Music Can Provide Healing in LA
Lutefish urges LA officials to integrate mental health into rebuilding efforts
Scientific research and UN endorsements highlight music's role in fostering recovery and resilience.
Music tech company Lutefish is urging Los Angeles community leaders to include mental health as a key focus once the fires are controlled and rebuilding begins. Music tech company Lutefish wants to ensure creatives and mental health have a place alongside the brick and mortar recovery efforts for the Los Angeles areas devastated by recent wildfires.
“Nearly $300 billion in damages and economic loss, compounded by at least $40 billion in rebuilding costs, are just the start for hundreds of thousands of people impacted by the Los Angeles fires,” said Whitney Bauer Winkels, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager at Lutefish. “The psychological effects of fear, trauma, and grief will last far longer than the time to rebuild physical structures, which is why it’s critical for community leaders to begin planning for substantial mental health support.”
The power of music to provide healing to the brain has been proven through academic research and has been backed by leading institutions like The Kennedy Center and The United Nations. Lutefish has partnered with Los Angeles-area musician Devyn Rush to donate $40,000 of its remote performance technology device to bring musicians and their fans together to create community and foster healing.
“This donation will provide hope amidst tragedy and devastation,” said Rush, a Lutefish content partner who with her husband and toddler live two miles from the evacuation zone. “I’ve been inspired at how the music community and the world have come together to support the millions impacted. Lutefish's donation will provide invaluable emotional support to people across Southern California.”
Each donation includes a Lutefish Stream device, which leverages 48K audio to achieve latency levels under 30 milliseconds so that musicians can practice, teach, and perform music from up to 500 miles away as though they were live. Each device includes 5GB of storage, wired headphones, a USB-C power supply and cable, and a 15-foot Ethernet cable.
To claim, musicians simply need to fill out a short form and provide a Southern California zip code. If you have any questions please contact us at marketing@lutefish.com or come visit us during the National Association of Music Manufacturers conference – Lutefish Booth #8307. Recipients will get the Lutefish Stream mailed to them soon after.
“Lutefish’s mission is to help people connect through the power of community and music, which is especially important during times of tragedy and crisis,” said Winkels. “Music provides a powerful, unique path to healing, offering solace and a vital outlet for emotional expression in times of hardship.”
About Wenger Corporation and Lutefish
For more than 75 years Wenger Corporation has been a trusted partner in music education, performing arts, and athletic venues, delivering high quality products and solutions that enhance creativity and elevate the performance experience.
Wenger Corporation launched Lutefish in November 2024 to bring musicians together in new and meaningful ways. Founded by musicians for musicians, Lutefish bridges gaps in collaboration tools and resources by empowering creators of all skill levels to connect, play, and make the music they love more often than ever.
For more information, visit www.wengercorp.com and www.lutefish.com.
Download the full Press Release Here.