Metallica’s All Within My Hands foundation is granting $500,000 to Los Angeles fire relief efforts carried out by the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund.
The Los Angeles wildfires area have caused widespread destruction in communities across the city since Jan. 7. Despite containment progress over the weekend, officials warn residents to stay vigilant as the Santa Ana winds are expected to return.
The California Community Foundation (CCF) utilizes partnerships with community-based organizations and government agencies while using data from CalFire and the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index to prioritize underserved communities. It also aids in rebuilding essential infrastructure like emergency communication systems and offers financial disaster assistance, labor law education, and immigration services to low-wage workers and immigrant families.
The Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) has established the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund. The fund will support immediate needs and critical long-term recovery efforts after the fires are extinguished and the community embarks upon the task of rebuilding.
+ Sonos Inc.‘s Patrick Spence is leaving the company after eight years as chief executive officer.
The audio technology company has tapped Tom Conrad, a board member and former executive at Snap Inc. and Pandora, as interim CEO effective Monday. According to a report from Bloomberg, Sonos has confirmed Spence’s exit is unrelated to company’s first-quarter financial results, which will be announced in February.
+ After over a decade at Warner Music Group, Corey Brewer has joined Big Loud Records as vice president and head of media and public relations.
Based in Nashville, Big Loud Records is the label home to Morgan Wallen, Miranda Lambert, Hardy and many more. Brewer joins Big Loud after six years at Atlantic Records and four years at ADA, where he handled publicity campaigns for multiple artists including Kehlani and Burna Boy, among numerous others.
+ Youssef Chellak has been named general manager of Warner Music Belgium (WMG), effective immediately.
Chellak will be based in WMG’s Brussels office and report to Niels Walboomers, president of recorded music and publishing at WMG Benelux. He will focus on building Warner Music Belgium’s domestic roster, developing innovative collaborations with business partners, and further growing the most culturally curious team in the local music industry.
Chellak said, “I’m very excited to join the Warner Music team, which thrives on a culture of entrepreneurship. Our music-first approach, powered by the latest digital tools, will enable us to support Belgian artists and build innovative and sustainable business partnerships. I’m committed to doing all I can to help develop the thriving music scene we have here in Belgium.”
Walboomers added, “We’re delighted to welcome Youssef to Warner Music Benelux. His proven track record, culturally curious approach, and inspiring vision for the local music industry make him the ideal executive to lead our Belgian team. I’m confident that he’ll create an inspiring environment where local artists, emerging as the voices of their generation, can collaborate, excel and reach their full creative potential.”