Hyperdub Records has confirmed the passing of longtime Kode9 collaborator The Spaceape, a poet/performer who’s spent the past five years battling a rare form of cancer called Neurolymphamatosis. Here is the label’s official statement via Facebook, along with a playlist that addresses what a singular voice Stephen Samuel Gordon was in underground electronic music, from his solo EP Xorcism—the first time he addressed his condition directly outside of the metaphor-laden Black Sun LP—to smoke-filled singles alongside The Bug, Martyn and Burial:
He leaves behind his wife Luciana and 6 year old daughter, Cleo. His first release was the 1st release on Hyperdub, ‘Sine of the Dub’ in 2004 with Kode9, with whom he also released 2 albums, Memories of the Future (2006) and Black Sun (2011).
In 2012 he also self-released the Xorcism EP, appeared on the track ‘Spaceape’ on Burial’s debut album in 2006, and also collaborated with The Bug, Martyn, Jerry Dammers, Redshape, Dub Gabriel, the Echologist and more. Last Monday he released his new EP with Kode9, ‘Killing Season’ including the video ‘Devil is a Liar’, which was filmed in July 2014.
Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends, and all who have been touched by his writings and performances. His Hyperdub family will always miss him.
