Artists often go unnoticed until they inspire you. Until they lead you by the hand into a brand new understanding of the world, they could just be the louder-than-life character sitting next to you at the bar. Hell, they could even be serving you your next beer. Last month, we lost an unsung talent in the indie-rock world: Sam Jayne, songwriter of the influential Olympia, Washington post-hardcore band Lync and, later, Love as Laughter. Jayne grew up in Seattle and relocated years ago from the Pacific Northwest to Brooklyn, where he followed a trajectory that many blue-collar musicians easily caught up in: record music, tour and find service jobs that will be waiting for you when you get back home. Jayne lived that life, becoming a bartending fixture at local bars like Clem’s in...
Sam Jayne, the founder, singer and guitarist of Brooklyn indie rock band Love as Laughter, has died at the age of 46. His bandmate Zeke Howard confirmed the news on social media with a post on Love As Laughter’s official Facebook page. “The search for Sam Jayne has concluded and our hearts are broken. Our dear Sam is no longer with us but his memory and impact will endure. Please respect the privacy of the family at this time.” Posted by Love As Laughter on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 A spokesperson for the New York Police Department said that Jayne had been found in his car and that a preliminary investigation showed “no signs of criminality.” Jayne was reported missing and was last seen on Dec. 6 in Brooklyn, according to posts from friends. A “missing” poster that included...