Remembering Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin: A Visionary Guitarist of Black Midi
Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, a groundbreaking guitarist who played a pivotal role in elevating Black Midi to the forefront of the British indie scene, has tragically passed away at the young age of 26.
The news of his passing was shared by his family through a heartfelt statement, which was later posted on social media by Rough Trade, the bandS record label.
“With profound sorrow, we announce that Matthew Kwasniewski-Kelvin has succumbed to his long-standing struggles with mental health,” the statement read. “He was not only a gifted musician but also a compassionate adn loving individual. despite our best efforts, Matt has left us at the age of 26. He will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”
“We urge everyone to take a moment to reach out to their loved ones, as we strive to prevent such tragedies from affecting our youth,” the statement continued.
Rough Trade also expressed their condolences, stating, ”We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kwasniewski-Kelvin family during this heartbreaking time. Matt was an exceptionally talented individual whose presence will be sorely missed.”
“If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to seek help from friends, family, or organizations like Mind, CALM, and samaritans, who are always available to provide support.”
A Sonic Innovator
Although Matt’s tenure with Black Midi ended in 2021, his influence on the band’s audacious and experimental sound was undeniable. He served as the perfect complement to frontman Geordie Greep, often contrasting Greep’s baritone tones with his own luminous Telecaster riffs.
The band, which formed in 2017 after its members met at london’s BRIT School, quickly gained recognition for their extensive improvisational performances and unique musical style.
Groundbreaking Debut Album
Matt’s contributions are immortalized in Black Midi’s debut album, Schlagenheim, released in 2019. This critically acclaimed record showcased a remarkable array of songs characterized by abrupt time signature shifts and dynamic tempo changes, solidifying its place as one of the standout alt-rock albums of that year.
After departing from the band in early 2021 for mental health reasons, Matt made a notable guest appearance on Wu-Lu’s 2022 album, Loggerhead, and released a politically charged solo single titled Paedophile Ring [Free Palestine] [End the Holocaust] [End the War Now].
A Community in Mourning
Following the announcement of his death, an outpouring of tributes flooded social media, with many fans and fellow musicians expressing their condolences on Rough Trade’s Instagram post.
“Rest in peace, Matthew. My thoughts are with his family,” wrote Jason Williamson of Sleaford Mods. DJ Mary Anne Hobbs added, “I’m heartbroken to hear this tragic news.Rest in peace, Matt, you beautiful genius.”
musician 72 Circles remarked, “RIP to a unique, genuine, and fierce guitar player.”
