I was absolutely desolate when I heard the shocking news yesterday (via a Facebook post) that Trish Keenan of Broadcast had died of pneumonia (possibly complicated by H1N1 influenza). Broadcast began in Birmingham in the mid nineties (where they remained until recently relocating to Hungerford). As a fringe member of the Brum scene of that era, our paths crossed and her death has certainly resonated more because of this "mutual friends" aspect (but also because she was a young healthy woman taken so early). But ultimately I just became a real admirer of the band, which over the years evolved into an essential "lynch-pin" in the cannon of experimental pop: one of those bands that defines a sound (or perhaps more an aesthetic in Broadcast's case). Their approach (and appeal) can almost be summarised in the title of their first full album, "The Noise Made by People". Broadcast were about more than just melody (though they had great melodies); noise, or sound of noise really, was essential too. The way they fused all that was their great strength. Trish was one of the two core members of the band (along with husband James Cargill) and her voice (icy and warm in equal measure) was its most defining characteristic. She sounded beautiful and looked beautiful (and very cool). Broadcast were the real thing. You only had to follow their extra-curricular activities to get a sense of how immersed in the exploration of sound and music they must have been. Various playlists and mixes were published on their website over the years, each of which was a route map to strange and exotic musical discoveries. In that sense the band name was so appropriate: Broadcast were ultimately like a TV channel; purveyors but also collators and curators: broadcasting fantastic stuff. They joined so many dots. It is to their absolute credit that their own releases (four proper albums and lots of singles which got gathered on two compilations) will surely be remembered as amongst the most essential and enduring releases on the left-field of pop. The link below is to the video of "Come on let's go" (from "The Noise Made by People"), one of my favourite songs. Trish you will be sorely missed - R.I.P. My deep sympathies and condolences to her husband, family and friends.
