Nathan Coles, tech house originator and fabric resident, dies aged 52

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  • Coles cofounded legendary parties Wiggle and Release.
  • Nathan Coles, tech house originator and fabric resident, dies aged 52 image
  • Legendary tech house DJ Nathan Coles has passed away. The news was confirmed today, February 14th, in a post on Coles' Facebook page. Written by his sons Fabian and Josh, it revealed that Coles had been dealing with a "severe mental health crisis which culminated with him taking his own life" on February 12th. "We are all still in shock and can't believe he is truly gone," the post continued. "But in reality, he never will be. Through the many hundreds, if not thousands, of lives he has touched, he will live on in memory as one of the funniest, kindest characters to have graced this planet. And one of the best dads myself, Josh or Jack could have ever asked. We feel lucky to have known him for as long as we did, and if only a little, at ease knowing he is free from further mental anguish." Coles started out hosting a number of parties and illegal raves across London in the early 90s, including the legendary Release with Mr. C. He then cofounded Wiggle with Terry Francis in 1994. Marrying bass-heavy, four-on-the-floor beats with slick house grooves, the tracks spun at these parties set the blueprint for what would soon become known as tech house. Later launching a record label wing, Wiggle became one of the most influential outlets of the era, with Coles, Francis and fellow resident Eddie Richards holding down a residency at fabric for more than a decade. Releasing music under an array of different aliases, Coles collaborated with the likes of Francis, Mr. C, Silverlining and Nils Hess. His output found its way onto labels such as Groove Pleasure, 10 Kilo and his own outlet, Is This. Read some tributes.
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