I’m incredibly saddened to learn that Charlie Cooper, half of Telefon Tel Aviv, has died at age 31. His death on January 22 was revealed by Josh Eustis on the Telefon Tel Aviv MySpace page.
We have been so fortunate to tour the world together, while at the same time having a massive amount of laughs at one another’s expense.
Aside from Charlie’s singular genius and musical gifts, I can tell you that he was a total sweetheart of a guy, and a loving friend and confidant to people everywhere. His musicianship was surpassed only by his greater gift to the world – his warmth, his generosity, his unquenchable humor, and his undying loyalty to those whom he loved. In the spirit of honorable mention, however, I should mention that he had a shoe collection that was marvelous, knowledge of hip-hop that was profound, and knowledge of wine that was subtle.
He is survived by a sister, a neice, a nephew, his mother, his stepfather, me, and more adoring friends than the Universe has dark matter. As such, his family and I ask for your discretion and consideration of our privacy during these extremely turbulent waters.
Reflections on the news from CDM contributor Liz McLean Knight:
Fairenheit Far Away: Charlie Cooper of Telefon Tel Aviv will be missed [Liz Revision]
I certainly wish to respect the privacy of his family and friends, but I suspect that his musical celebrity is such that some of the details of this tragedy may inevitably become public. XLR8R.com points to a CBS Chicago report that he went missing last Wednesday night; an autopsy is scheduled.
RIP Telefon Tel Aviv’s Charlie Cooper [XLR8R.com]
Elsewhere:
Our friend Charlie Cooper from Telefon Tel Aviv has passed away. An unstable time caused by concrete facts and when it is decided that things have settled – it is we who have changed.
A Friend Passes [TRASH_AUDIO]
My heartfelt condolences to Charlie’s family and friends. The musical world will miss one of its great innovators and creative spirits.
I’d certainly welcome thoughts and memories from readers and ways in which we can honor his memory. Feel free to leave ideas in comments.
A few years back, the good folks at Penguin Music (one of those hip record stores in Toronto that people moan about the disappearance of but rarely support with real $$) turned me onto TTA. It was immediate infatuation which later turned to love as I listened… Opened my mind to the idea that electronic music could be art.
Fuck.
What the fuck?! Man … this is really sad news. They did some great stuff together. I first found out about them thanks to their remix of "The Green Green Grass" by The American Analog Set. 31 is way too early of an age to go.
🙁
I'll never forget picking up Nine Inch Nails' remix record Slipping Away and being blown away by track 7. What I might call the "permagrin effect" while listening was in full force. The following year I was sure to purchase Fahrenheit Fair Enough right away and they've been one of my favorite artists ever since. Their music was unlike anything I had ever heard before, and it kind of still is that way. Their remixes are so interesting and take songs that I may not have much of an interest in and bring them to life in a way that really is relevant to me.
RIP my friend! 🙁
This is incredibly sad news. It was through Nine Inch Nails I discovered Telefon Tel Aviv and through them I discovered so many other fantastic musicians. It was because of Telefon Tel Aviv I found both Hefty Records and Ghostly International. I have loved Telefon Tel Aviv since the very beginning and now regret deeply never seeing them live. Their first album, Fahrenheit Fair Enough, truly changed the way I heard and thought about music. Their second album, Map Of What Is Effortless, spoke very loudly to what they could achieve. Their countless remixes and singles were always pleasant surprises between releases and their production work with L'Altra was beautiful. Their latest record, Immolate Yourself, is a testament to their electronic influences and should be embraced. Charlie Cooper's contribution to music will always be remembered.
Yes, very sad. 🙁
RIP Charles and thanks for the music!
[…] Aviv’s third album, which we’ve sadly just learned will be a posthumous release for the duo’s Charlie Cooper. “immolate yourself“ unites ten tracks with the aim to give the term electro pop a new […]
Charlie always made me laugh. He made great music, but more than that, he made me smile when he was in the room. I will miss my friend Charlie.
Such a tragic loss. For those family and friends reading — although we can't begin imagine what you are going through, our thoughts are with you.
Although only having known him in passing, I've lost a friend. A lot of people in Chicago (and all over the world) feel this way right now.
I knew him since '01 through various Chicago restaurants (the later through the music). Oddly, I was a fan of TTA's tracks well before making the connection that he was the same "Charlie from Telefon Tel Aviv". His way of relating to others spoke volumes about him as a person… The real deal, a genuinely cool dude.
And, not to mention the genius musical mind. Such talent, and he didn't made a big deal about it.
We're going to miss you, Charlie.
Charlie was a wonderful person.
The world has lost a truly unique and talented musician.
May you find full expression in whatever awaits you in the beyond, Charlie, and may your family and friends be comforted.
heard the news earlier tonight and still can't believe it. i had the opportunity to do a few shows with charlie here in chicago and he was not not only an amazing artist but also a really genuine dude… he will be missed by maany.
I had a similar experience to a previous poster. I heard the NIN remix "Where is Everybody" by TTA and absolutely lost my mind.
Once I found out the remixers and grabbed their existing CDs "Fahrenheit Fair Enough" and "Immediate Action", I was blown away.
TTA has a way of creating skittering electronic beats and lush digital sounds that are wrapped in a real soulful organic texture. It's something that I've not heard from any other musicians, and it's probably the thing I respect most about them.
Charlie will definitely be missed.
RIP.
Wow I didn't know they were from my neck of the woods New Orelans.. how tragic!
My heart and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fans.
We will miss you.
Let's do a tribute album for him…. everybody who wants to does a track inspired by him or that honors his work, or that is dedicated to him and those who were close to him…. Good idea?
this is really horrible.
I didn't know the guy personally, but I plowed through the first two TTA releases for some time. in a time where I found very little good new electronic music, TTA were an exception. their albums have some wonderfull stuff.
A terrible loss for the electronic music community. I will never forget the first time I heard the title track from Fahrenheit Fair Enough and was completely blown away by the intricacy and attention to subtle detail amidst the complexity. Best of luck to his family and the rest of Telefon Tel Aviv.
I knew Charlie back in high school. He always had a smile on his face and his positive attitude toward life was contagious. I know he'll be greatly missed by both family and friends. I offer my prayers to Charlie as well as his family.
[…] Obituary: Charlie Cooper, Telefon Tel Aviv; Musical Reflections Welcome (createdigitalmusic.com) […]
I remember years ago playing with the boys in Vegas for XLR8R event. Such a nice guy and we even talked of collabing. I have always been a fan and will truly miss the magic combination of the duo's energy.
We will be dedicating a few songs to him, stay tuned.
King Britt
FUCK =( tta it's better music