Epic Soundtracks | |
---|---|
Birth name | Kevin Paul Godfrey |
Born |
Croydon, Surrey |
March 23, 1959
Died | November 6, 1997 West Hampstead, London |
(aged 38)
Genres | Post-punk, indie rock, alternative rock |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, musician |
Instruments | Drums, piano, guitar, bass guitar, vocals |
Labels | Rough Trade, Bar/None |
Associated acts | Swell Maps, Crime & the City Solution, Jacobites, These Immortal Souls |
Epic Soundtracks was the stage name of the British musician Kevin Paul Godfrey (23 March 1959 – 6 November 1997). Born in Croydon, Surrey, he was brought up in Solihull, Midlands with his brother Adrian Nicholas, who was known as Nikki Sudden (1956–2006).
In 1972 Kevin and Adrian formed the nucleus of what was to become the post-punk rock group Swell Maps, with "Soundtracks" on drums and piano, and "Sudden" on guitar and vocals.
Soundtracks later played drums for Crime & the City Solution and These Immortal Souls. In 1991, Soundtracks decided to focus on his own songwriting career, and began the series of recordings that comprised his three solo records. As a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist he released three critically acclaimed solo albums, and two more were released posthumously.
Notable fans of Soundtracks' solo work include Evan Dando and Thurston Moore. Dave Graney paid tribute to Soundtracks with the song "A Boy Named Epic" on The Royal Dave Graney Show's 2003 album The Brother Who Lived. Arthur Lee's backing band, Baby Lemonade, paid tribute as well, with a song off their 2001 High Life Suite LP called,"Song for Epic".
Epic Soundtracks died in his sleep on 6 November 1997, at his flat in West Hampstead, London. His funeral took place in Leamington Spa Baptist Church on 1 December. There was much speculation about the manner of his death; however, the official cause of death was ruled as inconclusive.