Charlie Cooper, a member of New Orleans electronic-music duo Telefon Tel Aviv, passed away Jan. 22 at age 31. Cause of death has not been reported at this time.

TTA released their third album, Immolate Yourself (Bpitch Control), Jan. 20. The group had built up a loving, sizable fan base through their technically proficient beat programming and sophisticated melodic sense, winning over Nine Inch Nails fans, IDM heads, and aficionados of melancholic, ’80s-inflected electro pop in substantial numbers. TTA were also in demand as remixers, reconfiguring tracks by NIN, jazz great Phil Ranelin, and Tool singer Maynard James Keenan’s Puscifer project. TTA played a well-received set at the 2005 Decibel Fest in Seattle.

Surviving TTA member Joshua Eustis wrote the following eulogy:

It breaks my heart to inform you all that Charlie Cooper, my better half in Telefon Tel Aviv, passed away on January 22nd.

We have been friends since high school, and began making records together a decade ago. We have been so fortunate to tour the world together, while at the same time having a massive amount of laughs at one another's expense.

Aside from Charlie's singular genius and musical gifts, I can tell you that he was a total sweetheart of a guy, and a loving friend and confidant to people everywhere. His musicianship was surpassed only by his greater gift to the world - his warmth, his generosity, his unquenchable humor, and his undying loyalty to those whom he loved. In the spirit of honorable mention, however, I should mention that he had a shoe collection that was marvelous, knowledge of hip-hop that was profound, and knowledge of wine that was subtle.

He is survived by a sister, a niece, a nephew, his mother, his stepfather, me, and more adoring friends than the Universe has dark matter. As such, his family and I ask for your discretion and consideration of our privacy during these extremely turbulent waters.

Yours in Music,
Joshua Eustis