UPDATE: A musician who lost his home in the devastating Palisades fires has just released a powerful new song and video, channeling his experience into a message of hope and resilience. The fires, which occurred on January 7, 2025, left thousands of homes destroyed, but Kahn’s poignant creation offers a raw reflection on loss and recovery.
In the stirring video for his song, “After it Burns,” Kahn captures the moment his family’s home, a place he lived in for over 20 years, was engulfed in flames. “I looked at my Dad and said, ‘it’s gone,’ and he just nodded. There wasn’t much to say,” Kahn shared, vividly recalling the trauma from just miles away. The visuals are haunting yet intimate, with the song’s lyrics confronting the fire as a living entity, filled with anger yet ultimately landing on a message of perseverance.
Kahn’s lyrics strike a deep chord, addressing the fire directly: “If I ever should see your face, I’ll tell you go back to hell ’cause that’s the only place I won’t look for you.” This raw confrontation is underscored by his commitment to move forward despite the anger. “This is for the thousands of victims that experienced what I did, but maybe even more broadly than that,” he told Breitbart, emphasizing the universality of loss.
The fires have not only taken homes; they have highlighted a systemic failure in response efforts. Kahn expressed frustration over the apparent neglect from local officials. “Where is Bass? Where is Newsom? Where are the two senators from California?” he questioned, calling for accountability from leaders during this crisis. He praised the federal response, specifically the quick action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which cleared lots within 30 days, in stark contrast to the slow local recovery efforts.
Now relocated to Nashville, Kahn sees this move as a necessary reset in his life. “I just couldn’t pull the trigger. I think I was stuck in my life, and it’s hard to believe, but the fire may have been the push I needed to start a whole new chapter,” he explained. Nashville is beginning to feel like home, offering him a fresh start after the chaos.
Kahn’s return to music was not immediate. For months, he walked past his instruments, grappling with grief. But eventually, he sat down at an out-of-tune piano, and the song “After it Burns” poured out. “For me, it’s the most honest way to deal with hardship,” he said, hoping his music resonates with others facing their own challenges.
As the world continues to grapple with loss from natural disasters, Kahn’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience found in community and art. His song is not just a personal narrative; it is a beacon of hope for anyone healing from catastrophe.
With the release of “After it Burns,” Kahn invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and encourages them to embrace the journey ahead. The emotional impact of this song is undeniable, and it is already sparking conversations and connections among those affected by similar tragedies.
Stay tuned for more updates on Kahn’s journey as he continues to inspire through his music and advocacy for those impacted by the fires.
