Reported via friends’ condolences across social media, it appears German Deep House artist Jackmode/Soulphiction aka Michel Baumann has died. Posting on his Facebook artist page back in April, Baumann reported needing to have chemotherapy, although the exact cause of his death is still unknown.

Born in Stuttgart, Baumann’s sonic journey began with ’80s hip hop before falling in love with House music in the ’90s. Hugely inspired by Larry Heard, with whom he had a long friendship, his label, Philpot Records, co-founded with Tobias Ettle in 2000 was named after Heard’s real surname.

As an artist, Baumann’s music was deep, soulful, and richly musical, drawing on Jazz and the harder sounds of Detroit. Signed to a plethora of labels including Poker Flat, Pampa and Sonar Kollectiv his legacy will be the quality of his beats and the depth of soul everything he made has.

Writing on his social media, KiNK remembers Baumann as an inspirational soul: “It was always a real pleasure to talk to Michel. Really positive person, full of knowledge, true to his art. I really liked him as a musician and a person.”

“He has been a part of the early Poker Flat crew, and was a welcome remix guest on my labels over the years.” Steve Bug recalls, “His loss leaves an indelible mark in the electronic music world. But his exceptional and original tunes will live on forever.“

Music is 4 Lovers sends our sincerest condolences to Michel’s family and friends. Rest in Peace.