Juan Mendez, the electronic music artist and member of the Sandwell District group famous for creating music under the alias Silent Servant, has passed away.
The passing of the individual was confirmed by his representative in the UK. Although he was in his forties, no specific age or reason for his passing has been disclosed.
Known for his intense and often sinister yet captivating production techniques influenced by industrial music, Mendez was born in Los Angeles to parents of Cuban and Mexican descent. He started DJing during his teenage years and described himself as a new wave enthusiast rather than a punk. However, he did have a strong belief in the punk ideology of being completely devoted to one’s craft.
In 2006, he began creating and sharing his own music under the name Silent Servant. He was part of a group called Sandwell District, which also included artists Regis, Female, and Function. Mendez was responsible for the artwork for the collective and also worked as an art director in addition to his music pursuits.
Following the disbandment of Sandwell District in 2011, Mendez established his own record label, Jealous God, and continued to release music through various other labels. In November 2023, he released music through Berlin’s Tresor label. Sandwell District reunited in that same year and were gearing up for a highly-anticipated performance at Barcelona’s Primavera festival, as well as the release of a new compilation album in February.
Artists have honored Mendez, with Daniel Avery praising him as “an incredible talent and a remarkably kind person.” Drew Daniel, of Matmos and the Soft Pink Truth, described Mendez as a “truly unique and talented producer,” while Peter Van Hoesen remembered him as “one of the most generous individuals in the electronic music scene.”
Source: theguardian.com
