Lost Tracks, Found Hope: André 3000 and Others Support LA Wildfire Victims
As wildfires ravage the Los Angeles area, their devastating impact continues to ripple across the community. Homes have been reduced to ashes, families displaced, and countless lives forever changed. In the face of this ongoing catastrophe, Leaving Records has stepped forward with an innovative and heartfelt initiative to support those affected, particularly artists and Black families hit hardest by the flames.
A Melodic Act Of Compassion
The independent music label has launched Staying: Leaving Records Aid to Artists Impacted by the Los Angeles Wildfires, a 98-track benefit compilation available exclusively on Bandcamp. This expansive collection features unreleased material from over 100 artists, including the legendary André 3000. The project exemplifies the power of art as a vehicle for solidarity and recovery. In fact, proceeds from the compilation will be allocated with precision and care. 50% will directly support Los Angeles artists and music professionals impacted by the fires. The remaining 50% will aid displaced Black families and communities, preserving their cultural and historical roots amid the devastation.
Emmett Shoemaker of Leaving Records explains:
“Though we may not even know what ‘hope’ constitutes yet, we know we’ve got it somewhere. We know it’s in solidarity, and we know it’s in the music.”
The Fires’ Devastation
The wildfires, including the Eaton and Palisades fires, have caused unprecedented destruction. Altadena, a thriving hub for artists and historically significant Black community, has been especially hard-hit. Generational homes, Black-owned businesses, and cultural landmarks—like Madlib’s estate and the Theosophical Society archives—have been lost. For many working musicians, Altadena was one of the few affordable havens in an increasingly unaffordable city.
The compilation is more than music—it’s a lifeline. Available in vinyl for $40, cassette for $35, and digital download is $15 for formats. Staying channels resources directly to individuals in need, bypassing traditional third-party organizations.
A Testament To Unity
Leaving Records, founded by MatthewDavid in the heart of Altadena, has a legacy rooted in fostering artistic collaboration and spiritual community. This project underscores the label’s commitment to these values, serving as a beacon of hope amid a surreal and agonizing time. Shoemaker’s poignant words capture the essence of this moment:
“We rise in the morning after not sleeping… We are stuck between devastation and action. The impulse to simply break down, and the knowledge that there is tremendous work to be done, now and in the future.”
How You Can Help
The power of music lies in its ability to heal, unite, and inspire action. By purchasing Staying, you contribute to a direct relief effort for artists and families navigating loss and uncertainty. In these challenging times, Leaving Records proves that collective resilience and creativity can pave the way toward recovery. Let this project be a reminder: even amidst the ashes, the seeds of hope and renewal can take root.
Support the cause on Bandcamp and be part of this extraordinary effort to rebuild and restore what has been lost.
