News & Events
- Staff
- In Memoriam
We are absolutely devastated by the news of the loss of Richard H. Kirk, music pioneer, founder of Cabaret Voltaire, and one of the most prolific musicians. Kirk formed Cabaret Voltaire with Chris Watson and Stephen Mallinder in the early 1970s, concurrently releasing music under his own name, and continued on in Cabaret Voltaire with Mallinder after Watson's departure, and alone, following Mal's departure. Kirk also released numerous recordings under various aliases such as Sweet Exorcist, Sandoz, Electronic Eye, Biochemical Dread, Al Jabr, Vasco De Mento, Orchestra Terrestrial, and Digital Terrestrial, just to name a few. He also recorded with Peter Hope, and a one off collaboration as Acid Horse with Paul Barker, Al Jourgensen, and CV bandmate Stephen Mallinder.
Mute records issued the following statement on their Twitter feed:
"It is with great sadness that we confirm our great and dear friend, Richard H. Kirk has passed away. Richard was a towering creative genius who led a singular and driven path throughout his life and musical career. We will miss him so much.
"We ask that his family are given space at this time."
Cabaret Voltaire was one of the original groups we hosted a web site for on brainwashed.com beginning back in 1996. He will be sorely missed
- Staff
- In Memoriam
The world would sound a lot different today (at least the music we listen to a lot of here at Brainwashed) were it not for the ears of of Lee "Scratch" Perry. Beginning with his role in Jamaica's legendary Studio One in the mid 1960s up until this year, he has been active in music, a visionary who would take the sounds he heard in his mind and create them for the world to hear.
The list of musicians he has collaborated with is massive, from Bob Marley to Paul McCartney to the Clash to Brian Eno to Andrew WK! Known as the Godfather of Dub, his creations may have originally nestled under the genre of Reggae, dub has proliferated throughout music since its inception, finding its way into rock, electronic, jazz, avant-garde, metal, ambient music, and nearly everything in between.
He will sincerely be missed however he has left us with nearly a lifetime of music to listen to and catch up with.
Our love goes out to his family and friends.
- Staff
- In Memoriam
We are all incredibly shocked and saddened at the sudden and unexpected loss of Peter Rehberg, a peerless and powerful force in independent, forward-thinking, innovative, and original music. It is rare that someone can leave such a lasting impression as a performer and composer (solo as Pita and with ensembles such as Farmers Manual, Fenn O'Berg, and KTL) and a label director and partner (Mego, Editions Mego, Recollection GRM, and Spectrum Spools). Everything he has had a hand in bringing to our ears has been worth listening to, and it has been a pleasure to be covering his works for over two decades.
Our hearts go out to all of his friends, family, and fans.
- Staff
- In Memoriam
Words cannot describe how devastated we are about the unexpected sudden loss of Nari Mann.
She was one of those music fans who just got it, had impeccable taste, was a classically trained pianist, a fantastic photographer (flickr.com/photos/nariposa), a local hero (Keep Austin Warm), a writer (nariposa.wordpress.com) who just recently became a contributor to brainwashed, and a friend for decades.
Here's her pictures from Brainwaves 2008.
Our hearts go out to all her friends and family.
She is loved and is dearly missed.
 
- Staff
- In Memoriam
The world is a much more bearable place thanks to Harold Budd.
While he began composing in the 1960s, teaming up with Brian Eno in the late-1970s brought him greater acclaim through more widespread album releases. Collaborations with acts such as Cocteau Twins, Andy Partridge, and Brian Eno may have put him on the radar for people who would not normally be listening, and those who explored more were almost always rewarded by his aural treasures.
His influence is immeasurable.
- Staff
- In Memoriam
Singer, musician, art director LD Beghtol one of those people who kept you laughing. He released five full-length albums as Flare, but is most famously known for singing in The Magnetic Fields and authoring 69 Love Songs, A Field Guide for the 33 1/3 book series.
He was also one of the first contributors to Brainwashed.com when we began writing about music in the late '90s.
He will be sorely missed.
- Staff
- In Memoriam
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Silver Apples founder, Simeon Coxe. Not only was the music Simeon created back in the 1960s with Silver Apples influential beyond measure, he was an amazing gentleman and wonderful soul.
In 2008, Simeon played Brainwaves as Silver Apples to the only standing ovation during the weekend. Click here to see some photos by Greg Cristman. He will be missed.
https://obits.al.com/obituaries/mobile/obituary.aspx?n=simeon-coxe&pid=196760627&fhid=18119
- Staff
- In Memoriam
The following statement has been transmitted by Caresse and Genesse P-Orridge:
Dear friends, family and loving supporters,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce thee passing of our beloved father, Genesis Breyer P-Orridge.
S/he had been battling leukemia for two and a half years and dropper he/r body early this morning, Saturday March 14th, 2020.
S/he will be laid to rest with h/er other half, Jaqueline "Lady Jaye" Breyer who left us in 2007, where they will be re-united.
Thank you for your love and support and respecting our privacy as we are grieving
Caresse & Genesse P-Orridge
3s/heisher/erforever
- Staff
- In Memoriam
We are sad to learn about the passing of Mike Bailey, founder of Star Star Stereo, on February 29th of 2020. Mike was a college radio DJ in Wisconsin, launched Star Star Stereo (including releases from Casino Versus Japan, Charles Atlas, Jessica Bailiff, Alan Sparhawk (of Low), Pele, and Dakota Suite), worked at Blue Note in NYC, and most recently as Dean of Madison Media Institute in Madison, WI.  We will feature a special episode of Star Star Stereo Recordings on Brainwashed Radio: the Podcast Edition. More information can be found here.
- Staff
- In Memoriam
It is impossible to estimate the impact Vaughan Oliver had on the importance of the intersection between music and visual arts. Throughout his years at 23 Envelope, Oliver was responsible for the artwork and art direction of most 4AD releases along with Chris Bigg. While based in the UK, 4AD had the occasional support of radio, magazines, and promotional campaigns but overseas, most people had only the record cover artwork to go on. The stunning visuals of the 4AD catalog were enough to stop, pause, and appreciate while flipping through records down at the local shop. Over the years of the music industry downsizing, graphic downsizing, and rise of digital media and international communication, album cover art became less of a factor with music. The vinyl renaissance over the last few years, however, have sparked a renewed appreciation for art and Vaughan Oliver is often at the tops of everyone's lists of artists.
4AD founder Ivo Watts-Russell has paid tribute at 4AD.com.
Our hearts go out to Vaughan's friends and family. He will be sorely missed.
