The 2018 wildfires that hit California were the deadliest and most destructive wildfires on record in California, with a total of 8,527 fires burning an area of 1,893,913 acres. One hundred and four people lost their lives and damages to property are estimated at over 3.5 billion dollars. Among those affected were a number of musicians, including Neil Young, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker and David Bowie pianist Mike Garson, the loss of their equipment, memorabilia and records adding an element of cultural damage on top of the tragedies elsewhere.

Today we’re premiering California, a new track from LT Wade, which is dedicated to, and raising money for, the victims of the fire, as he explains below

“Many people lost their lives or were injured. Homes and businesses were destroyed. Wildlife gone or displaced. Please give what you can in exchange for this download. California is a place I’ve spent a good portion of my adult life. I’ve lived in LA, San Francisco, Oakland, and I have travelled across California and its beautiful landscapes many times . I have met good friends and I always love returning. Seeing California suffer from these awful wildfires year on year is heartbreaking. If dedicating this song and your generous donations is able to help California recover, even a tiny little bit, then it is worth doing. Thank You for your support. LT”

For those who don’t know LT’s work, he is British musician/producer Liam Wade, formerly a guitarist for Courtney Love, as well as a founding member of Lord Auch and Furs. LT released his debut album Transient last year, the title a reflection of a the two-year period where the album was being written, where his life took him from London to San Francisco and then half-way back again, ending up in New York. The album’s sound took elements of sounds LT loved from all three cities, and became something of a love letter to his multiple homes.

California marks LT’s first new material since Transient’s release, and despite its painful origins still has the sort of sun-dappled sound you’d expect from the West Coast. The intro of fluttering percussion and slinky, sultry bass are joined by guitars twangs and LT’s rich vocal delivery. A fitting tribute to The Golden State in its hour of need, please do consider downloading the track if you can.

Click HERE to purchase a copy of California and support the victims of the recent California Fires. L.T Wade’s debut album Transient, out now on Dopeness Records NYC.