This Really Bums Me Out

Not sure how many know my admiration for the band Telefon Tel Aviv.

Some time ago, I auditioned as an extra in a movie that was being filmed in LIbertyville. Yes, it’s pretty pathetic that a 23-year-old could pass as a high school student, but hey… that’s Hollywood for you. It was neat experience. Lots of sitting around, but a nice insight into the world of filmmaking. The movie was pretty much a dud, but one of the saving graces was the absolutely brilliant soundtrack. I’d never really been too into electronic music up to that point, but after hearing the disjointed beauty that was Telefon Tel Aviv, the doors were opened. Over the last 8 or so years, I’ve followed their career pretty closely… with great expectations of new material… and was never disappointed. Their music grew into something more mature than I ever would’ve expected, and has continued to outdo itself every time around.

On the heels of the release of their new album, it saddens me to read this:

Hello, Everyone.

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 neice, 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

I highly recommend this band to anyone who loves music.
R.I.P. Charlie… you will be missed.