Darkwave Musician Luis Vasquez of The Soft Moon Passes Away at 44

Luis Vasquez, the talented darkwave musician known by his stage name The Soft Moon, has tragically passed away at the age of 44. The news was confirmed by a representative, leaving the music industry heartbroken. Vasquez’s unique and influential sound will be greatly missed.

Vasquez, who was born in Los Angeles, began his musical journey playing guitar as a child and eventually formed his first punk band at the age of 15. Inspired by bands such as Fugazi and Bad Brains, he later embarked on his solo project, The Soft Moon, in 2009. Signing with Captured Tracks, Vasquez released his debut single ‘Breathe the Fire’ in 2010, followed by the self-titled album that same year.

Throughout his career, Vasquez continued to captivate audiences with his dark, minimalist soundscapes. Under the labels Captured Tracks and Sacred Bones, he released albums that garnered critical acclaim, including ‘Zeros’ in 2012, ‘Deeper‘ in 2015, and ‘Criminal‘ in 2018.

Vasquez’s most recent and final full-length album, ‘Coronary,’ was released by Sacred Bones in 2022. With this record, he aimed to share a range of emotions and human experiences, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

The circumstances of Vasquez’s passing have not been disclosed, but it is believed to be linked to an incident that also claimed the lives of techno DJ and producer Silent Servant (John Juan Mendez) and his partner, Simone Ling. The music community mourns the loss of these talented individuals.

A statement shared on Vasquez’s social media pages encouraged friends and fans to share their memories of him. His artistic legacy lives on, and the impact of his music will continue to resonate with listeners around the world.