Pacific Rhythm co-founder and DJ Russell 'Early' Cunningham has died aged 40

Canadian DJ and Pacific Rhythm co-founder Russell 'Early' Cunningham has died aged 40 after battling a rare form of cancer, his imprint has confirmed.

In a statement shared on Instagram last week (November 13), Pacific Rhythm shared the news that Cunningham “lost a year-long battle with a rare form of neuroendocrine cancer” in late October.

“Russell was without a doubt one of the kindest, pure-spirited, and down-to-earth humans we’ve ever had the pleasure of connecting with, and his loss has been absolutely devastating,” the label wrote.

They continued: “His positivity and supportive nature knew no bounds, and we truly believe that he brightened up the day of everyone who he ever crossed paths with.”

Cunningham co-founded Pacific Rhythm in 2013 alongside DJ D.Dee, a Vancouver-based imprint that championed Canadian artists such as Max Ulis and D. Tiffany, as well as international talent like Tim Reaper, Space Ghost, and ZG.

In its 12 years, the label threw events from New York to its home in Vancouver with artists like Sofia Kourtesis, Bradley Zero, DJ Nobu, and Call Super, with Cunningham performing at many under the moniker early.

A memorial event is set to go ahead on December 5 honouring “all the light and positivity that Russell brought to our world,” label affiliate Active Surplus said in tribute.

“All proceeds from the event will go towards covering Russell’s end-of-life expenses and into a trust for his sons William and Jack,” they explained. A fundraiser was also launched by Pacific Rhythm co-founder DJ D.Dee to help Cunningham's family financially.

The event is set to go ahead at Standard Time in Toronto, featuring “a handful of artists from Pacific Rhythm and close friends of the label” such as Wass, Liam Butler, DJ D.Dee, and Active Surplus.

Donate to the fundraiser here, and find tickets to the event here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter