Trish Keenan, the co-founder and frontwoman of English group Broadcast has passed away. Warp Records has issued the following statement:
“It is with great sadness we announce that Trish Keenan from Broadcast passed away at 9am this morning in hospital. She died from complications with pneumonia after battling the illness for two weeks in intensive care. Our thoughts go out to James, Martin, her friends and her family and we request that the public respect their wishes for privacy at this time. This is an untimely tragic loss and we will miss Trish dearly – a unique voice, an extraordinary talent and a beautiful human being. Rest in Peace.”
Initially a quintet, the group signed to Warp Records in 1997, who released a compilation of their early singles Work and Non Work. They released their debut full-length in 2000 entitled The Noise Made by People, establishing their experimental pop along the lines of Stereolab and receiving critical acclaim. The follow up came in 2003 in the form of Haha Sound, a bit harsher in texture, but not without the signature hooks and early electro-pop roots. Both albums made Pitchfork’s top 200 albums of the decade.
Tender Buttons was released in 2005 continuing that direction, again making several year and decade-end lists as well as gaining a spot on Adult Swim. By this point the group was just a duo: Keenan and multi-instrumentalist James Cargill. The Future Crayon, A singles and rarities compilation, was released in 2006.
The final Broadcast release came in the form of a collaboration with The Focus Group in 2009. Unfortunately, Investigate Witch Cults in the Radio Age may be the last we’ll hear from Broadcast. The band had been working on a proper follow-up to Tender Buttons, but there is no word on what will come of that.
We give our condolences to Trish’s family and friends and we will miss her wonderful music
Get familiar with the music of Broadcast:
“Come on Let’s Go” (from The Noise Made by People)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-0rFPsfQw4
“Colour Me In” (from Haha Sound)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3cM-MCD8IM
“Michael A Gramma” (from Tender Buttons)
