Will Cullen Hart has sadly passed away at 53. Hart is best known for co-founding the Elephant 6 collective of musicians such as Of Montreal and The Olivia Tremor Control.
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The news of Hart’s passing came from a Facebook post made by Elephant 6 co-founder Robert Schneider. Schneider told fans that Hart passed away on Friday (November 29) morning of natural causes.
Hart’s death came the same day that The Olivia Tremor Control released new music for the first time in over 10 years.
In the announcement, Schneider spoke highly of Hart and his talents as a musician and producer.
“Will was a genius experimental and psychedelic pop musician, a brilliant and prolific visual artist who sketched and made collage art every second of every day, on every object within reach,” said Schneider. “He was a lifelong four-tracker, tape looper, spontaneous poet, sound collage constructor, deconstructionist of musical instruments, and a very talented composer of pop songs since we were teenagers.”
The exact cause of Hart’s death has not been released to the public. Though, Schneider noted that it was “sudden” and “peaceful.” Hart also suffered from multiple sclerosis.
Hart’s death is a particularly hard blow for the collective and The Olivia Tremor Control. Their recently-released songs are part of a project that was put on pause following the death of member Bill Doss in 2012. Despite his diagnosis, Hart was determined to finish the project and participate in the recent Elephant 6 recording company documentary.
Remembering Will Cullen Hart’s Legacy
In addition to co-founding Elephant 6, Hart also was a member of numerous bands. Such bands include The Olivia Tremor Control and Circulatory System.
A number of collaborators and friends have paid tribute to Hart since the announcement of his death.
“You will be missed, Will,” The Olivia Tremor Control member John Fernandes wrote. “But will live on in our memories and all the beautiful output you released in the world.”
According to Schneider’s post, Hart’s wife Kelly said that Hart was “excited and happy” to see fans downloading and enjoying his music. We wish his family and loved ones nothing but the best during this difficult time.
Fans can listen to The Olivia Tremor Control’s recently-released songs “Garden Of Light” and “The Same Place” via Bandcamp.
Photo via YouTube
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