Beloved New Zealand experimental musician Dean Roberts died on Wednesday at the age of 49.
No cause of death has been released, but it was reported that his death was “unexpected” and that he was not ill.
Roberts was born in Auckland in 1975 built a reputation as one of New Zealand’s hardest working artists and was involved with several bands and solo projects during his celebrated career spanning over 30 years.
Roberts experimented with different genres, including electro, acoustic and improvisation.
He began his musical career in 1992 as a member of the popular rock band Thela and performed with them until 1996.
The talented artist then formed a solo project called White Winged Moth, in which he played trippy electroacoustic compositions on piano and guitar.
The veteran musician has played both in New Zealand and internationally throughout his career, including stadiums in America and Italy.
His unique style attracted the attention of a number of world-famous musicians, including Sonic Youth vocalist Thurston Moore, who collaborated with Dean in 1999.
Beloved New Zealand experimental musician Dean Roberts (pictured) died on Wednesday at the age of 49
Roberts’ former record label Kranky broke the tragic news via social media by sharing one of his album covers accompanied by the sad words, “Rest in peace.”
Heartbroken fans quickly took to X to pay tribute to the beloved artist.
“I’m going to miss you so much. Your way of turning the world into a song. Your way of finding the hidden voices in the instrument you played,” one fan wrote.
The talented musician was born in Auckland in 1975 and during his career of over 30 years he has experimented with different genres including electro, acoustic and improvisation
No cause of death has been released, although it was reported that his death was “unexpected” and that he was not known to be ill.
“Rip Dean. One of my absolute favorite musicians and an absolute hero/inspiration to me,” a second person added.
‘His work has left a lasting impression on me. Lonely, atmospheric and enveloping at the same time,’ said a third person.
Roberts is survived by his sister.