The music community is mourning the loss of Los Angeles-based DJ and producer John Juan Mendez, widely known as Silent Servant.
Triangle Agency, Mendez's management, confirmed his passing in an email sent to Resident Advisor earlier today, January 19th. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but it is reported that Mendez's partner, Simone Ling, and Luis Vasquez, also known as darkwave musician The Soft Moon, may have also lost their lives in the same incident.
A significant figure in electronic music for over 30 years, Mendez, based in LA, gained recognition as a member of the era-defining techno collective Sandwell District alongside Regis, Female, and Function.
Following the disbandment of Sandwell District in 2011, Mendez co-founded the Jealous God label with Regis and James Ruskin, releasing records from notable artists such as Varg, Phase Fatale, and Black Merlin.
Mendez's own music found homes on labels like Cititrax, BITE, and Hospital Productions. His final solo record, the November EP "In Memoriam," was released through Tresor. Additionally, a new Sandwell District compilation, "WHERE NEXT?," was announced earlier this week.
A regular at some of the world's premier techno clubs, including Berghain, Tresor, Bassiani, and KHIDI, Mendez was scheduled to perform in Phoenix, Arizona, tonight.
Beyond his contributions to electronic music, Mendez was an avid enthusiast of new wave, minimal synth, and industrial music. These genres featured prominently in his monthly NTS Radio show. Outside the realm of electronic music, Mendez showcased his talents as an experienced art director and photographer.
As the news of Mendez's passing circulates, the music community has begun to share tributes. For those wanting to delve deeper into his impactful career, you can revisit a 2017 interview feature.
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