Published
Sun, Aug 27, 2023, 21:22
- On his own and with musical partner Adam Wiltzie, McBride was one of the most important artists in ambient and drone music from the '90s onward.
Brian McBride, one half of Stars Of The Lid, has died at 53.
The news was confirmed on the band's Instagram, with a note that said "I am deeply saddened to tell everyone that Brian McBride has passed away. I loved this guy and he will be missed." The cause of death is unknown. He lived in Los Angeles.
Alongside Adam Wiltzie in Stars Of The Lid, McBride became one of the most well-known musicians and composers in the realm of ambient and drone music. The group used acoustic instruments to make long, sprawling compositions, as well as creative sampling techniques. They put out several classic albums in the '90s—like 1997's The Ballasted Orchestra—culminating in their renowned (and final) 2007 double album And Their Refinement Of The Decline.
Both solo and in Stars Of The Lid, McBride was a regular on the American label Kranky. He released two solo LPs on the imprint (including the soundtrack for a documentary film called Vanishing Of The Bees) and also worked with Kenneth James Gibson in the duo The Bell Gardens.
Though Stars Of The Lid haven't released any music since 2007, they've played together sporadically since.
Read some tributes, and listen to "Don't Bother They're Here" from And Their Refinement Of The Decline.
Photo: Steve Molter