Experimental music pioneer Dean Roberts dies at 49

Known for his work in electroacoustic music, minimalism, and free improvisation.

Photo Credit: Lawrence English – X

The music industry mourns the death of Dean Roberts, an innovative New Zealand-born musician and composer, at 49.

Kranky, the record label behind Roberts’s 2003 album ‘Be Mine Tonight,’ announced his passing on August 14th, 2024. While details of his death remain undisclosed, the artist’s significant impact on the experimental music scene is widely acknowledged.

Roberts gained renown for his work in electroacoustic music, minimalism, and free improvisation. His musical journey began in the 1990s with the experimental noise trio Thela, where he first showcased his innovative approach to sound creation. Later, under the alias White Winged Moth, he explored solo electroacoustic compositions, pushing the boundaries of guitar, piano, and percussion techniques.

Throughout his career, Dean Roberts forged connections with a range of prestigious labels, including Kranky, Blank Forms Editions, Mille Plateaux, and Erstwhile Records. His exceptional talent caught the attention of industry luminaries, leading to a notable collaboration in 1999 with Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore and free jazz guitarist Eugene Chadbourne.