As most of you now know, Kirsten Malone of The Faux was involved in a very serious accident over the weekend. This is the latest news posted in the thread about it (click here to read the whole topic):


It seems there are a number of people here who knew Kirsten. If any of you have any memories or thoughts that you'd like to pass along to Kirsten's family, please post them in this thread, and I'll see that it gets forwarded to them. Thank you, and my deepest condolences to her family and friends.

I was holding off posting here, cause not having known her personally I thought it'd be wrong to be the first person posting in this thread, but in as far as I knew her (the Faux) which has to be a fraction of the relationship others on this board had with her, I thought she was a killer musician, and it's criminal that her life is abbreviated like this. I'm sorry.

I can't organize my thoughts right now, but thank you for pinning this for people to add their memories.

I am so, so sorry. That's the only thing I can wrap my head around saying right now.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been close to her.

From G. Faure's Requiem...



IV. Pie ]esu (Soprano solo)
Pie Jesu, Domine, dona eis requiem
dona eis requiem sempiternam requiem

Merciful Jesus, Lord, grant them rest
grant them rest, eternal rest.

A standout in a bleak world.

This is such devastating news, for those who knew Kirsten, as well as those who did not. I can't express entirely how heart wrenching it is to hear of one so young, promising and talented leaving here so tragically.


The Faux
The Faux EP
label: Tarantulas
rating: 3.0

by Randy D'Amico

I wonder if the Faux is from the future -- one of those dark, scary, futures, where everything is really industrial and cold and it's always raining. Where the sun never comes out, and the night life is filled with secret bars and get-togethers where the password is "ROM" or "RAM" or "Disk drive." Where the places are filled with kids wearing futuristically retro clothes, pink eye make-up on one eye and asymmetrical hair, shimmying the never-ending night away to dark, intense yet danceable music.

It's either that or they're from Boston and have just released a self-titled EP on the Explosion's Tarantulas Records. Whether or not they stumbled back in time from some dark future or not is irrelevant. The Faux is presently managing to scare the shit out of a bunch of kids who mistakenly bought the CD thinking the description "no-wave" meant "new wave."

Blending elements of no-wave, punk rock and evil, the Faux, composed of only vocals, bass, drums and synth, delivers five songs that are ready for a bleak future, where humans are overrun by cyborgs or computers or something electronic -- maybe toasters.

The Faux screams punk rock. The bass player and drummer are on target with their delivery of distorted punk-rock bass over driving rock drumming. Lady K manages nicely on the synth on the third song, "Cold and Mechanical," a standout on the EP.

There are times, however, when the Faux should have just been a bass and drum outfit. The press sheet says the vocals resonate a " 'dictator'-type quality that is unique and ear piercing." In other words, they suck, but fit in nicely with the dark no wave-y thing going on here. Either way, the vocals are covered so much that you can barely make out what's being dictated to you.

The songs on this EP are reminiscent of the stuff they play between sets at a local venue, or that would get thrown in your favorite deejay's rotation for a week or two. It keeps your attention for the most part, but you didn't come looking for it. But with its fashion-y packaging (everything is black, white and pink), the EP appears a little too manufactured for being cool. This is an attempt to be edgy and hip, but it lacks emotion. The only thing the being expressed is how on top of the current trends these dudes are. It just so happens that you can shake to it, especially after machines leave the earth dark, cold and dancing.

this makes me profoundly sad.
my condolences to her family and friends.

My prayers are with her, her family and friends.

Kirsten and I were in the photography department at Mass Art. I had a chance to see what a wonderful artist she was, a woman full of energy and creativity. One of my favorite times in school involves her...

Many artists are procrastinators, and Kirsten and I were not an exception. The night before our photo review (the art school equivalent of a final exam), we were busy putting together our images for the following morning. It was way past midnight, and our waning energy needed to be replenished. Luckily, Kirsten brought in a small boombox and proceeded to blast the Magnetic Fields at full volume as we worked. For several hours I had a great time talking, singing along, and working on our photos. What would have been a dull and exhausting night was made all the more special in her presence.

Johnny Arguedas

I didn't know her, but I have lost friends and family this year. I almost lost our son.

I have been the one in the family who signed the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) three times in a two month period. I feel for the family.

God bless her, and our family's prayers and thoughts are for her and her family.

I think I'll make a big breakfast for our son, and give our Susan a hug when she gets home, because you never know when you will see your babies again.

As always, this time in sadness,

Mrs. Rowe

truly tragic.

Kirsten was one of the most genuinely friendly people I had ever met. She always had a smile, always said "It's great to see you!" and actually meant it - in the frosty atmosphere of Boston she was a sun, and I will miss her.

