Weyes Blood has shared details of her experience with the recent LA wildfires, whilst launching a charity t-shirt collaboration with the American Red Cross to support those affected.
The artist, real name Natalie Mering, was among those impacted by the Eaton Fire that began on 7th January, which destroyed over 12,000 structures and led to the evacuation of more than 150,000 residents.
Speaking about her experience, Mering said: “I was displaced by the Eaton Fire and it’s taken a minute to fully absorb the emotional impact of it all, and share my little story. Altadena was a dream town, and this was a little dream house. I’ve written many songs there, I’ve played piano with squawking peacocks, layed on the roof and howled at the moon, had badminton tournaments, sang YouTube karaoke in my living room… It was my spot, and my imagination ran wild.”
While her rented property remained standing, Mering expressed mixed feelings about the situation: “I am left saddled with this feeling of gratitude to have my stuff (albeit smoke damaged) but also I am saddled with survivors guilt and a whole lot of uncertainty about the habitability of the structures left behind.”
“Ultimately, I’m so grateful to have had a little chapter in this foothill paradise, even if it is over now,” she added. “So yeah, there’s a little piece of me guys. Be tender … I’m back on my vagabond shit. I’m lucky that I can bring my music wherever with me, but not everyone is as lucky as I am — we can make a difference and bring a shred of hope to those who are still in need.”
The initiative joins other relief efforts, including donations from Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD foundation and Paris Hilton, alongside benefit concerts featuring artists including Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart, Katy Perry, and Joni Mitchell.
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