Musician Sam Mehran, who first rose to prominence as a member of Test Icicles, has died at the age of 31.
Mehran’s death was announced on social media yesterday (July 29) by Zak Mering of GunkTV Records, which released music by Mehran under the name Outer Limits Recordings. A cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
“You will be sorely missed and loved by many forever,” Mering wrote on Instagram yesterday in tribute to the late artist. “The most talented musician I’ve ever had the pleasure of being close friends with.
“I know you’re in a better place brother. You will not be forgotten.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl1LJH1BmHY/
Mehran co-founded Test Icicles in London with Dev Hynes (who now records and performs under the moniker Blood Orange) and Rory Attwell in 2004.
The band released their debut album, ‘For Screening Purposes Only’, in October 2005, which featured such singles as ‘Boa vs. Python’ and ‘Circle. Square. Triangle.’. They later split in 2006.
Mehran went on to record solo music under the aforementioned moniker Outer Limits Recordings, as well as Matrix Metals. He recently co-produced Ssion’s 2018 album, ‘O’.
Tributes to Mehran have been posted on social media by his peers and fans since news of his passing broke. Hynes wrote that Mehran was “a gift to the world”, adding: “The floor has gone and I don’t know where to stand.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl4ASv_gFkp/?hl=en&taken-by=devhynes
https://t.co/8G0aU9q2tI Sam ?
— Ariel Pink (@arielxpink) July 31, 2018
Sad to learn of the passing of Sam Mehran today. His music was a big impact on our lives. The moment Josh and I became friends was when I passed onto him, a copy of the Test Icicles album in the school canteen, knowing he’d love it as much as I did.
Rest in peace Sam.
— PAWS (@wehavepaws) July 30, 2018
RIP Sam Mehran – you are an incredible genius; one of a kind. thank you for all the ways you touched us with your vibrant spirit and effortlessly fire hooks – you will be truly missed. condolences to your family and inner circle during this tragic time. RIP.
— ADR (@AaronDavidRoss) July 30, 2018
R.I.P Sam Mehran
i’m in shock, such sad news.— moi (@SstevenwarwickK) July 29, 2018
Folks today is a grim one, Sam Mehran, aka Metrix Metals and Outer Limits Recordings, Test Icicles, and so many other hypnagogic pop and lo-fi projects, has sadly passed away. He’s done so much for the genre and music. Will miss him.https://t.co/j3crBDxeSo
— Nokia Dave ? MFF (@modernsqueeze) July 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/PatrikSandberg/status/1023933614302666752
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl2O5yAlHQQ
So sad to hear Sam Mehran died – so many different sounds, but always an incredible fusion, you wouldn't believe was possible, of psychedelic unreality and lucid, transportive evocation, a waking dream music. RIP. https://t.co/zETdGSnRNX
— Adam Harper (@RougesFoam) July 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/hannah19681538/status/1023719443803918336