News

R.I.P. Jeff Hanson

12:34 a.m. · June 8, 2009 · by Jim Allen

People describing Jeff Hanson's airy tenor as "heavenly" will now be speaking literally, as the 31-year-old singer/songwriter was found dead Friday in his St. Paul, Minn. home, apparently the victim of a fatal fall. Hanson, who released three albums on Kill Rock Stars, is said to be the only artist the label ever signed on the basis of an unsolicited demo. His high, fragile voice and low-key, acoustic-based recordings earned him frequent comparisons to Elliott Smith, but Hanson was a songsmith with his own vision, capable of crafting tunes of great beauty.

In an official statement, Kill Rock Stars said "We are deeply shocked and saddened," describing Hanson as "an amazing artist, a riotously funny person, and a good friend." The Wisconsin native released his third and final album, Madam Owl, on Kill Rock Stars last August. It's unknown whether there are any previously unreleased tidbits lurking somewhere in the vaults, but sadly, the world has seen its last proper Jeff Hanson record.