The world of drum’n’bass remembers the life and mourns the loss of one of it’s most luminary figures, producer and DJ Apex, born Robert Dickeson. He died Sept. 30, 2017. The cause of death has yet to be confirmed. Billboard Dance has reached out to his team for comment.
Known to friends as Rob, Dickeson was an instrumental figure in the electronic community, inspiring with his own expansive and emotive body of work, moving behind-the-scenes as a collaborator on others’ projects and just making a difference in the life of one he touched.
He broke on to the music scene as producer and DJing member of the d’n’b band Unknown Error. Its 2006 double release “Yearning / Midnight Special” showcased a melodic, beat-heavy sound so well engineered, it fits seamlessly into the modern soundscape. Released on Horizons Music, it helped moved the genre forward and first introduced Dickeson to a generation of producers and engineers that would go on to become icons in the d’n’b, dubstep and other bass worlds.
Dickeson went solo as Apex in 2007 with the release of “Space Between” on Hospital Records, displaying rich, clear productions that were lush, layered and exotic. His work is imbued with depth, a certain a freshness and raw honesty. UKF wrote a beautiful tribute to the way his music seems to pierce through into the truest parts of your soul. It is never contrived, but somehow fits perfectly into a dance floor’s chaos and your most introspective moments.
Dickeson recently explored darker, techier frontiers under the alias Robert Oaks with releases on deadmau5‘s mau5trap label, as well as a new level of grandure on downtempo tunes for his alias Midnight Lamp.
He was a prolific producer who took great care with each release and will be remembered fondly by his friends and fellow electronic artists. Read some of their remembrances below.
RIP to Rob Apex / Unknown Error one of the first i met in the DNB game, def a huge inspiration to me any many others. much respect brother. pic.twitter.com/2GhrzRf6TL
— ?†? (@killthenoise) October 2, 2017
Apex, Evol Intent, and I flew out to Spor’s place in ’07 to work on this EP “from the inside out” I learned so much https://t.co/oFjy3Xbn6i
— ?†? (@killthenoise) October 2, 2017
RIP Apex …such a sad day 🙁
— Andy C (@ANDYC_ram) October 2, 2017
Really sad to hear Rob Apex has died. Gentle, talented mind who was patient, considerate & inspiring company. Taught me a lot of guitar.
— Feed Me (@feedme) October 2, 2017
I travelled a lot with him, collaborated, my neighbours once called police on him when I forced him up on my parents roof for a press shot.
— Feed Me (@feedme) October 2, 2017
RIP Apex ?? https://t.co/xmUfmKzYVc
— Blu Mar Ten (@BluMarTen) October 2, 2017
Love this tune so much, reminds me of some good times. RIP Apex
— cyantific — (@Cyantific3000) October 2, 2017
The city’s beautiful….. xxx #RIPApex
— Danny Byrd (@dannybyrd) October 2, 2017
We’re very sad to say that our talented friend and artist Robert Oaks passed away this weekend. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.
— mau5trap (@mau5trap) October 2, 2017
I’m so sad the Rob Apex has passed away. Thank you for blessing all of us with your genius Rob ———— you are missed.
— London Elektricity (@LondonElek) October 2, 2017
Rest In Peace Rob Apex –?? May your music live forever https://t.co/AYQiHlshrk pic.twitter.com/JbrMnZpElD
— RAM Records (@RAMrecordsltd) October 2, 2017