost their house, lost their instruments, lost their ability to make a living, after all the strife and struggle that has happened to people in this community over the last five years, I say we have to do everything we can to be helpful,” Mason Jr. lamented. “That involves raising money, that involves raising awareness and hopefully allowing MusiCares to have the financial resources that it’s going to take to support the thousands and thousands of people that are going to need help—not just this week or next week, but for the next few years.”
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
The Recording Academy has encouraged anyone working in the music industry to contact MusiCares for financial assistance. That includes “musicians, songwriters, engineers, producers, live crew, tour bus drivers, managers, agents, A&R, makeup artists, costume designers, music video creatives and technicians.”
Those workers just need to provide proof of employment in the music industry for at least three years or documentation demonstrating six commercially released recordings. Initial disaster relief benefits include $1,500 in financial assistance and a $500 grocery card.
The fundraising effort is expected to grow substantially by virtue of upcoming events, including the annual MusiCares Person of the Year gala and FireAid benefit concert at Intuit Dome and Kia Forum on January 30th. This year’s Grammy Awards ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, February 2nd, will also incorporate wildfire relief initiatives.
You can find out more about how to apply for MusiCares assistance here.
