Music = LOVE : Making Waves & LowerDeck Sessions Raise Over $3,500 for MusiCares
Last weekend, something special happened in Encino. Against a backdrop of twinkling city lights and a crisp winter breeze, a crowd gathered on a deck overlooking the hills, a deck where the scars of the recent wildfires could still be felt. LowerDeck Sessions, in partnership with Making Waves Project, hosted a benefit concert to support MusiCares, an organization providing aid to musicians affected by disasters. By the end of the night, over $3,500 had been raised, marking one of LowerDeck’s biggest and most unforgettable events.
It wasn’t just about the money, though. It was about the people, the music, and the community that came together to make something meaningful.
AJ Harvey | @A.JHARVEY
AJ Harvey opened the night with a rich blend of soft rock and storytelling, his music carrying echoes of Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan. Raised in the traditions of his Native American heritage, he spoke about music’s power to heal: "We’re told from a young age that music can tell stories, give comfort, even bring back a loved one lost." He reflected on the event, saying, "Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness can go a lot further to help those struggling to recover from things lost. Lending hands are always remembered long after the initial shock and grief have passed."
Sayaka | @thisissayaka
Sakaya followed with her deeply emotional and genre-blending set. Her voice, airy and intimate, pulled the audience into the very moments she wrote her songs—letting them live in her lyrics. "I think I have the ability to reel people into the time period I was writing the song," she shared. She also reflected on the importance of music in difficult times: "It’s so necessary to be able to shut off our brains for a little while and just enjoy music. We’re constantly bombarded with bad news. Music lets us take a breath and be present."
Jess Bush | @JessBushMusic
Jess Bush brought an Americana, blues, and soul-infused energy to the stage, reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt and Carole King. She emphasized the importance of community support during tough times: "Financial support is obviously huge, but sometimes just helping someone channel their pain into music is just as meaningful. We’re creatives after all. It’s such a healthy way to process." Speaking about her own experience, she added, "Whenever I’m going through something tough, the right song can immediately change my perspective on it. It can lift that crushing feeling and help me move on."
Then came Undecided Future, who had the whole deck moving with their infectious pop-funk energy. Their set felt like a release—like the exact moment when grief turns into celebration. "Music is the one thing that brings us all together to heal, grow, and have fun," they said. "Even in the darkest moments, we try to remind ourselves that creating and sharing music is the best way we can contribute."
No False Ego | @nofalseego
Closing the night was No False Ego, who described their sound as progressive R&B fused with neo-soul, jazz, and alternative. They emphasized the deep emotional connection music fosters: "Music is one of the purest forms of soul expression. Those vibrations play a huge role in healing for every human being, whether you listen to music to escape, to feel relaxed, or to get energized." One of the band members shared a moving experience: "We had a fan come to one of our shows last year, and she told us that seeing us play live helped her get through grieving for her mother. That’s why we do this. Music is pure love, and if that love helps even one person, then we’re doing it right."
Beyond the music, the night was a reminder of what makes the LA music community so powerful. LowerDeck Sessions has been hosting intimate shows since 2019, and despite the wildfires that have threatened the hills around them, the deck still stands alive with music and connection. "It started with a few roommates and a cool view," they say. "Now, it’s something bigger than we ever imagined."
Making Waves Project also designed special edition hats with the words "Love Always, Los Angeles" embroidered across the front. Every dollar from those sales went directly to MusiCares. It was a simple yet powerful way to wear support for the city, to turn a piece of fabric into a statement of resilience and solidarity.
Making Waves, Together
In the face of loss, the music community did what it does best—it showed up, it played, it listened, it gave. The artists on stage weren’t just there to perform; they were there to heal, to bring people together, to remind everyone that even in the hardest times, music remains.
And in that moment, on a deck high above Los Angeles, it was clear: the waves we make together are the ones that last the longest.
More about Lowerdeck Session
Lowerdeck is more than just a concert series it’s a home, a hidden gem in the heart of Encino Valley where music lovers and artists collide to create something truly magical. Picture an intimate space where the energy is electric, the sound is crisp, and every performance feels like a once-in-a-lifetime moment. That’s Lowerdeck.
This isn’t just one genre, one sound, or one vibe it’s a melting pot of musical expression, bringing together artists from all backgrounds to share their craft with an audience that truly listens. Whether it’s indie, folk, rock, jazz, or something entirely new, Lowerdeck is a place where music thrives in its purest form.
The next show is coming up on March 29th, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it. Tickets go fast, so be sure to follow Lowerdeck and stay on top of ticket releases by checking their website. If you haven’t experienced it yet, now’s the time to dive in. Let the music move you, let the moment take over because at Lowerdeck, every show is something special.
This post has been created by Making Waves Project to spotlight stories of resilience in the aftermath of the wildfires. Together, we honor the strength of those impacted and amplify voices that inspire recovery and hope.
If you or someone you know has a story to tell, we’d love to hear from you. And if you’re a brand interested in partnering with us to make a greater impact, please email us at hello@makingwavesproject.com
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Photography by Robiee Ziegler
Produced by Katie Caro