Unfortunately, I did not know Kristen, but this story is tragic and I feel deeply for her family and friends. She seems to have touched so many people....may her spirit live on through her music, art and friends!

Sad, sad, sad...
My heart goes out to her family and all who knew her.

i didn't know kristen personally, but i'm sure that our paths crossed. it's a very small town when you get down to it.

my sincerest condolences to everyone -- especially her family -- for this tremendous and sudden loss.

may kristen be at peace and surrounded by love forever.

I'm so sorry to hear about this tragedy. It's always terrible when something like this happens to someone so young and full of vitality. I'm sure the thoughts and memories from all the people that love and know her will help with the healing.

Loss, especially sudden loss like this, is always shocking and sad. Death is a reminder of how temporary and fragile life is, yet Kirsten made a difference creatively and personally in the lives of others during her short time here. My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to Kirsten's family, and loved ones.

Kirsten was a good, good friend of mine when I went to BU. I haven't seen her in years and always wondered if she was still living in the city. We had lots of good times together and I won't forget her. She lit up city blocks with her energy. I'm sorry.

What an awful loss for not only a family, but an entire community. I didn't personally know Kirsten, but it sounds like she was absolutely irreplaceable and will be missed more than anybody can express in words. I'm so sorry.

To the Malone family: Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss. Though I didn't know Kirsten personally, she was obviously adored by her many friends and family members, and by the Boston music community. My prayers are with you all in this time of need.

I didn't know Kirsten, but I love her band. Nothing I say will make anyone feel any better, but all I can say is that I'm sad and sorry for Kirsten, her family and friends.

I don't know Kirsten, but obviously sad to hear this news...I ride my bike all the time without a helmet...not again.

prays to her family and friends.

God Bless.

God bless Kirsten.

Family and friends: may you find peace and comfort in knowing that Kirsten was loved by many.

My deepest condolences.

Sounds like she was a great person and although I didn't know her she obviously touched a lot of people, it's sad to see someone so creative gone too soon. My sympathies to her family and friends. It makes my very minor brush with a car in April all that more chilling - a split second later and things could have been far different.

I'm sorry that wasn't the case for Kirsten. It makes us all appreciate the fact that we can still wake up and go through our days no matter how high or low we may feel.

i loved their music, and i just wanted to express my sympathy --
i hope knowing that so many people were touched by her in some way, whether by the music or knowing her...will help with how tough this must be.

I am sorry of your loss. My condolences to her family and friends.
- Kier

I didn't know Kirsten, never spoke two words to her, just enjoyed her music ... but this has been all I've been able to think about the last two days. I can't say how sorry I am to her family, friends, and bandmates ... I hope and wish they'll be able to find some peace.

I don't know if I can say this like I mean it to sound, but this feels like losing one of our own ... all of us who play in bands and live in this city and cling to this big planet that's barrelling around the sun ... there are people who are just outside your orbit, people who could be closer ... we have a lot to be thankful for, which (if you're anything like me) is something you barely ever remember to stop and reflect upon ... we have a lot to be thankful for, in each other.

I'm sorry ... just go tell someone you love them.

peace,
Elio

May prayers find you solace in this time of need.

I did know Kirsten and hung out with her all the time when we worked together at Unison (photo lab) in Southie. We'd get lunch at the Beer Garden (when we weren't broke). When she did have money she refered to herself as "Money Bags Malone". She'd always tell me about the shows she played over the weekend when she was in The Statue Factor and I'd tell her about the spoken word shows I did. SHE RULED! She always had a smile on her face even when she was pissed! I'd slack off while a print was in the machine and come over to her cubicle that she shared with Kate Quinlin and bother them so they couldn't get any work done, till Glen Gallo caught me and put me to some slave labor somewhere else. HA! We got laid off on the same day and hit the Sillouette at 11 AM. Goofed off and what not. I only saw her once in a while after that b/c she went to Mass Art and I (having already graduated from Mass Art) would stop by the school now and again and see her new work. Her whole piece about choosing a mate via the classifieds was BRILLIANT! She stole the show! She told me about her new band THE FAUX and I told her about my new band DESTRUCT-A-THON and even though we were working in different genres of music we said we'd do a show together some time. But we never did. Both of us were busy and only ran into each other now and again. Now she's leaving us and I can't help but weep as I write this... I'll miss you very much money bags, maybe we can still do that show together next time I see ya.

Love,
Dunc

I never met Kirsten but people have been telling me, the last few days, what a great person she was. My thoughts go out to her family.

Musicians in this city, of which there are many, share a common fraternity in that they pursue their art in order to achieve a personal satisfaction that is greater than any monetary reward. Although I do not know Kristen personally, as a member of this group, I feel that I should take the time to recognize her and express my feelings for her untimely passing.

