Music World Mourns Genius Indie Musician Cullen Hart
The music world is reeling from the loss of Cullen Hart, co-founder of the influential Athens, Georgia-based indie collective Elephant 6 and respected musician known for his work with Olivia Tremor Control and Circulatory System. Hart passed away on November 29, at the age of 53, according to fellow Elephant 6 member Robert Schneider of Apples in Stereo.
"Will was a genius experimental and psychedelic pop musician, a brilliant and prolific visual artist who sketched and made collage art every second of every day, on every object within reach," Schneider wrote in a heartfelt Facebook tribute.
Hart’s passing comes on the same day that Olivia Tremor Control released their first new music in 13 years, the singles “Garden Of Light” and “The Same Place,” a bittersweet coincidence that highlights the powerful legacy Hart leaves behind.
Schneider’s tribute recounts the deep bond he shared with Hart, a friendship forged in the crucible of artistic passion and fueled by a shared love for music. They met as teenagers, united by a mutual reverence for bands like Cheap Trick and a shared sense of youthful exuberance.
"Will and I subsequently met at a Cheap Trick concert, introduced by a common friend (and future bandmate to both of us) Jeff Mangum, and became youthful competitors in music, and then the closest of friends," Schneider remembers.
Together, Schneider and Hart built a musical world that pushed boundaries and defied genre labels. Their collaboration in Elephant 6, a loosely affiliated collective of musicians and artists, became synonymous with the vibrant and experimental indie music scene of the 1990s.
Hart’s musical genius shone brightly in Olivia Tremor Control, a band known for their intricate sonic tapestries and psychedelic pop sensibilities. The band’s groundbreaking debut album, "Black Foliage: Animation Nightmare," released in 1999, cemented their place as innovators in the indie music landscape.
"
“Bill has gone to the mountains,” Will said.
"
The news of Hart’s death follows the tragic passing of Will’s bandmate Bill Doss in 2012, another devastating blow to the Elephant 6 community.
Despite battling multiple sclerosis in his later years, Hart remained dedicated to his art.
“Will suffered from multiple sclerosis for almost two decades, which gradually reduced his mobility, his ability to play guitar, and his ability to tour – but he kept up his productivity, his songwriting, his recording and his art, and lived life in a state of heightened creativity,” Schneider wrote.
The newly released Olivia Tremor Control singles, "Garden Of Light” and “The Same Place,” stand as a testament to Hart’s perseverence and enduring commitment to music. The songs, initially part of a larger project with Doss, were completed with the help of engineer Jason NeSmith and Hart’s wife, Kelly Hart, who played a crucial role in bringing the music to fruition.
“These beautiful songs – perhaps among the best psychedelic pop songs ever recorded – exist today, they are on BandCamp and on the E6 documentary vinyl LP that came out today, and Kelly told me that this morning Will was excited and happy to see people were downloading it,” Schneider shared.
"Today is a day of victory for W. Cullen Hart – his last day represented a triumph," Schneider wrote. "Today is the day that Will’s perseverance, his sincerity, his struggle with MS, and his devotion to Bill and their common vision, bears fruit.”
Hart’s musical legacy will forever be interwoven with those of his Elephant 6 companions. He leaves behind a rich tapestry of sound, a vibrant community of artists, and a profound sense of loss felt by all who knew and loved him.
Listen to "Garden Of Light" and "The Same Place" below.
## Music World Mourns Genius Indie Musician Cullen Hart: An Interview with Jon Wurster
**World Today News:** the music world is mourning the loss of Cullen Hart, co-founder of the influential Elephant 6 collective and loved musician known for his work with Olivia Tremor Control and Circulatory System. Cullen passed away on November 29 at the age of 53, a devastating loss for the indie music community.
Joining us today is Jon Wurster, drummer for Superchunk, longtime friend of Cullen, and fellow member of the vibrant Athens, Georgia music scene. Jon, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today during this difficult time.
**Jon Wurster:** Thanks for having me. It’s a very hard day.
**WTN:** Cullen was known for his prolific creativity and unique sound. Can you tell us a bit about what made Cullen such a special musician?
**JW:** Cullen was simply one of a kind. His mind was constantly creating, whether he was writing music, making visual art, or just observing the world around him. He had this incredible ability to weave experimental elements into beautiful, catchy pop songs. He was also a master at crafting intricate soundscapes and layering instruments in unexpected ways.
**WTN:** Cullen co-founded the legendary Elephant 6 collective, a loose group of musicians who pushed the boundaries of indie rock. How did Cullen’s presence shape the collective’s sound and spirit?
**JW:** Cullen was a crucial part of the Elephant 6 family. He was always open to collaboration and pushing creative boundaries.He encouraged everyone around him to experiment and explore new ideas. His spirit of collaboration and his willingness to embrace the weird and wonderful was truly infectious.
**WTN:** Olivia Tremor Control released new music on the same day Cullen passed away. Can you tell us what this release means to you and the rest of the music community?
**JW:** It’s incredibly bittersweet. These new tracks, “Garden Of Light” and “The Same Place,” are testaments to Cullen’s genius. They are beautiful and haunting, and they feel like a fitting tribute to his memory. I think it’s a gift for fans to have this new music to listen to,especially now.
**WTN:** Cullen was more than just a musician, he was a visual artist and a beloved friend. What are some memories you cherish of Cullen?
**JW:** I have so many fond memories of Cullen. We shared countless laughs and crazy adventures over the years. I’ll always remember his dry wit, his big heart, and his infectious enthusiasm for life. he had this way of making every moment feel special.
**WTN:** What legacy do you think Cullen Hart leaves behind?
**JW:** Cullen leaves behind a truly unique and inspiring legacy. His music will continue to touch people’s lives for generations to come. He was a true original, a fearless innovator who never stopped pushing boundaries. And more than anything, he was a kind and generous soul who was deeply loved by all who knew him.
