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Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, guitarist who played Critically acclaimed British experimental rock band Black Midialready dead. He was 26 years old that year.
The band formed in 2017 as part of the emerging scene around London’s Brixton Windmill. They release music through producer Dan Carey’s labels Speedy Wunderground and Rough Trade Records.
A statement from Kwasniewski-Kelvin’s father Tony has been posted to Rough Trade’s website Instagramread: “It is with deep sadness that we, as a family, regret to inform you that Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin has passed away after a long battle with mental health.
“Despite all efforts, a talented musician and a kind, caring man finally succumbed. Matt was 26 years old. He will always be loved. Please take a moment to connect with your loved ones so we can stop this from happening to our young people.”
Rough Trade also issued a further statement, which read: “Rough Trade Records would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Kwasniewski-Kelvin family on the tragic passing of black midi founding member Matt, a hugely talented man who will be truly missed.”
“If you are struggling with mental health issues, please contact a loved one or one of a range of charities including Mind, CALM and Samaritans who will provide services and someone to talk to wherever you need them.”
Kwasniewski-Kelvin attended the prestigious British School for Creative Arts. There he met guitarist Jody Gripp and drummer Morgan Simpson. Together they formed Black Midi, with Cameron Picton later joining as bassist.
They played their first show at the Windmill in Brixton on 12 June 2017 and held a residency at the venue. In June 2018, they released their debut single “bmbmbm” on Speedy Wunderground. debut album Schlagenheim A rough trade record for 2019 follows.
exist 2020 Field Report independentKieran Read writes: “When Black Midi performed their single ‘bmbmbm’ at last year’s Mercury Awards – their first TV performance – frontman Geordie Greep’s awkward moans and guitarist Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin’s inexplicable front flip felt worse than rapper Slowthai dishing out Boris Johnson. Empty heads are more provocative and confusing.”
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Read adds that the band members “are all about jamming out angular, frenetic grooves and delivering obscure samples like Nikki Grahame’s big brother meltdown) through their amplifiers. After a whirlwind few months that included a signing with Rough Trade Records, impeccable KEXP performances, and a link-up with Can’s Damo Suzuki, they were quickly dubbed “the weirdest band around,” which in turn helped them build a reputation.
Before the release of the second album, Quasniewski-Kelvin left the band due to concerns about his mental health queue 2021, but received documented writing credits.
Among those who paid tribute to the musician were representatives of Windmill; X: “RIP Matt Quasniewski-Kelvin. Not sure what else to say other than my deepest condolences to his family and hope everyone takes their advice. So sad.”
If you are in pain, or struggling to cope, you can speak to a Samaritan privately on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org or visit Samaritan Website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you live in the United States and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, please call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free and confidential crisis hotline open to everyone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you’re in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org Find a helpline near you.