Los Angeles-based electronic musician and prominent producer Napolian dies at 29

Napolian (born Ian Evans), the LA-based electronic musician and producer, has died aged 29.

His death was confirmed by his collaborator Joel Ford, who posted a tribute on Twitter Thursday, July 1.

“RIP my friend and musical genius Ian Evans. I can’t even believe this is real,” Ford wrote. As of press time, the musician’s cause of death has not been disclosed.

RIP my friend and musical genius Ian Evans. I can’t even believe it’s real. pic.twitter.com/FJBlIjyrOL

– ⚰️✌🏽Joel Ford🌈🌵 (@wayslower) July 1, 2021

Known for having worked on music for A $ AP Ferg, Kelela and Yves Tumor, Napolian was also a full-fledged solo artist, releasing music on several labels. He released the acclaimed LP Incursio and EP Rejoice on the Oneohtrix Point Never’s Software label and has also released music on Beer On The Rug, Cascine and Warp Records.

One year after 2014 Incursio, Napolian released a collaborative album with Ford (also known as Airbird) titled Mister fool.

Since his death, artists, fans and labels have taken to social media to share their tributes to the late musician.

Oneohtrix Point Never wrote in an Instagram tribute: “I am devastated by Napolian’s passing yesterday, it was a shock to those of us whose lives he touched.”

“I don’t know how to qualify Ian’s talent and kindness. He loved electronic music deeply and we would always talk about the fact that it was a spiritual thing, ”he continued. “I’m so happy to have been a part of your life – too short, you had so much more to give.” Rejoice and Incursio are forever etched in our memories and we will cherish you forever.

See more tributes to Napolian below:

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Ian was with us every day working on the blend of the dawn chorus, going through every stem and every sound and bringing such a skillful touch and ingrained energy to the procedure.

Rest in peace to a truly talented and warm spirit x https://t.co/P2qR5PG3Hs

– jg (@jacquesgreene) July 1, 2021

rest in peace Napolian, one of my biggest influences and favorite musicians, easy. so much love to his family and loved ones.https: //t.co/uhkPtGKUKN

– Skylar Spence (@skylar__spence) July 1, 2021

RIP Napolian… Ian was absolutely amazing and I will miss him dearly.
That’s the first thing I heard from him, and it’s still mind-blowing to this day. https://t.co/hQpKCgst56

РDV-i: 2021 (Yack! D̩culture Edition) (@physicallydv) July 1, 2021