As a DJ, I talk to musicians all the time. But this week hit different.

Layla Dias and KHUM DJ Jordan

I sat down with Harmonic Howl, Oryan Peterson Jones, and Layla Dias ahead of this weekend’s Arcata Rising benefit, and the conversations kept coming back to the same question: What does it mean to make music when everything feels heavy? And how do you turn that into something that actually helps?

The Jan. 2 fire in downtown Arcata rattled a lot of us. But it also reminded me why I love this place — people just show up. For these three artists, showing up means taking the stage at Humbrews this weekend.

Harmonic Howl brings their beautiful vocal blend. Oryan plays solo Saturday night at 8 p.m., then comes back with Uncredible Phin Band Sunday at 2:10 p.m. Layla closes things out Sunday at 4 p.m. with music that somehow lands exactly when you need it. All shows are a $10 minimum donation — every cent goes to fire relief.

I don’t know, maybe it’s obvious. But these interviews reminded me that music isn’t separate from taking care of each other. Sometimes it’s just how we do it.

Come out this weekend if you can. Let’s raise some voices together.

- Jordan

INTERVIEW: Harmonic Howl on KHUM

INTERVIEW: Oryan Peterson Jones on KHUM

INTERVIEW: Layla Dias on KHUM