Album review
More than 155,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as devastating and deadly wildfires sweep through the Los Angeles area. A number of musicians who have lost their homes – including DIIV’s Zachary Cole Smith, Tim Darcy of Cola and Ought, and rapper Fat Tony – are seeking funds to stay afloat or eventually repair the damage to their property.
A friend of Zachary Cole Smith launched a GoFundMe after the frontman was forced to evacuate his home this week alongside his pregnant wife and two-year-old son. Smith also lost his car, musical equipment, and other possessions to the fire.
After the appeal passed its initial goal of $30,000, Smith shared the following message on Thursday: “The depth of kindness we have experienced today from our friends, our family, our neighbors, fellow parents, fellow [A]ltadena residents, and complete strangers has been truly unbelievable. we are just one of many, many families who have lost their homes today. some of the most profound kindness we’ve experienced today has been from other families who lost their homes as well. we are not alone, which has brought us a lot of sadness but also a strange sense of comfort and community.”
Fat Tony, who is also raising funds after his Altadena home went up in flames, wrote, “I’m not the only one suffering through this moment and feel for everyone in our city dealing with loss.” The rapper added that he does not have renter’s insurance but would donate surplus funds to Pasadena Humane Society.
A GoFundMe has also been launched for Tim Darcy, his wife, Amy Fort, and the couple’s dog, Zuzu. Their “home burned to the ground in the Eaton Fire in Altadena,” according to the fundraiser. “Thankfully they are safe, but will need to begin rebuilding their lives, replacing their possessions, and finding a new place to live.”
Mandy Moore and her husband, Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith, also lost their home. “Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family,” Moore wrote. “My children’s school is gone. Our favorite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too. Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together. Sending love to all affected and on the front lines trying to get this under control.”
In Malibu, the fires destroyed Harbor Studios, where Nicki Minaj recorded the entirety of Pink Friday 2. Studio founder Zach Brandon said that he had already begun planning the rebuild.
Kevin Morby posted an update on his Instagram story update, writing that he’s “safe and evacuated LA w Katie [Crutchfield, aka Waxahatchee]. Thanks everyone for your concerns. Be safe La.”
Katie’s sister, Allison Crutchfield, wrote: “Mike [Krol] and Mooney and I are safe. We’re not under evacuation order yet but our power is out and we’re close enough we wanted to go ahead and get out. We’re with friends just a few miles south for the time being – tbd if we’ll move further out of town. Stay safe everyone, download Watch Duty if you haven’t yet.”
Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak, Flock of Dimes) posted, “Wild week to move to LA. We are safe, evacuated. Thx for checking in.”
“Me and my partner are evacuated and safe this is devastating so many friends houses have burnt down completely i am at a loss,” Hand Habits, Meg Duffy, wrote on X.
“Had to evacuate my crib,” Kid Cudi wrote in an Instagram story. “I’m safe with my loved ones. Dogs are safe. For all the folks who lost their homes, people that are dealing with this, my heart hurts for you and I’m praying for us all and I send ALL my love to you and yours. If you have to evacuate, get out immediately. Don’t hesitate.”
“Just had to evacuate, tried to go to a friends place / it got an evacuation warning on the way there – now aimlessly driving out of the city,” Grimes wrote. “Is the whole city gna be gone? This is a serious tragedy for LA – I feel profoundly sad for everybody.”
“My bandmate Hailey lost everything in the wildfires,” Clairo shared. “Donate if you can.”
In response to the fires, charity foundation MusiCares shared the following statement: “As we learn about the magnitude of the damage created by the Los Angeles wildfires, MusiCares is here to help the music community recover. Please encourage your music industry colleagues and friends in need of support to reach out to MusiCares, now and in the weeks to come.”
