Jamie Tiller, co-founder of Music From Memory, dies at 44
According to the label, which he helped launch in 2013, his death was due to a “tragic accident.”
Jamie Tiller, a co-founder of the Dutch independent record label Music From Memory, has passed away. The news was posted to the label’s Instagram account on Thursday, October 19. A representative of the label later confirmed the information to Pitchfork. “We are deeply saddened and heartbroken to announce that our dear friend and founder of Music From Memory, Jamie Tiller passed away on Sunday, October 15 following a tragic accident,” the post’s caption reads. It’s signed by Music From Memory’s Tako Reyenga, Boris Van Der Hoff, and Nick Verbakel.
Tiller was born in London in 1979 and got a master’s degree in photography from the Royal College of Art in 2008. In 2013, while living in Amsterdam, he launched Music From Memory with Reyenga and Abel Nagengast. It was a reissue label at first, compiling recordings from Gigi Masin, Suzo Saíz, Napoleon Cherry, and others, often bringing attention to overlooked work. More recently, Music From Memory has been putting out new records — their 2023 releases include Androo’s Club Saloon Theatre, Philipp Otterbach’s The Dahlem Diaries, and Habitat Ensemble’s forthcoming, self-titled debut LP.
In addition to his work with Music From Memory, Tiller was a DJ and concert promoter. He was also a husband and father, according to the label’s Tuesday Instagram post. “Our deepest condolences go out to Jamie’s wife, son and family and friends,” Reyenga, Van Der Hoff, and Verbakel write. “We wish them all the strength in the world to get through this incredibly difficult time.
“Jamie was an absolute inspiration and an amazing friend,” they continue. “He approached music with a purity and humility that gave joy to so many. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to touch and inspire people all around the world. He will be greatly missed.”