From L.A. Underground to Global Icon: The Soft Moon's Luis Vásquez Has Died

Luis Vasquez, the mysterious post-punk musician better known as The Soft Moon, has died. The tragic news of Vasquez's passing was shared via his instagram earlier today.

"It is with great sadness that we announce our dear friend, Luis Vasquez, has passed away," the post read. "Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, friends and extended music family."

Debuting in 2009, the Soft Moon quickly received attention from labels, landing a record deal with Captured Tracks for the release of their debut single "Breathe the Fire." The Soft Moon went on to release three full-length projects with them, his self-titled debut album (2010), Zeros (2012) and Deeper (2015).

He would later sign with Sacred Bones, releasing the album Criminal in 2018. His final full-record was Exister in 2022.

"The whole point of this record was to share every emotion that I feel," Vasquez said at the release of Exister. "No two songs are the same. It's about existing in the world as a human being and experiencing many emotions and experiences throughout life."

Born in Los Angeles to a Cuban immigrant mother and a Mexican father, who was never present in his life, Vasquez started to play guitar as a child and formed his first punk band at the age of 15. He often said he was inspired by groups such as Fugazi and Bad Brains.

A cause of death has not been disclosed, but it is believed that Vasquez died in an incident that also took the lives of the techno DJ and producer Silent Servant and his Partner Simone Ling.

"If you have a memory of Luis, no matter if you were a close friend of his or not, please feel free to share. This is a huge loss and our heart are broken," the statement posted to the musician's instagram said.