How Musicians Are Rebuilding After the LA Wildfires: NAMM Steps In

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This year, the National Association of Music Manufacturers (NAMM) exhibition starts at the Anaheim Convention Center today, following closely on the heels of the destructive wildfires in Los Angeles that affected numerous musicians, producers, technicians, and executives residing in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena.

Unfortunately, this is a scenario that has become distressingly common within the L.A. music scene. The fires have left many lives in disarray, and equipment essential for their work – instruments, recording gear, studios, and archived recordings – have been severely damaged or lost. As of now, the number of professionals dealing with such losses stands at close to 400, and it includes renowned producers like Bob Clearmountain, Greg Wells, Madlib, Mark “Spike” Stent, as well as session musicians, touring artists, and accomplished jazz players.

In light of the numerous individuals in need, various music instrument companies are participating at the convention with initiatives aimed at assistance. Among them, Gibson Guitars, via its charitable arm Gibson Gives, has partnered with Guitar Center to donate $250,000 towards the restoration of music programs and musicians affected by the fires. L.A.-based musicians can submit applications for a one-time special grant through February 28th.

Based in California, with headquarters in Corona, Fender – the renowned company – has pledged $100,000 towards replacing musical instruments and equipment destroyed by the recent disaster. Musicians who have been affected can find a form on their website for submitting their details and requests for assistance.

During the devastating wildfires known as the Palisades and Eaton fires, two distinct groups within the music industry suffered significant losses. The flames that swept through a small town, engulfing the exclusive Pacific Palisades neighborhood, destroyed Mix This! Studios belonging to acclaimed Grammy- and Emmy-winning producer Bob Clearmountain, located on Rivas Canyon Road, along with his prized Bösendorfer grand piano. Close by, the tragic blaze also claimed the advanced Dolby Atmos mixing room and studio of music producer for “Wicked” and collaborator with Adele, Greg Wells.

In simpler terms, they had an extraordinary exchange of messages on Instagram. Wells wrote to Clearmountain saying, “I’m terribly sorry… Both our homes and studios were destroyed,” to which the renowned mixer responded, “I’m deeply saddened to learn you’re experiencing the same misfortune. It’s utterly devastating! Perhaps we could share a drink together sometime.

Clearmountain devotes his efforts to aiding other musicians, producers, and audio mixers in their recovery process.

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A post shared by Bob Clearmountain (@clearmountain)

Louise Goffin suffered immense losses, including one-of-a-kind recordings from her Warner Bros. release party, where she played “Manic Depression” on electric guitar before a power outage transformed it into an enchanting candlelit acoustic session. Her partner, Hayden Wells, much like others, established a GoFundMe page to help recuperate their losses. “Our musical instruments, recording equipment, my personal studio that I invested so much effort and emotion into – everything is destroyed. Family mementos, treasured keepsakes, and the small items that made our home feel special are now reduced to ashes.

Though I’m relieved that my loved ones and I are safe, I’m stunned by the situation we find ourselves in. We’re essentially starting over, and it’s daunting to consider what lies ahead. I never imagined needing a platform like this, but I’m at a loss as to where else to seek help.

In Malibu, Cisco Adler’s recording studio and talent nurturing hub, known as “Cocoon,” which is situated near the home where he lived with his brothers and father, legendary music producer Lou Adler (also a Laker fan), was unfortunately demolished too.

My longtime home, a steadfast presence in my life, continues to stay secure. I’m thankful for this. Although the building itself is no more, the cherished memories and music created there endure. I can’t recall ever locking that place because it was shielded by those who shared joyous moments within its walls and their affection for it. We crafted so much beautiful music together with countless talented individuals. And we will do so again in spirit.

For many years, the Palisades neighborhood has been a residence for numerous celebrities and business executives, among them being Grammy-winning jazz keyboardist, composer, and producer Jeff Lorber. Known for collaborating with artists such as Kenny G, Dave Koz, and Eric Benet, Lorber had made the Palisades Drive house his home since the early ’80s, sharing it with his wife and two cats. Unfortunately, last week, a fire destroyed that very same house, along with Lorber’s in-home recording studio and all his equipment.

He shared with the Hollywood Reporter that he had been wearing an Apple Watch, which alerted him about a fire in close proximity. As he stepped out of the studio, the canyon directly before us was ablaze. Several buildings under construction were already on fire. Before long, the flames began encircling us from all directions.

