Musician Jose “Luis” Vasquez of the Soft Moon was one of three people found dead of a suspected fentanyl overdose in a Los Angeles loft, along with techno DJ Silent Servant and his wife.
Vasquez, 44, was found dead Thursday alongside the DJ, real name John “Juan” Mendez, and Mendez’s wife Simone Ling, 43, after a welfare check, sources told the Los Angeles Times.
Although the coroner did not disclose the cause of death, it is being investigated as a possible fentanyl overdose after paraphernalia was found at the scene in the DJ’s loft, the paper’s sources said.
Vasquez gained a global fan-base with his post-punk project the Soft Moon, and released five albums as well as several remixes and EPs. He also toured with acts including Depeche Mode, Interpol, and Mogwai.
“It is with great sadness that we announce our dear friend, Luis Vasquez has passed away,” Soft Moon’s social media pages confirmed, without detailing a cause.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, friends and extended music family. We ask to respect their privacy during this difficult time…This is a huge loss and our hearts are broken.”
The Soft Moon was a home-recording project that evolved into a popular post-punk/darkwave act. Vasquez was set to perform shows and festivals in Denmark, Georgia, Turkey and Greece next month, according to his website.
Mendez was a well-known LA techno DJ who recorded under the name “Silent Servant.”
“Devastated to hear about the passing of Juan, Silent Servant + Luis, Soft Moon,” tweeted Rachel Grace Almeida of “Crack” music mag.
“Two Latino artists whose legacies and contributions to techno, darkwave + industrial were synthesised by this very fact. Mourning their losses today, and every day.”
Performer and producer Peter Van Hoesen called him “one of the kindest people in electronic music”
“Deeply shocked and saddened by Juan Mendez’ passing from this life. Thank you Silent Servant.”
The trio was found Thursday at Mendez’s and Ling’s residence at the Pacific Electric Lofts on Main Street after a welfare check sought by Vasquez’s wife, according to the LA Times’ sources.
Vasquez made his music debut in 2010. His latest project, instrumentals from his 2022 album “Exister,” was released in December 2023.