Dance Music Community Takes Action During Los Angeles Wildfires

Members of the dance music community in Southern California have sprung into action to help with relief efforts as devastating wildfires continue to rage in Los Angeles.

Wildfires that erupted in Los Angeles County on the morning of January 7 have roared over the past two days. The two largest fires, Palisades and Eaton, respectively spread to 17,234 and 10,600 acres after being propelled by Santa Ana winds, and both remain 0% contained today. Firefighters continue to battle those blazes and four more throughout Los Angeles, the Hurst, Sunset, Lidia, and Kenneth fires.

As of today, CalFire has reported that there have been five preliminary fatalities and that over 1,000 structures have been destroyed. Evacuation orders have been given to over 179,000 people throughout Los Angeles as the fires creep near communities, including Santa Monica, Hollywood, and elsewhere.

Many organizations have sprung into action to help those in need who have been displaced. Artists, promoters, and members of the dance music scene have also found ways to support the community in any way they can.

Direct Artist Support

• Dack Janiels delivered 40oz Cult shirts and hoodies to a Direct Relief drop-off location before needing to evacuate his home in Hollywood. Since then, he’s released a limited edition 40oz Cult shirt with 100% of profits going to Direct Relief.
• Cloonee took to social media to announce that he is launching a merchandise fundraiser tomorrow, and 100% of the profits will go to three trusted organizations (a fire department, a human charity, and an animal shelter).
• SLANDER announced the Gud Vibrations Charity Showcase that will take place on January 24.
• deadmau5 teamed up with Blackcraft Cult for a limited edition shirt to benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department.
• ALLEYCVT has created an exclusive Tree Huggers Tee with 100% of proceeds going to Pasadena Humane.
• Duke Dumont partnered with Sound Nightclub and Framework to host a charity show, with 100% of proceeds going to local fire relief efforts. DICE is also donating all ticketing fees for this show.
• Kaysin is hosting a show at Sound Nightclub on January 23, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the California Fire Foundation and MusiCares.

Action Taken by LA-Based Promoters and Brands

• Insomniac responded to the ongoing fires by sharing support resources while shutting down all their clubs in Los Angeles this weekend and postponing the ticket sale for Beyond Wonderland SoCal, which was set to kick off on Friday. They’ve also announced a string of charity shows that will take place at their clubs throughout January.
• Brands—including Brownies & Lemonade, IHeartRaves, Vibee, Create Music Group, XXXDCD, and more—have all posted various phone numbers and websites from non-profits or other organizations assisting those impacted by the fires.
• Space Yacht has postponed its January 11 show to January 25 and will have a donation booth for the California Fire Foundation at the show to help aid those affected.
• Sound Nightclub plans to remain open as scheduled but offers a no-questions-asked refund for all events scheduled throughout January to help ease any additional stress or pressure on those who purchased tickets.
• Emo Nite will donate a portion of ticket sales to support local relief funds that provide essential aid and resources to those impacted.
• A GoFundMe has also been started for Darcy Michero, the Director of Events and Fundraising Programs at End Overdose, whose family lost their home in the Eaton Fire.
• Local underground promoters—such as 6AM Group and Synthetik Minds, and Respect, among others—have canceled or postponed their shows this weekend to help free up resources for LAFD and LAPD.
• The LA Raver and Rave Haven have teamed up to collect donations for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighters Fund, which provides essential support to firefighters and their families during times of crisis.
• DIM MAK has released a limited edition t-shirt with 100% of profits going to the Neighbors & Friends charity.

Support from elsewhere in Southern California

• San Diego bar and venue Firehouse will donate a portion of all proceeds this weekend to the LA Fire Department.
• Underground promoters Duck Duck Roar and Afternoon Umbrella Friends have teamed up to collect donations of essential items throughout San Diego that will be driven up to Los Angeles.
• SD-based clothing brand Neo4ic is donating all profit from the first five days of sales of their upcoming shirt drop to the LA Fire Department.
• Spin Nightclub has announced that For Those Who Need House, AMA Sounds, and The Usual Suspects will be hosting a charity show at the venue on January 24. Proceeds from this event will be donated to the LA Wildfire Recovery Fund, American Red Cross, and LAFD.

Help those who need support by donating to the following organizations:

• LAFD Foundation – This foundation supports the Los Angeles Fire Department by providing vital equipment and funds to help save lives and protect communities. They are on the front lines battling these blazes and putting their lives on the line.
• SLAC Foundation – The South LA Community Foundation is an affiliate of the South LA Cafe, and they aim to empower local communities. They activated their Western Location today to help give those in need free groceries, water, and masks. Additionally, they have opened two of their locations on Jefferson St. and MLK Jr Blvd. as safe spaces.
• Direct Relief – Direct Relief is a California-based organization focused on disaster relief and medical assistance. They work with California and have helped people with chronic illnesses and more during wildfires. 100% of donations to Direct Relief’s wildfire response fund directly support efforts to assist individuals impacted by fires in Palisades, Altadena, and across California, providing critical aid where needed most.
• LA County Food Bank – This 501(c)(3) serves Los Angeles County and provides food assistance to those in need, which is crucial after wildfires and other disasters.
• MusiCares – The official charity of the Recording Academy provides crisis relief, preventive care, recovery resources, and need-based financial assistance to people across all music professions. They are providing short-term and long-term disaster relief related to evacuation and relocation costs, instrument replacement/repair, home damage, medical care, mental health services, and other essential living needs.

EDM Identity has also compiled a list of evacuation centers, donation centers and websites, meal services, and animal shelters for reference. We will continue to update this article with more information as it surfaces.