A Musician's Struggle: Remembering Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin

Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, a gifted guitarist and co-founder of the South London band Black Midi, passed away at the young age of 26. His death was announced by the band's record label, Rough Trade Records, on January 12, 2024. The news came as a shock to many, as Kwasniewski-Kelvin had been open about his mental health struggles in the past. The statement from Rough Trade Records revealed that Kwasniewski-Kelvin had been battling mental health issues for a long time. Despite the efforts of his family and loved ones, he ultimately succumbed to his inner demons. The post on Instagram encouraged fans to check in on their loved ones and reach out to mental health charities if they needed support. Kwasniewski-Kelvin formed Black Midi with his classmates from the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. Together, they released their debut album, "Schlagenheim, " in 2019. Although he left the band before their second album, "Cavalcade, " was released in 2021, he still received songwriting credits for some of the tracks.In January 2021, Kwasniewski-Kelvin shared his mental health struggles with his fans. He announced that he would be taking some time off from the band to focus on his well-being. His bandmates expressed their support, stating that they were fully behind him in his recovery and looked forward to playing together again soon. The remaining members of Black Midi went on tour in 2021 but decided to take a hiatus in 2024. Their management explained that the band members agreed to take a break to pursue solo projects, but the door for Black Midi was left open. The loss of Kwasniewski-Kelvin is a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness. It is crucial to reach out to loved ones and seek help when needed. The music community has come together to honor his memory and raise awareness about mental health issues.