advertisement
Music News

Friends and Community Members Launch Fundraisers For Musicians Affected By L.A. Wildfires

Tim Darcy of the Canadian bands Cola and Ought, Zachary Cole Smith of the L.A. band DIIV, and pop duo Brijean are some of the many Los Angeles residents who have lost homes in the fires.

Firefighters watch the flames from the Palisades Fire burning a home during a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Firefighters watch the flames from the Palisades Fire burning a home during a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Apu Gomes/Getty Images

Friends and community are rallying to support musicians facing devastating losses in the Los Angeles wildfires.

Tim Darcy, of the Canadian rock groups Cola and Ought, lost his home in the Eaton Fire. A GoFundMe has been launched to support the musician and his partner Amy Fort.


"Amy and Tim are two of the kindest, most generous, talented, special, beautiful people. Let's come together and help them recover from this devastating event. We know they would do the same for us," states the GoFundMe.

Nearly 180,000 people are under evacuation in Los Angeles as fires rage in several neighbourhoods. Many musicians are sharing fundraisers for friends, collaborators and loved ones affected.

advertisement

Pop duo Brijean lost their home and music studio in the same Eaton Fire as Darcy. A GoFundMe is raising 70K for the couple. Fundraisers have also been set up to support rapper Anthony Obi, who releases music as Fat Tony, as well as Zachary Cole Smith of rock band DIIV, who lost his music gear with his home.

Musicians' advocacy group UMAW shared resources from Mutual Aid LA Network, with information about shelter, animal boarding and where to find free items.

MusiCares (which has pledged $1 million with the Recording Academy in aid for music professionals affected) is encouraging musicians affected by the fires to get in touch at musicaresrelief@musicares.org or 1-800-687-4227 for possible access to emergency funds.

The fires have also forced cancellation and postponement of major events including the Oscar nominations announcement. Find a full list here. Head here for a list of organizations providing relief for music industry workers.

advertisement
Cowboys Fringants
Cowboys Fringants
Cowboys Fringants
Chart Beat

Les Cowboys Fringants Debut ‘Merci ben!’ on the Billboard Canada AC Airplay Chart

The track from the Quebec band enters at No. 30 over a year after its release, picking up steam on the radio airwaves. Ariane Moffatt's “Jouer” also reaches a new peak, marking the second consecutive week with two charting French songs.

French-language music makes its mark on the Canadian charts this week.

Les Cowboys Fringants have made their latest Billboard debut with their song “Merci ben!” which arrives at No. 30 on the Canada AC chart for May 10. The country-folk track finds the band thanking its fans while reminiscing on its beginnings and milestones, from playing small bars to sold-out arenas. The track’s title is Quebec jargon for “Thank you very much!”

keep readingShow less
advertisement