The Central American, Los Angeles-raised techno legend and member of Sandwell Silent Servant has died.
The news was confirmed to Resident Advisor today, January 19, through its management company, Triangle. The cause of death is yet to be ascertained.
The Los Angeles-based DJ and producer, real name John Juan Mendez, was known for his work with the band Sandwell District, which lasted from 2002 until 2011 when the group broke up, and helped reshape the techno sound of the 2000s.
Mendes' musical career spans over 30 years. He began DJing at the age of 16 shortly after meeting Regis, owner of Downwards Records , and released a string of singles together in the 2000s.
After Sandwell's split, Mendes' solo career saw regular performances at Berghain, Tresor, Bassiani and elsewhere, and he founded the Jealous Gods label with Regis and James Ruskin.
Earlier this week, the Sandwell County February "Where Next?" announced the release of an archive compilation of 12 songs of the title.
In late 2023, Mendes released his latest work, In Memoriam, "a deeply personal memoir looking back on a 30-year career in which he explored and exploited the mystical side of music."
The work embodies the memory of the musician, but at the same time takes a modern approach to its creation. It was released on November 24 via Treasure Records .
"This EP is the first time I've been able to put all my memories and influences into musical form," Mendes told Mixmag in November.
“From my love of Detroit techno (Model 500 and Cybotron) on the M-87 to more wave EBM on the M-90 and techno overlays on the basic channel and the world of chain reactions on the M-90 » M-99. And finally in "M-00" with 2000s New York, Berlin and UK techno music.
Listen to Silent Servant's latest CD below.
Gemma Ross is Deputy Editor of Mixmag, follow her on Twitter.
