Los Angeles is under siege by historic wildfires, claiming 24 lives and destroying 53,000 structures across neighborhoods like the Palisades. With first responders battling around the clock, locals pray for rain that never seems to come. Reacting to this tragedy is EDM/House artist Irene Michaels, who’s donating all proceeds from her award-winning track “I Like Rain” to relief efforts—an initiative matched by Chicago’s iconic TRAX Record Label.
Bestowed with both the Josie Music Award for “Best Pop Song of the Year” at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and the Get Out Magazine Award in New York City, “I Like Rain” feels painfully apt. Co-written with composer Michael Levine, the track’s theme underscores a city desperate for relief from the raging infernos. “My heart is with you, my prayers are with you,” Michaels says, vowing her solidarity to those affected.
TRAX Records President Rachael Cain echoes the sentiment, emphasizing, “We just wanted to do something to help.” While streaming revenue can be modest, Michaels and Cain believe if every label donated the proceeds from just one track, the collective impact could be significant.
It’s a powerful call to the entire music community. Los Angeles has given the world endless inspiration in film, music, and beyond. Now, as the city grapples with a catastrophe of unprecedented scale, it’s the industry’s turn to unite—turning streams into support and beats into beacons of hope. Because sometimes, a song can bring a glimpse of much-needed support.
