Tragic Loss in the Music World: The Soft Moon’s Jose Luis Vasquez, Techno DJ Juan Mendez, and Another Found Dead.

I can find only one comment on the Soft Moon Insta acknowledging what I had feared about Luis’ from The Soft Moon cause of death: fentanyl.

But the news outlets have said it by this morning: authorities suspect fentanyl.

In this day, it’s imperative to harm reduce around those white powders and powdered substances.

It’s critical to have someone on an open phone line when one is going to consume a substance with risk of slowing one’s body down until one can’t breathe (opioids), or make sure to have someone who’s not going to use (designated driver) when others are unsure about their supplies and are going to use.

What Happened

It’s a heart-wrenching turn of events, musician Jose Luis Vasquez of The Soft Moon, along with renowned techno DJ Juan “Silent Servant” Mendez and his partner, Simone Ling, were found dead in a downtown Los Angeles loft. The discovery was made during a welfare check initiated by Vasquez’s wife.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities suspect a fentanyl overdose as the cause of death, said to be marked by the presence of drug paraphernalia at the scene at Mendez and Ling’s home at the Pacific Electric Lofts on Main Street in downtown Los Angeles after Vasquez’s wife had contacted them, but accounts have been slim on evidence or narrative description of what “paraphernalia” they saw or what kind of inference they had to make.

However, the final determination will be made by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner’s Office, with results expected in three months to six months.

Tributes and Memories

The Soft Moon’s Instagram page has become a space for fans and friends to share their memories and tributes to Vasquez. His wife also shared a touching tribute, emphasizing his deep connection with his fans and his lasting impact on them.

Vasquez’s Legacy

Vasquez, originally from East Los Angeles, had a rich musical journey that began in his teens. His band, The Soft Moon, gained acclaim for its unique blend of industrial and post-punk sounds, with Vasquez being the creative force behind their music.

Silent Servant’s Impact

Juan Mendez, also known as Silent Servant, was a prominent figure in the techno scene for over thirty years. He was a part of the influential Sandwell District techno collective and co-founded the Jealous God record label. Mendez’s work extended beyond music into art direction and photography.

Community’s Reaction

The music community is mourning the loss of these two influential artists. Their contributions to their respective genres have left a lasting mark, and their unexpected deaths have been met with shock and sadness.

Rest in Power, though Let’s Fix Up, People of Earth!

Too many people dying over and because of drugs — which use to be fun, but are now more and more deadly to use!

And doctors and medicalization aren’t really helping, because they act as the promotion and marketing arm for the black-market cartels. Doctors and clinics are immune from getting people hooked, but then people and society shoulder the costs.

Mom and pop drug suppliers have long since been put out of business, while cartels still thrive. Small mom and pop drug suppliers and manufacturers rely on returning customers, so are incentivized for their customers (often friends) to live, so make sure to make the best drugs the technology they can access and their skill can muster.

What’s Enthereal about? We’re users of drugs who are demanding real, comprehensive policy reform to save lives and restore access to what people say works for them. We say, #letsgetreal.