Matt Tolfrey was a DJ, producer, and the founder of popular dance music label Leftroom Records.
Tragedy has rattled the dance music community as news has broken of the untimely passing of artist and Leftroom Records founder Matt Tolfrey.
Tolfrey’s longtime collaborator, Damian Lazarus, was among the first to speak on his death this morning, October 13. He shared that Tolfrey passed away over the weekend but did not disclose his cause of death.
“This weekend we lost a key member of the extended Crosstown Rebels family,” wrote Lazarus. “Matt Tolfrey played a major role in our music scene and will be very sorely missed.”
Tolfrey was born in the UK and raised in Bahrain. He returned to the UK as a teenager and worked as a DJ in Worcester, going on to play in a regular series for Nottingham Trent University‘s Fly FM while at university.
Lazarus credits Tolfrey with delivering “key singles and remixes” on Crosstown Rebels as well as representing labels stalwarts like Alinka, AJ Christou, Jaden Thompson, and Guti. In 2005, Tolfrey launched Leftroom, signing music by the likes of Lee Burridge, DJ Bone, and Kate Simko, among others.
Tributes to Matt Tolfrey have poured in from across the dance music community. In an Instagram post, Classic Music Company wrote, “Classic are devasted to hear of the passing of Matt Tolfrey; DJ, producer, label runner, manager and importantly our friend. Matt was a longtime supporter and fan of all things Classic during his residency at The Bomb in Nottingham and of course at places like London’s Fabric.”
“You weren’t just my manager — you were my friend of over 20 years,” wrote Maher Daniel in an Instagram post. “Someone I could call and talk to about anything. A collaborator I created music with, and above all, my brother. We’ve seen so much together and been through even more.”
We here at EDM Idenity express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Matt Tolfrey during what can only be a difficult time.
