Juan Mendez, better known as Silent Servant, was a techno producer, DJ, and graphic designer who made an indelible mark on the electronic music world. He died in January 2024, along with his partner Simone Ling and friend Luis Vasquez of The Soft Moon. In this article, we shall honour his life, work, and legacy.
Early Life and Influences
Juan Mendez was born in 1962 in Los Angeles, California, to Cuban and Mexican parents. He grew up listening to new wave, industrial, and post-punk music, which influenced his musical preferences and style. He began DJing in his mid-teens and then attended the University of Southern California to study graphic design.
Career and Achievements
Juan Mendez began making music under the name Silent Servant in 2006 when he joined the Sandwell District collective alongside Regis, Female, and Function.
The collective was unique for its enigmatic and underground aesthetic as well as its dark, minimal, and experimental techno sound. Mendez also served as the collective’s graphic designer, creating artwork for releases and flyers.
After Sandwell District disbanded in 2011, Mendez formed his own label, Jealous God, and released songs on several labels like Hospital Productions, L.I.E.S., and Tresor.
His solo albums, Negative Fascination (2012) and Shadows of Death and Desire (2018), displayed his unique techno sound, which incorporated industrial, noise, EBM, and post-punk elements. He has also worked with musicians including Regis, Vatican Shadow, Marcel Dettmann, and The Soft Moon.
For his artistic vision, dedication to his craft, and acts of kindness and charity, Juan Mendez was well-liked and admired by his contemporaries and followers.
Daniel Avery characterised him as “an amazing artist and incredibly gentle guy,” Drew Daniel of Matmos and the Soft Pink Truth as “a truly original and gifted producer,” and Peter Van Hoesen as “one of the nicest people in electronic music.”
Juan Mendez Cause of Death and Funeral Details
Juan Mendez passed away in January 2024, along with his partner Simone Ling and friend Luis Vasquez of The Soft Moon.
Juan Mendez, known to the music world as Silent Servant, has sadly passed away. An artist in every facet of his life, Juan’s talents encompassed DJing, production, graphic design, and even mentorship. His professional accomplishments were undeniable, pic.twitter.com/Xu0xyRdheu
— Dirty Epic LA (@DirtyEpicLA) January 19, 2024
The reason for their deaths has not been officially established, however, reports indicate that they died as a result of a drug overdose using cocaine laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and can be fatal in small amounts.
The news of their passing stunned and saddened the electronic music community, which shared their condolences and tributes on social media.
They were remembered at a memorial service in Los Angeles, where their relatives and friends gathered to honour their lives and music. A fund was also established to help their families and raise awareness about the risks of fentanyl.
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