Her parting can only be classified a tragedy. For this I am truly saddened and wish this could have somehow been avoided. I hope that her soul rests in peace and that her family recovers from their loss with the sympathy of those around them.

My thoughts and feelings go out to all the Malone family.

this is unbelievable. i am speechless. she will be missed more than can be put into words...

i have so so so so many memories of her. it's true! she DID have the energy of 20 (or 30) people. always moving, doing something, going somewhere, making art, music, etc... and she always still found time to be social. she was crazy (!!!) cos you would literally see he at every show, opening, party, etc and she still managed to be so incredibly prolific with her art and music. she was an amazing person. truly an inspiration . this is a terrible loss.

my prayers and thoughts are with her, her family and all of her many friends.

It's hard to express what Kirsten represented when I first met her-- that was like 10 years ago. Or close to it. She had her shit together-- knew what she liked, what she wanted to do, where she wanted to do it and how she wanted it done. Or at least, that's the impression one got. When i discovered that she was really sweet, of boundless energy and amazing grace- I was baffled! Her ubiquity was a given. At the Coffin Factory shows? There. VB shows? There. Some ONI party? There, and wearing something splendid indeed.

I don't understand that she's gone yet-- though the sadness is full. She was/is so much a part of the rock landscape around here, it'll be like someone nabbed the weather from us. All my love goes to your family Kirsten, and I hope that peace rocks.

I first met Kirsten when she worked at Godiva Chocolates in the Copley Place Mall, and I work upstairs at the Cafe Coffee..She would give me and my co-workers Chocolate covered strawberries, and we would hook her up with coffee.. I seemed to run into her everywhere I went...We also both frequented the Delux in the South End back in the day..She definitely had a star quality, and you always noticed her beaming when she was in the room...It's hard to comprehend why these things happen to great people..This news is really tragic, and I offer my condolences to her family and friends..

To Kirsten's family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Kirsten was an extremely special person to so many, I imagine to everyone who had the good fortune to know her. She was uniquely kind and sincere, and she spread good vibes so freely. She treated all people with equal kindness, which is so rare and valuable these days. I don't know anybody who didn't like Kirsten. It always made me happy to see her, it always put a smile on my face to speak with her. I remember going to her Love Resume installation and the great amount of time I spend pouring over her efforts, smiling and laughing at her amazing accomplishment. I remember her amazing dancing at a club gig earlier this year that a favorite band of ours was doing. She was so free and happy, strutting her stuff shamelessly and passionately on the dance floor, and I remember thinking to myself, "There goes Kirsten being Kirsten". Watching her celebrate life in that moment made me so happy. She was a great person and the world would be a much better place if more were like her.

I haven't really talked to Kirsten in a couple of years, but we had a lot of friends in common and shared some good times. This news hit me like a brick.

I work in the funeral trade, so I see a lot of grief every week. When someone dies so unexpectedly, a lot of times people mourn all the things they didn't have the chance to say or feel. Reading everyone‘s memories and thoughts, it's apparent that one of the phenomenal things about Kirsten is that we so fully appreciated her when she was alive, and felt so appreciated by her as well. Like so many other things about her, this is rare and beautiful.

It’s hard to find words to express how important someone like Kirsten is, and how greatly she will be missed.

I first had the pleasure of meeting Kirsten when a mutual friend passed my name along to her as a possible replacement player when The Statue Factor was looking for a new guitarist. Although I didn't get the gig, I did enjoy a few good phone conversations with her about music and playing. She mentioned how cool it would be to have another girl in the band and how bummed she was that it ultimately didn't work out. Later on, I saw her at a show (and who couldn't miss that girl with her wonderful personal style?), and introduced myself as the girl she'd been talking to. She immediately gave me a big hug, and we became sisters in rock.

Being female and trying to hold your own in the boys' club of rock music ain't easy. A lot of times, your talent takes a backseat to your appearence. People will watch you play, but they're not really hearing you; they're just gazing at you as "the girl". This was never the case with Kirsten. Yeah, she always looked great, but she commanded your ears as well as your eyes. She was really tough, and you knew that from the minute she took the stage. I remember one time seeing her duck tape a microphone to her arm so she could sing, play keyboard-guitar, and dance about at the same time. I must have thought about it for weeks, how during parts where she sang but didn't play, she would raise her hand into a fist and sing into her bicept. Brilliant. And she really was a tremendous player, too. I remember seeing The Faux in one of their incarnations and realizing she was the only person holding it down melodically. She really was a top-notch, kick-ass keyboardist.

