A Musician's Struggle: Remembering Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin
A Shocking Loss to the Music Community
January 12, 2024 - Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, the gifted guitarist and co-founder of the South London band Black Midi, has passed away at the young age of 26. The news was announced by the band's record label, Rough Trade Records, leaving fans and the music community in shock.
A Battle with Mental Health
Kwasniewski-Kelvin had been open about his struggles with mental health. Rough Trade Records released a statement revealing that he had been battling these issues for a long time. Despite the support of his family and loved ones, he ultimately succumbed to his inner demons.
The post on Instagram encouraged fans to check in on their loved ones and reach out to mental health charities if they needed support.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Kwasniewski-Kelvin formed Black Midi with his classmates from the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. Together, they released their debut album, "Schlagenheim," in 2019. Although he left the band before their second album, "Cavalcade," was released in 2021, he still received songwriting credits for some of the tracks.
A Moment of Vulnerability
In January 2021, Kwasniewski-Kelvin shared his mental health struggles with his fans. He announced that he would be taking some time off from the band to focus on his well-being. His bandmates expressed their support, stating that they were fully behind him in his recovery and looked forward to playing together again soon.
The Band's Hiatus
The remaining members of Black Midi went on tour in 2021 but decided to take a hiatus in 2024. Their management explained that the band members agreed to take a break to pursue solo projects, but the door for Black Midi was left open.
A Legacy of Awareness
The loss of Kwasniewski-Kelvin is a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness. It is crucial to reach out to loved ones and seek help when needed. The music community has come together to honor his memory and raise awareness about mental health issues.
