Los Angeles Techno Legend Silent Servant Has Died
Central American-born, Los Angeles-raised techno legend Nirav Chakar, a Sandwell resident, has died.
This news was confirmed today, January 19, by the management of the resident consultant of the Triangle agency. The cause of death has not yet been established.
The Los Angeles-based DJ and producer, real name John Juan Mendez, was best known for his work as part of the Sandwell District Collective from 2002 to 2011, when the group broke up and redefined the sound of techno. 00s
Mendes's musical career spans over 30 years. He started DJing at age 16 and soon met Regis, owner of Downwards Records , with whom he later released several singles in the 2000s.
Following the demise of Sandwell District, Mendes' solo career saw him play regularly with Berghain, Tresor, Bassiani and others, and co-found the Jealous Gods record label with Regis and James Ruskin.
Earlier this week, Sandwell County will launch the February Where Next? An archival collection has been announced. Consists of 12 tracks.
In late 2023, Mendes released his latest work, In Memoriam, a retrospective of his early work; "A deeply personal memoir of a career spanning over 30 years of exploring and harnessing the dark side of music."
The body of work is inspired by the memory of the musician, as well as the modern approach to its creation. It was released on November 24 via Tracer Records .
"This EP is the first time I've been able to put all my memories and influences into music," Mendes told Mixmag in November.
"From my love of Detroit techno (Model 500 and Cybotron) on the M-87 to the wavy EBM on the M-90, the mainstream world of dub techno and the chain reaction of the M-99: and finally the "New" M-00" 2000s techno from York, Berlin and the UK.
Listen to the latest from Silent Servant below.
Gemma Ross is Assistant Editor at Mixmag, follow her on Twitter.