Cherushii and Nackt identified as victims in Oakland warehouse fire
The music industry lost two bright young artists
100% Silk affiliated artists Cherushii and Nackt have been confirmed as victims of the deadly warehouse fire at the Ghost Ship art space in Oakland, which resulted in the death of 36 people.
Both Cherushii, aka Chelsea Faith Dolan, aged 33, and Nackt, aka Johnny Igaz, aged 34, were scheduled to perform on the night of the fire, an event that was part of Golden Donna’s 100% Silk tour.
Since emerging in 2013, Cherushii released a string of EPs and her debut album, ‘Memory Of Water’, via 100% Silk, but had been involved in the music industry for over a decade. She also held a popular radio show on Berkley’s KALX, showcasing a multitude of styles including Detroit techno, Chicago house, and classic rave tracks.
Nackt also released his debut album, ‘Virex’, on 100% Silk and graced labels like Chillin Music, Popgang and Don't Say Techno among others. He played a strong role within the dance music community in the Bay Area, co-founding the Outpost, Rare Form, and Deep East parties.
According to BBC, so far 35 of the 36 victims of the Ghost Ship fire have been identified and there are indications that the blaze was sparked by a refrigerator or other electrical appliances. Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley said they have not yet determined whether a crime took place, but charges from murder to involuntary manslaughter could be filed.
In the days following the Ghost Ship fire a collective of venue owners, artists, architects and other members of the DIY community developed a document outlining ways event organizers can modify venues to create safe spaces and avoid incidents like the recent tragedy. The public can view the document here.
Read 100% Silk's statement posted shortly after the disaster here.
Harrison is Mixmag's East Coast Editor. Follow him on Twitter here