Punk Rock to the Rescue: “We Are LA!” Unites the Scene for Wildfire Relief

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=worZoNLlxXU

Los Angeles doesn’t need another inspirational Instagram quote. It needs real help, real money, and real community. Enter “We Are LA!," a massive, no-ego punk rock collaboration that actually shows up when it matters.

Released exactly one year after the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, the single and music video bring together an unreal lineup of punk, alt, and rock legends, all rallying behind one cause: supporting musicians and music workers who were hit hardest.

The track features members of Minutemen, Social Distortion, Foo Fighters, Alkaline Trio, Pennywise, The Go-Go's, TSOL, The Linda Lindas, and more, a cross-generational reminder that punk has always been about collective survival, not clout. Produced by Charlie Overbey alongside GRAMMY-winning producer Ted Hutt, “We Are LA!” doesn’t overthink it. The song is raw, anthemic, and grounded in solidarity. Every stream, every vinyl purchase, every bid goes directly to Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, an organization that provides financial assistance to career musicians and music industry workers facing medical bills, housing costs, and basic living expenses.

The collaborator list reads like a living history of punk and alternative music: Mike Watt (Minutemen), Jonny Two Bags (Social Distortion), Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters), Atom Willard (Alkaline Trio), Jane Wiedlin (The Go-Go’s), Jim Lindberg (Pennywise), Annette Zilinskas (The Bangles), Eloise Wong (The Linda Lindas), plus figures deeply tied to LA’s music infrastructure, including Gary Tovar, founder of Goldenvoice.

What makes this project hit harder is the intention behind it. Charlie Overbey and Vanessa Dingwell have a track record of actually stepping up, not just posting. During COVID, they raised over $100K for Navajo Nation relief. They’ve consistently used their reach to funnel money where it’s needed, not where it looks good.

Alongside the single and video, fans can bid on a signed guitar and signed T-shirt from nearly all participating artists, with proceeds benefiting Sweet Relief. The auction runs January 7 through January 18, and yes, this is one of those rare cases where merch actually means something.

“We Are LA!” is proof that punk still works best when it’s collective, urgent, and rooted in care. No saviors. No industry spin. Just community taking care of its own.