Big Thief Release New L.A. Wildfires Benefit EP, ‘Passional Relations’

New York City outfit Big Thief are doing their part for those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, sharing their new Passional Relations benefit EP

The five-track EP is described by the band as a collection of unreleased recordings, with all tracks taken from studio sessions in either 2018 or 2020. Opening songs “Imagination” and “Light as Light” were made in 2020 with Dom Monks on recording duties, while “Waiting on Blue” was laid down with Dr. Dog’s Scott McMicken that same year, with Mat Davidson providing vocals.

“Zombie Girl” was recorded with Sam Owens at Flying Cloud Studios in 2020, presumably months before the song emerged on vocalist and guitarist Adrianne Lenker’s Songs later in the year. Final song “Shadow Too” dates back to 2018, with the band’s own James Krivchenia handling recording while in Topanga, California.

“Our hearts are broken for everyone affected by the fires in California,” the group wrote in a statement. “We’ve put together some of our favorite unreleased songs into an EP called Passional Relations, only available on our webstore, and all proceeds will go toward providing relief for those impacted by the fires in Los Angeles.”

According to Big Thief, a majority of the EP’s proceeds will be donated to the PLUS1LA Fires Fund, which aids local nonprofits offering shelter and care to those who have lost their homes. The remainder of the proceeds will be given directly to local musicians, artists and community members who need support in the aftermath of the fires.

“Our hope is that these contributions will not only help address the crucial and immediate needs of affected communities but also help sustain the work, identity, and culture of the artists within them,” they concluded.

The Passional Relations EP is currently available for digital download via Big Thief’s webstore.

Big Thief’s last body of work was released in 2022, with fifth album Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You hitting No. 32 on the Billboard 200 – their highest position to date. In 2023, they released “Vampire Empire” and “Born for Loving You”, while Lenker released her Bright Future solo album in 2024.

In July 2024, the group announced the departure of bassist Max Oleartchik, citing “interpersonal reasons” for his exit. “It’s a big change for us and the four of us ask for your trust, respect, and care as we grow into the next chapter of our lives,” the band wrote in a statement at the time.