I remember where I was when the news broke to me that Jhonn Balance, much beloved singer and co-founder of the experimental music band, Coil, passed away. Approximately three weeks after I returned to Seattle, I was walking down Broadway contemplating what awaited me the following day, which was to be my first day of work at my new job (which is still my current job) when the text message came. My ex-boyfriend from Chicago, Erik, sent me a text: “Jhonn Balance died,” or something to that effect. I stopped dead in my tracks when the news entered my brain. I paused for a minute, wondering if he was serious or not.
The world of music lost a beautiful soul 4 years ago today. Experimental music has not been the same since that day. Jhonn’s passing was a major turning point in my perceptions of life and death. Life became precious that day, not to be taken lightly or taken for granted. I realized the importance of living every day of your life without compromise, without reservation, and with resolve. Coil played a huge role in awakening my musical awareness as well as acknowledging, accepting and embracing my sexual identity. I am eternally grateful for Coil’s existence in my universe and the amazing musical gifts they left for all of us along the way. I miss them dearly, but their music stays with us and Jhonn’s soul breathes through us.
A while ago, I contemplated creating a project of some sort as a tribute to Coil and Jhonn’s memory. However, an extended creative drought (along with my own self-doubt) at the time prevented this project from ever getting started. Recently, I resurrected the idea of writing a piece (potentially a book-length piece) dedicated to Jhonn. So, I’ve decided to start a new blog devoted to conceptualizing and collecting sources of inspiration for the project, which I will collect and develop over the next year. The 365 for Jhonn blog will start today with the 4 year anniversary of Jhonn’s death and develop this blog over the next 365 days until November 13, 2009, which marks the 5 year anniversary.
365 for Jhonn can be found:
WordPress version
Mac version (Coming Soon)
R.I.P. Jhonn
