Central American-born, Los Angeles-raised techno legend and Sandwell District member Silent Servant has died.
This news was confirmed today, January 19, by the Residential Advisor of the Triángulo Agency management. The cause of death has not been confirmed.
The Los Angeles-based DJ and producer, whose real name is John Juan Méndez, is best known for his work as part of the collective Sandwell District from 2002 until 2011, when the group disbanded and helped shape the sound of techno in the 2000s decade.
Méndez's musical career spans more than 30 years. He began DJing at the age of 16 and soon after met the owner of Downwards Records , Regis, and together they released several singles in the 2000s.
After the breakup of Sandwell District, Méndez's solo career saw him perform regularly at Berghain, Tresor, Bassiani and others, and he co-founded a record label with Regis and James Ruskin, Jealous God .
Earlier this week, Sandwell District announced the February 12 track 'WHERE TO?
In late 2023, Méndez released his latest work, In Memory, revisiting his previous work "into a deeply personal memoir of a career spanning over 30 years exploring and mastering the dark side of music."
The whole work evokes memories of the musicians along with a modern approach to their production. It was released on November 24 through Tresor Records .
"With this EP, it's the first time I can take all my memories and influences and put them into musical form," Méndez told Mixmag in November.
From my love for Detroit techno (Modelo 500 and Cybotron) on M-87, to Wave EBM on M-90, passing through the world of Basic Channel and Chain Reaction dubs on M-99 and, finally , the New York Techno of the 2000s. Berlin and England in the M-00'.
Listen to Silent Servant's latest album below.
Gemma Ross is assistant editor at Mixmag, follow her on Twitter
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