Big Thief drops unreleased songs EP to benefit wildfire relief

Grammy nominated alt-rock group Big Thief has dropped a surprise EP of unreleased tracks to benefit wildfire relief after the devastation in Los Angeles. "Our hearts are broken for everyone affected by the fires in California," the band said in a statement about the project, called Passional Relations. "Our hope is that these contributions will not only help address the crucial and immediate needs of affected communities but also help sustain the work, identity, and culture of the artists within them." 

According to the band's website, most of the proceeds will go to the PLUS1LA Fires Fund, "which directly supports organizations working on the ground to address critical needs like housing, education, animal welfare, and more." Everything else "will go directly to local musicians, artists and community members who need extra support during this time." Passional Relations is available for purchase directly from Big Thief's webstore.

Big Thief aren't the only ones mining their back catalog to raise money for the cause. Dave Eggers and Jordan Kurland's benefit project Good Music is set to return with Good Music To Lift Los Angeles, featuring numerous unreleased songs from popular indie rock artists including Animal Collective, Cold War Kids, Death Cab For Cutie & The Postal Service, Dr. Dog, Faye Webster, Jeff Tweedy, MJ Lenderman, Modest Mouse, Silversun Pickups, Perfume Genius, Soccer Mommy, The War On Drugs, Tenacious D, and many more. The compilation album will be available for purchase on Bandcamp for just 24 hours beginning Friday, February 7 at midnight. Proceeds will go to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and the LA Food Bank; Bandcamp will also donate 100% of its shares of the sales to MusiCares, according to Alternative Press.

It's already been a big week for the music community organizing funding for wildfire victims. The 2025 Grammy Awards transformed into something of a telethon for disaster relief, raising money (from both attendees and the audience at home) as well as offering airtime to advertise for local L.A. businesses affected by the fires. The show opened with a performance of Randy Newman's "I Love L.A." by Dawes featuring John Legend, Brittany Howard, Sheryl Crowe, Brad Paisley, and St. Vincent. A recorded version of the cover has since been released with proceeds going to "Musicares.org in support of those affected by the LA Fires," according to the band. 

Dawes—which also contributed a track for Good Music To Lift L.A.—was directly affected by the fires; Griffin Goldsmith lost his home in Altadena and Taylor Goldsmith lost his home studio and much of the band's equipment, per Billboard. Former Dawes bassist Wylie Gelber also lost his home. "What a wild few days it’s been. Can’t wait to share some thoughts once I catch my breath. I love you all so much," Dawes posted on the band's official Instagram in the wake of the Grammys. "Thanks for showing the love and support the way you always do. And for anyone new here - welcome to the family. It’s pretty tight knit. Hope you all like the new track."