The other thing about girl musicians is that we're not always the nicest to other girl players. You'd think that we would be tight with each other, strength in numbers, but no. It's female nature to be catty and jealous and fear that every other girl's going to be better than you and steal your spotlight. NEVER Kirsten. She was always there for the ladies. I remember talking with her at a show The Faux did with Le Tigre/Tracy and the Plastics/Cathy Cathodic a few years ago, and we were gushing about how great it was to have so many talented women on the same bill. It's so true, Kirsten was one of the most genuine people in Boston rock. Whenever I saw her, she had a hug for me and wanted to know how I was doing, how my music was going, when I'd be on tour again. And I believed her every time she said, "I'm really happy for you." She was one of the best people in Boston whom I was always excited to see.

This also hits very close to home for me as I was in a bike accident about a year ago. I was thrown over my handlebars, I wasn't wearing a helmet, and I landed on my head. Why is it that I walked away and she didn't? My heart is aching today as I've lost one of my sisters.

Lady K, you have my undying love and respect. My prayers go out to her family, bandmates, and friends. To everyone else, if you cared about her in any way, do something to support her memory: wear a helmet when you ride your bike, and be kind to your local musicians.

Love,
Kristin

devastated. i can't even find the words, really. she is loved. wherever she is now, there is peace and beauty...

my heart wholly goes out to her family and all of her many many friends.

kirsten, we miss you.

i was just thinking... i remember noticing that, for some reason, everything kirsten touched/used on a regular basis (clothing, shoes, bicycles, tec.) wore out at an exceptionally fast rate. it was insane! it was like she had this incredible energy burning inside of her... i remember giving her a bike that i had owned for a long time. i hadn't used in a while and hers was out of commision. anywyas, she had it about two months before it was COMPLETELY worn out. she must've put about a thousand miles on it. man... someone said that her life was like 20 people were living it at once.... anyone who knew her could attest to that. she was an amazing person. my heart feels so heavy.

i've never seen a person wear shoes out so fast, either. what a spirit she has...

god bless you, kirsten.

I never met this vibrant woman but wish I had. May her vibrant spirit live forever. It will. I know words won't take away the pain that her family and friends are suffering. May peace and love surround you during this difficult time. Remember how blessed you have been to have shared the time with such a special person. Rest in peace, Kirsten.

i didn't know her music, but i do remember her "K" tattoo from start! and other various nights around town.

as a cyclist, though, my heart goes out to her and her family, and i hope that people remember personal safety and defensive cycling when faced with boston drivers.

i ask that at next critical mass, it would be cool if her memory is honoured in some way. i'll do what i can, and i hope other's that read this will too.

God, this sucks. I never post here but Kirsten and I roved in similer circles for years until we finally figured out who each of us was. She was one hell of a sweetheart and I am truly sorry we never played a gig together. The world needs more people like Kirsten, not fewer of them. I'm really, really sad about this.

Yrs-

Nick Blakey (ex-Takers/In Out/Peer Group)

This topic has been printed out by a friend of Kirsten's to give to her family, so anything further that's posted may not make it to them. They or her friends may check back in, though, so I'll leave this open for people to continue to post their thoughts.

In a sea of familiar strangers and acquantances in this town always hugging and kissing hello Kirsten was one of the few I was ever sincerely happy to see. And dammit if she wasn't always smiling and when she talked to you she could make you feel like no one else was in the room, even if you were in a crowded bar. We would talk about music and film and she would get me so worked up and inspired I'd want to leave the bar and go create something, anything at that moment. She seemed tireless to me, always doing about twelve cool projects at once. She made me feel like a slacker and that I better get on my game. And what better gift is there than that? To inspire and light a fire under those around you. I will miss her.
-elgin james

(AChick, I sent this along to her family already.)

Kirsten was truly generous and mindful person. She touched so many people's lives. She had an amazing knack for remembering a small kindness. I'd set up a show for The Liars and asked The Faux to open. Kirsten mentioned it every time I saw her for weeks, introducing me to someone else, "This is Deb, She put us on the Liars show." She was also genuinely interested in other people's art projects and musical endeavors. Considering the amazing number of things she accomplished herself, she could easily have decided not to make much time for other people's projects, but she did. I can't think of a single person that she knew that was not happy to know her. Her contributions to the Boston community were inspired and inspiring. I especially remember The Black Eye Project and thinking, "Yes! People do make a lot of strange assumptions about a woman with a black eye." There are many of us who feel that our time with her was too short and must be grateful for the time we did have. I hope that knowing that Kirsten was loved by so many people helps you feel less alone in your grief.

i don't understand this... i miss her.

My thoughts and prayers are with Kirsten's family and friends.

I didn't know her but after I read the Love Resume I realized that this
girl was special and I wish I did know her. It's very sad.