For numerous musicians and producers, the devastation caused by wildfires brought a twofold hardship. As they had shifted their workspaces to home studios during the Covid-19 lockdown due to financial limitations in film and TV composing, the fires not only left them without homes but also took away the essential equipment needed for earning a living.

Despite suffering losses that encompassed unique items such as three vintage Minimoogs, an Oberheim Matrix 12 analog synthesizer valued between $20,000 to $30,000, a custom-made Yamaha S6 grand piano, and an SSL 4000 mixing console purchased from George Martin’s AIR Studios in London, Lorber remains unfazed.

He’s excited to begin anew, exploring his capabilities with minimal equipment, he mentions. Currently, he’s working on a newly purchased computer. He’s got a few hard drives rescued from the studio in storage. The software companies have been understanding and helpful towards musicians who lost their tools. However, he admits that he’s worn the same socks for an entire week.

On the eastern part of the city, however, the Eaton fire severely damaged Altadena, a neighborhood east of Pasadena known for its more affordable housing options and lower rental prices, attracting artists and musicians. Notable figures like Ry Cooder (whose property was reportedly untouched) and Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith (along with his wife Mandy Moore) reside here, as do up-and-coming acts such as Olivia Saperstein of the local power trio Pegzilla, who play stoner death metal with lyrics that question traditional gender roles.

37-year-old Olivia, who relocated to Boston before moving to Los Angeles a decade ago, lost her rented house in the Altadena foothills that she shared with her husband, Juan (who is also the band’s bassist), for three years. Tragically, this home was completely destroyed by fire. Olivia got married recently and her spouse left a well-paying job as a corporate graphic designer to pursue his dream of making pizza at Side Pie Marketplace, a business located on busy Lake Avenue, the commercial heart of the city. Regrettably, this area too suffered damage. All the band’s equipment, including their rare Ludwig drum kit (of which only 500 are said to exist), vintage Fender Bassman and Mustang, were kept in the garage of their home where they were destroyed in the fire.

As a fan, I understand that they had essential gear for performances, which they unfortunately had to abandon. It’s clear that they’ll need to find solutions quickly if they want to play again soon, and this is undeniably disappointing. However, despite the sadness, we should remember that their health is paramount, and fortunately, everyone is still safe. I hope they can recover with the help of the local music community and renter’s insurance.

In these challenging times, the music community is uniting to aid each other. Benefit concerts are popping up everywhere across town. David Jenkins, a co-founder of Wild Honey – a non-profit music organization that organizes tribute shows for bands such as Big Star, Lovin’ Spoonful, Nuggets and The Band to fund autism research – is employed at Truetone Music in Santa Monica. He shares that this store will do its part to provide assistance during the crisis.

He states that he has at least twenty musically-inclined friends who own only a few clothes and possibly a small bag,” he says.

At his residence in Eagle Rock, Paul Rock from Wild Honey experienced some minor structural issues with the outdoor stage setup due to strong winds. This venue has previously welcomed artists like former Television guitarist Richard Lloyd. Currently, Paul is contemplating ways his non-profit group could offer assistance.

Rock notes that they are currently assessing the situation to determine who requires it the most, as there’s a lot of money circulating right now and it appears everyone has thousands in their crowdfunding accounts. Holding a concert isn’t the best method for gathering funds at this point.

Despite recurring natural disasters like fires, mudslides, earthquakes, floods, and droughts in Los Angeles, it persistently attracts creative individuals from around the globe, who unwaveringly choose to visit, regardless of whether the challenges are as fierce as storms or as high as tides.

As a gamer immersed in this vibrant scene, I can’t help but feel right at home among these gifted melodists. Not only that, but the climate is simply outstanding!

In spite of the setbacks, Olivia continues to champion Los Angeles just as passionately. “We’re not leaving this city,” she declared emphatically. “For the sake of rock ‘n’ roll, we will persevere.”

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Olivia, despite her defeats, is still a strong advocate for L.A. She firmly stated, “We’re not going to leave this place. We’ll make it through, all thanks to rock ‘n’ roll.

The NAMM event runs until Friday. Among the companies involved are AKG, Audio-Technica, Eastman, ESP Guitars, JBL Professional, Pearl Drums, Remo Inc., Roland, Shre, Sony Music, Universal Audio, Yamaha, and Avedis Zildjian. These manufacturers are providing replacement programs or other types of aid.

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2025-01-23 20:26