Experimental electronic music producer Mika Vainio has died at age 53.
Vainio’s death has been been confirmed by family and friends, but no further details are known.
Vainio formed Pan Sonic (originally known as Panasonic) in 1993, alongside Ilpo Väisänen and Sami Salo. Salo left the project in 1996. Vainio and Väisänen remained active as Pan Sonic to the present day, and released a film soundtrack last year.
Vainio was also active as a solo artist and frequently collaborated with others, including Charlemagne Palestine, Fennesz, Merbow and Franck Vigroux.
This video, via Culturebox, captures Vainio performing live in 2015 at the Sonar Festival:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzTUeZEKb24
I was just talking with some friends yesterday about how Pan Sonic was really ahead of its time after listening to the newer crop of minimalist techno artists such as Function, Vatican Shadow and the like. It’s funny but I don’t ever really see them listed as references but their influence is undeniable.
Safe Travels Man.
Nice post man. Feelings mutual.
Armando
RIP in synthtopia.
So sad to hear this. He was immensely talented and prolific–one of the few artists whose name I would search on regularly to see if he had anything new out.
Saw him perform live at Vinyl on Hudson street in NYC like 20 years ago… RIP
An unfortunate loss.
I saw Pan Sonic @ Sonar in ’04.
Absolutely fantastic.
As posted above, they really were ahead of their time. The tones and timbres of their work are so rich.
Anyone who frequents this site, and is learning about these guys just now should really start to explore their catalogue.
One of the best and a massive influence. RIP