Indie artist Jeff Hanson dies in apparent accident

Jeff Hanson, 1978-2009

Credit: Kill Rock Stars

Jeff Hanson, singer-songwriter for indie label Kill Rock Stars, was found dead in his home in Saint Paul, Minn., after falling in an apparent accident. He was 31.

Hanson had just recently moved into a new apartment in the Twin City. He had lived in Minnesota since the mid-'90s, though he was originally from Milwaukee.

Kill Rock Stars signed Hanson in 2003; he was the first artist to be signed to the label based on an unsolicited demo. He released three albums: "Son" in 2003, "Jeff Hanson" in 2005 and his last, "Madam Owl," in August last year. Prior, he was part of the band M.I.J., starting in his teens. That group released the set "Radio Goodnight" in 2000.

"Jeff Hanson was an amazing artist, a riotously funny person, and a good friend. Everyone at Kill Rock Stars feels that we were privileged to put out his records. We will miss him tremendously. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time," read a statement from Kill Rock Stars.

Hanson's unique falsetto was his signature, sung over delicate, rhythm-laden acoustic guitar pop songs. He often drew comparisons to Elliott Smith due to his delivery and his balladry, but Jeff Hanson stood out on his own, from his expert guitar skills, simple, warm lyrics and almost otherworldly vocals.

Katie Hasty
Managing Editor

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After five years as a columnist and editor at Billboard, Katie Hasty joined HitFix in 2009 for music and film reporting out of New York. The Midwest native has worked as a writer, music promoter and in A&R since 1999 and performs with her band Numbers And Letters.