Madlib loses “decades of music and equipment” in LA wildfires
The producer, who’s sat on rare and unreleased music for years, lost his home in the fires
Madlib has called for support from fans after revealing that he recently lost “decades of music and equipment” in the Los Angeles wildfires.
The US producer shared the news on Instagram yesterday, January 13, explaining that he and his family lost their home to the current fires devastating the LA area.
Madlib, who’s sat on rare and unreleased records for decades, has lost years of music in what fans are calling “a major tragedy for music”.
The producer has asked fans for donations to help support his family through the loss of their home, which will go towards “essentials like clothing, temporary housing, and transportation costs”.
Read this next: Madlib files lawsuit against former manager over financial self-dealing
“Your donation, no matter the amount, will provide assistance to help Madlib with immediate personal needs,” the post reads, “and the tools Madlib needs to continue creating the music that has touched so many lives”.
In the comments of the fundraiser, fans pledged their support for the producer and thanked him for his contribution to music over the past three decades.
“You changed my life and helped me through a lot of difficult times,” one fan wrote, while another explained: “Your music has helped me restart after a tough part of my life, I hope you can start anew as well.”
Read this next: Chuck D criticises taunting plays of Public Enemy's 'Burn Hollywood Burn' amid LA fires
The LA wildfires have impacted many artists across the music industry, including US rapper Fat Tony, who also lost his home to the fires, and The Weeknd, who postponed the release of his new album and cancelled a show at California's Rose Bowl Stadium.
On Monday, Universal Music Group cancelled all forthcoming GRAMMY events, including the annual afterparty and their artist showcase event, pledging their support for those affected by the fires. The GRAMMY Awards will still go ahead on February 2.
This week, Discogs announced that all sales revenues from January 17 will be donated to MusiCares, a charity founded by the Recording Academy, providing relief and financial aid to victims of the LA wildfires.
A list of resources to aid those affected can be found below.
Register for emergency notifications here.
Maps of fires, evacuation orders, animal shelters, road closures can be found at CalFire and Watch Duty.
A spreadsheet of ways to support the music community.
A spreadsheet of resources from Mutual Aid LA.
GoFundMe for Those Affected by the California Wildfires
Donate to MusiCares here
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter