Meda Fury label founder Nick Williams dies aged 49, Phonica Records and fabric pay tribute
Williams passed away in December following a battle with cancer
Dance music institutions are paying tribute to Meda Fury founder and DJ Nick Williams, who passed away on December 21 at the age of 49 following a battle with cancer.
Phonica shared the news of Williams’ death on Instagram on Christmas Eve, explaining that he passed away at home after “bravely battling cancer since March”.
“Nick was part of the heart of Phonica Records for 16 years,” they wrote. “From behind the counter to shaping the spirit of the shop, he gave so much of himself to this place and to the community around it.”
The record store also paid tribute to Williams’ “knowledge, generosity, humour, and passion for music”, touching “countless artists, DJs, customers, and friends from all over the world”.
Nick Williams got his start in the music industry more than two decades ago, both as a DJ and through his career at Phonica. In 2014, Williams launched his own imprint, Meda Fury, a sub-label of R&S Records, where he released music from DJ Seinfeld, Ryota OPP, and many more.
As a DJ, Williams performed at venues including fabric, Corsica, Pikes and Plastic People, and took the reins on his own radio show on Worldwide FM, named Radio Therapy.
Artists including Honey Dijon, Skream, Bradley Zero, Peggy Gou and Midland all paid tribute to the late artist on Instagram, while dance music institutions like fabric and Of Paradise also expressed their condolences.
“Devastating news,” fabric wrote in a comment. “Sending our love to his family and to you all. Rest easy Nick.”
DJ Seinfeld wrote: “Absolutely devastating. The warmest and most gentle spirit who ever blessed this music world. The first one to ever take a risk with my music and one who changed my life in more ways than I can count. Godspeed Nick and rest in peace.”
A celebration of Williams' life is set to take place at EartH in Hackney on Saturday, January 10, featuring DJ sets from his close friends. "Please join us for drinks and dancing," his wife, Liz, shared on Instagram.
Read more tributes below.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter