DJ, producer and former Mixmag editor Janette Slack has died aged 42

International DJ and producer Janette Slack died away aged 42 on Sunday (November 13), her family has confirmed.

Best-known in the cities of Hong Kong and London, Slack was boss of label Slack Trax and previously worked as Mixmag's Breaks Editor for a number of years.

Born in Hong Kong, Slack was first spotted for her Torture Garden session in the early 2000s but later returned to her home city spending her spare time teaching children to DJ.

Whilst in London, she became the first female winner of London’s Denon DJousts contest as well as often had radio and TV appearances on the BBC.

According to the Hong Kong-based festival Clockenflap, she was widely sought after for her “lavish and eyebrow-raising” marathon sets at private island parties and on luxury cruises.

Since the news was confirmed by her brother Trevor Slack with the statement: “Oh Janette, my little big sis, I love you more than you can ever begin to imagine. We had a relationship no one really understood, not even ourselves at times, but you will always be my Sister. I am lost for words and devastation is not even close to how I can begin to describe it. You always told me how proud and how much you loved me and I always told you the same.

“I love you and miss you so dearly Jan Jan. As hard as this is for me to accept, or any one else for that matter, I know you are at peace.”

Tributes have poured in for the late DJ. “Janette was a true trailblazer for women in the electronic music scene – both in Hong Kong, throughout Asia and even in London – and she had an absolute passion for dance music and the scene in general,” Adam Wright, an event promoter and DJ who worked with Janette over two decades told Hong Kong Free Press.

He continued: “While she was an exceptionally talented DJ and music producer, her friends will remember her best for her infectiously positive attitude, unfailing friendliness and her joyful, warm heart.”

“As happy as she appeared generally, she seemed happiest when sharing her love of music with her young DJ and music production students. It was inspiring how she was able to relate to these youngsters as equals and she took real pleasure in their achievements. They all really looked up to her – as we all did in some way.”

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Video and Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter