The California Wave: A Charity Single
For California Wildfire Relief
(Links to listen to “The California Wave” are at the end of this article.)
I wrote the lyrics for “The California Wave” on January 24, 2025. Over the next two days, I constructed the song using a combination of AI and digital tools.
A few days later, I shared the song with my friends Misty Rae and Vicki Lawana Trusselli. Vicki mentioned that the song made her feel happy and suggested I release it as a charity single for California wildfire relief. Inspired by her idea, I reached out to several charitable organizations and ultimately chose The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation as the beneficiary.
LAFD Foundation Mission
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation provides essential equipment and funds critical programs to help the LAFD save lives and protect communities. By purchasing life-saving gear, offering mental health support, and funding other crucial tools and initiatives, the LAFD Foundation helps bridge the gap between the City’s budget and the department’s needs.
Their success is measured by how prepared, equipped, supported, and safe Los Angeles firefighters are.
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The LAFD offers several resources to educate the public about wildfires, including how to prepare, stay aware, and respond effectively. Their website provides real-time updates on active wildfires and detailed evacuation plans.
Wildfire Safety & Updates: https://lafd.org/wildfire
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One of the LAFD’s biggest needs is funding for mechanics and parts to repair out-of-service fire engines and ambulances.
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Being a firefighter is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Every day, they face life-threatening situations to protect our communities. Each firefighter puts their life on the line to save ours. The LAFD deserves our gratitude, respect, and any support we can offer to help them do their job safely and effectively.
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How You Can Help
Each stream or video view of “The California Wave” generates royalties that will be donated to the **Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
The song is available on Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, iTunes, Deezer, Amazon Prime, iHeart Radio, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms.
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About the Song
Toward the end of January, I kept thinking about how much I wanted to show my gratitude to the state of California. I feel strongly that it doesn’t deserve the bad reputation it sometimes gets. California is a beautiful state. It is well cared for, and the people (for the most part) are great.
The state also has many programs in place to help those in need. I know this firsthand, having been my mom’s caregiver for four years. Healthcare in California is better than in most states. Yes, things can be expensive here, but the reality is that wages in California are also higher than in most other states.
Speaking for myself, California has been good to me.
Writing the lyrics for “The California Wave” came naturally. I knew exactly what I wanted to say.
For the sound, I envisioned a Beach Boys-inspired style with layered harmonies and multi-tracked vocals. However, I wanted it to feel modern, so I incorporated *electronic elements into some of the vocals and added synthesized musical fills throughout the song.
I call the song a Modern Retro California Sound.
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“The California Wave” (Lyrics)
California is a beautiful place
People living in sunny comfort
Sandy beaches, put a smile on your face
Put a smile on your face
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The California Wave
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Cruisin’ down PCH in my Cabriolet
I’m looking out for fun, fun, fun
Blue skies and I’m ready to seize the day
I’m ready to seize the day
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The California wave
On the road to Newport Beach
Hang ten surfing brave
Catch the California wave
The California wave
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Sunshine waves that’s the California way
Heading out to fun town USA
Soothing salty air blows across my face
Salty air blows across my face
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Huntington
Half Moon
Mavericks
Malibu
Emerald Bay
Venice Beach
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The California wave
On the road Pacific Coast
Nightlife strobe light rave
Catch the California wave
The California wave
Catch the California wave
The California wave
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Listen to “The California Wave”
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1LFmmbBCyJ7Ge9ZP8CGgt5?si=byp50hTKSeixEbyL_W0ZCA
YouTube: https://youtu.be/oXU4kA61iMo?si=sPTTM3xMJ7ddpXrT
Tidal: https://tidal.com/track/416152377?u
iTunes / Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-california-wave/1795887353?i=1795887354
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Y53pnG/
iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/artist/the-rick-henry-christopher-project-43657679/albums/the-california-wave-312333431/
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/album/708759351
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Things To Do While Listening To “The California Wave”
Workout/Exercise
Walk/Jog
Add to your playlist
Smile
Dance
Go on a road trip
Sip on your favorite beverage
Housecleaning
Sing along
Cook
Brainstorm
Feel happy
Make funny faces
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Special shoutout to Tiffany Gordon: Thank you for helping choose images, the prayers, and just listening when I am down and out... I appreciate you tremendously!!!
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Thank you, RHC ❤️
About the Creator
Rick Henry Christopher
Writing fulfills my need for intellectual stimulus, emotional release, and soothing the bruises of the day.
I’m an open book. I’m not afraid to show my face or speak my mind
Visit on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vocalplusassist
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Comments (8)
Great idea for a good cause, Rick. The song reminds me of Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys! 🕺
I've been playing around with AI music maker, myself. Most of the recordings I've done over the years have been in the experimental/noise/musique concrete genre, although I occasionally have mashed it up with noisy jazz, rock, punk, etc. The AI music makers can be frustrating, but will turn out a whole song based on a single prompt. You can then obviously remix and sample to your heart's content. And the quality is perfect. Your song lyrics remind me a little of "California Blue" by Roy Orbison. I'll give it a listen. best to you!
I think this is a great idea, Rick. Thank you for doing it.
This is awesomeeee! I cant listen to the song right now as I'm not at home. But your lyrics are beautiful!
Diggin' The Song's Stressfree Vibe & Your Altruism! Well done Rick! 👏🏾👏🏾💝
What a great idea Rick! So admirable of you to think of a way to help with the fire relief efforts. I like the song, it's catchy and definitely has that Californian vibe! Bravo, my friend!
Congratulations on your new single! I'm planning on listening to it later today! Love that you are doing this for such a great cause!
This is so cool! A Beach Boys-inspired bop for a great cause? Love it. The whole vibe screams good times for a good reason. And that list of things to do while listening? Perfection. Adding “making funny faces” as a must. Catching The California Wave ASAP!