Support for UMG Employees Affected by Wildfires
Universal Music Group (UMG) reported that over 50 of its employees have been displaced or forced out of work due to the devastating wildfires currently impacting Los Angeles.
In light of this crisis, UMG’s Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grange has pledged to implement immediate support measures for those affected.
In an internal letter to employees obtained by music industry magazine Daily Double Hits, Grange stated: “At least 50 of our colleagues have been completely displaced, with many losing their homes entirely. With fires still raging and threatening other areas of Los Angeles, unfortunately this situation is far from over.”
Relief Initiatives Being Developed
The executive confirmed that he has canceled his forthcoming European business meetings to stay in Los Angeles and coordinate the relief efforts.
Grange has formed a senior management working group that includes Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) Chairman and CEO Jody Gerson, UMG Executive Vice President and Chief People and Inclusion Officer Eric Hutcherson, Interscope Geffen A&M Records Chairman and CEO John Janik, Republic Records General Manager Monte Lipman, Chief Operating Officer of UMG Boyd Muir, and UMG Executive Vice President Will Tanus. This team is tasked with creating and implementing initiatives to assist affected employees.
“As a resident of Pacific Palisades for 15 years, I deeply empathize with what many of you are experiencing and how this crisis has disrupted your lives and those of your families,” Grange expressed.
“Nonetheless, despite all this uncertainty, we must continue working together to support our artists and songwriters globally.”
UMG has yet to provide specific details regarding the support measures being developed.
Industry-Wide Impact and Initiatives
The wildfires represent one of the most significant natural disasters to affect the music industry workforce in recent years. The displacement of dozens of employees from one of the largest music companies in the world highlights the severity of the ongoing crisis in Los Angeles.
“Given the urgency of this disaster, I have canceled previously scheduled business meetings in Europe next week and have decided to remain in Los Angeles so that the ongoing work of this group can be completed quickly.”
Sir Lucian Grange, Universal Music Group
As reported by NBC News, the fires fueled by the wind have caused 24 fatalities, scorched 40,000 acres in Greater Los Angeles, and destroyed over 12,300 structures.
In other areas of the music industry, Belmont Music Publishing announced that it lost all equipment during the fires.
“Regrettably, Belmont Music was a victim of the fire in Pacific Palisades. We have lost our complete inventory of materials for sale and rental. We hope to ‘rise from the ashes’ in a fully digital manner,” said Larry Schoenberg, whose publishing house manages the rights to the works of Arnold Schoenberg.
Other musicians and music industry personnel who have suffered losses, including venues, studios, and homes due to the wildfires, encompass: Bob Clearmountain known for collaborations with The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Bryan Adams; singer-songwriter couple Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith; songwriter Joe Sumner; rapper Thick Tony; PR in high-rise buildings’ Alexandra Baker, representing Billie Eilish and Duran Duran; and industry executives like Republic Records’ Brett Dumler, Pulse Music Group’s Joe Poindexter, Wasserman Music’s Mike Sosin, and Living Nation Entertainment’s Tom C.
In addition to UMG, others in the music industry are banding together in response to the wildfires. A Living Nation has announced a charity concert named Fire Aid, scheduled for January 30th at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Los Angeles. AEG Presents and the Azoff family are also involved in the production of the show, with the lineup of artists still to be revealed.
Meanwhile, the Recording Academy, host of the Grammys, has partnered with MusiCares to commit $1 million to aid the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort. Additionally, Beyoncé‘s BeyGOOD Foundation has promised to donate $2.5 million to assist families that have lost their homes. A portion of the funds will also support churches and community centers, with Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles among those who have been displaced by the wildfires.
Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation, Social Justice Foundation has also announced a donation of $1 million for Los Angeles relief efforts. The foundation aims to support key organizations aiding the local community, first responders, and music industry members.
Moreover, Guitar Center is working to assist musicians who lost their instruments and equipment in the wildfires.
