Picture yourself on a sun-soaked beach in Malibu, a margarita in hand, as waves crash rhythmically to a reggae-infused beat. If any musician could embody that feeling, it’s LA-born artist and musical innovator, Eddie Witz. But don’t mistake him for just another reggae or island rock artist—his sound is an effortless fusion of world music, folk, Americana, pop, and, of course, reggae. You don’t need to be high, or even in California, to get hooked on Witz’s clever genre-blending and magnetic storytelling.
His latest single, In California, captures both the beauty and fleeting nature of the Golden State. Released on Febrary 28th, it marks the third single from his highly anticipated new album, I Am What I Am. While Witz was deep in the recording studio during SXSW, I caught up with him over Zoom—where he gave me an exclusive sneak peek at some upcoming EP releases. (Lucky me!)
The Meaning Behind In California
“I was born and raised in California, and like so many others, the 2025 Los Angeles Fires were devastating,” Witz shares. “They tore through the place where my wife, Michelle, and I raised our children. California has given me so much, but it’s also been a place of loss and transformation. The fires that took my parents’ home and my children’s former elementary school were a stark reminder of how fragile ‘home’ can be—it can disappear in an instant. That means nothing should be taken for granted. My music is a way of honoring that journey—the beauty, the impermanence, and the resilience of the people who rebuild.”
Beyond dedicating In California to his beloved home state, Witz is turning his words into action by donating 100% of the song’s proceeds to No Res Gourmet, a non-profit providing gourmet, chef-prepared meals to the homeless and those in shelters. Since the onset of the LA wildfires, No Res Gourmet has served thousands of meals to displaced families and first responders. To Witz, this isn’t just charity—it’s a way of giving back to the communities that have shaped him.
His commitment to social causes doesn’t stop there. Witz has also supported Trees.org, an organization dedicated to reforestation and sustainable farming. Whether it’s feeding those in need or restoring the environment, Witz’s philanthropy isn’t just a one-time gesture—it’s woven into the fabric of who he is. He doesn’t just sing about the places and people that inspire him; he actively works to preserve and uplift them.
Support the Cause:
Learn more about No Res Gourmet and their wildfire relief efforts:
https://www.noresgourmet.org/la-fires
Eddie Witz: The Man Behind the Music
The word witz in German and Yiddish means humor, and Eddie Witz lives up to his name. Effortlessly charismatic, he blends sharp wit with an uncommon authenticity, making you laugh one moment and reflect deeply the next—just like his music. His songs aren’t necessarily comedic, but they carry a smirk, a knowing smile, and, at times, an emotional weight that hits you right in the gut.
“I like to think of music as a bridge between laughter and tears,” Witz says. “It’s that space in between where the best songs live.”
With In California, he walks that line masterfully, weaving nostalgia with resilience, melancholy with hope. It’s not just a song—it’s a reflection of life’s fleeting moments, a reminder to hold on to what matters, and a tribute to the people and places that shape us.
The Magic Behind the Sound
In California comes to life with the expertise of multi-Grammy Award-winning engineer Mauricio Iragorri (Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, The Roots), whose sonic craftsmanship enhances the track’s depth and clarity. Additional production, engineering, and mixing were helmed by Justin Gariano (Olivia Rodrigo, 5 Seconds of Summer), infusing the song with richness and texture.
The rhythm section boasts an all-star lineup:
🥁 Adam Topol (Jack Johnson, G. Love) – Drum kit & hand percussion
🥁 Randy Cooke (Smash Mouth, Alanis Morissette) – Groove-driven drums
🎸 Steve Fekete (Five for Fighting, Gwen Stefani) – Soulful acoustic & electric guitar
Together, they create a warm, layered soundscape that mirrors the heartbreak, nostalgia, and resilience of Witz’s California story.
🎵 Listen to “In California” here:
orcd.co/witzicsingle