I’m pleased to share that with the return of the blog comes the return of the Salon Mix. Aimed at taking the brain power out of having to pick the music of the day, Salon Mixes are my curated little playlists made to suit every mood. Just think about the kind of day you’re having or what kind of clients are coming in and there is more than likely a Salon Mix for you.
The last blog post before the rebrand was a new year’s Salon Mix (yikes), so it felt fitting to call back to that with the first official blog post of the year.
Reflections is meant to be an extension of Salon Mix Vol. 5: Resolution. Waving away the need to revise or redefine yourself in the new year and just finding acceptance. But this year, I wanted it to have more of an optimistic sound. A vague title to suggest a disturbance on the surface of a pond, or the person you see in the mirror. Twinkling synths and bright piano melodies over droning backgrounds and sleepy vocals invite you to reflect on whatever you are feeling right now.
As a resident of Los Angeles, I have a lot less to say about this month’s playlist as wildfires are currently ravaging the city and displacing thousands. I have grown to love this city and the countless friends and opportunities it has given me. My heart goes out to all of those affected. Below I have a list of resources and ways you can help with the wildfire relief efforts.
Thankfully, this mix comes with an air of hope , but it’s not trying too hard. The goal was for it to be thoughtful and pensive, but still make you feel elevated. I hope it can help you, even just a bit, during this time.
The only song I would like to highlight is the first song on the mix, the only track I put in to explicitly send a message; Get Behind Me (Interlude) from Sza‘s latest album SOS Deluxe: LANA. Starting off the playlist with the resounding background vocals that state “not today, satan”.
Below you will find this Salon Mix as well as all the previous ones on my Spotify.
Please be sure to check out any of the wildfire relief sources you will also find below, any and everything helps and anything you can do is enough. If there are any resources you would like to add to this list feel free to reach out at [email protected]. Thank you.
To my fellow Angelenos, Stay safe and I love you.
Los Angeles Wildfire Relief
Dreamshop Management – Matching up to $5k in donations to displaced black families GoFundMe Directory.
The Anit-recidivism Coalition – Providing support and resources for incarcerated firefighters in the form of a Firefighter Fund going to upgraded fire camps, meals and supplies, and scholarships.
Native Seed Donation – Altadena Seed Library and Skylight Books are collecting seeds of plants local to southern California to replenish the Altadena area devastated by fire.
Help Village Playgarden Rise from the Ashes – A beloved early childhood school serving children ages 2 to 6 in the historically black community of Altadena, in a curriculum that synthesized Waldorf education, nature-based experiential learning, and non-violent communication.
LA Beauty Industry Aid – A list of direct victims who have lost their beauty kits due to the wildfires, and how to help. Hair Stylists are especially in need of essential cutting tools such as shears, cutting combs, capes, clippers and trimmers. Nothing Used preferably.
Donations for Us – Fire-relief Donation Center set up in Santa Anita park, in need of Volunteers, Vendors, and donations (desperately needing cots, pillows, blankets, and sleeping pads).
Best Friends Animal Society – Pantry locations open at their adoption center and clinic to provide food for dogs and cats.
Cash Aid for Outdoor Workers Impacted by LA County Wildfires – Inclusive Action is providing financial relief for those who have lost income due to inability to open-air workers (street vendors, landscapers, recyclers, and other outdoor workers)
Direct Fundraising for Los Angeles Area Fire Victims (Eaton & Palisades) – A list of direct victims with gofundme’s with less than 20% of their goals met.
A List of Resources and How to Support Artists and Art Workers Affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires
Filipino grassroots organizations who are leading the charge in relief and recovery. – Filipino Migrant Center, Nafcon, Anakbayan LA, Gabriela LA, focused on Filipino immigrants affected by the wildfires.
