Dutch drum & bass favourite Lenzman dies · News ⟋ RAThe North Quarter founder’s family confirmed the news today.
Dutch drum & bass artist Teije van Vliet, AKA Lenzman, has died.
His family confirmed the news on Instagram today, July 12th, revealing that he died yesterday afternoon following a three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.
Van Vliet was diagnosed with kidney cancer in January 2023 and underwent surgery to remove a kidney. The cancer had already spread and was incurable. Later that year, he underwent emergency brain surgery after losing consciousness at home, followed by reconstructive surgery in 2024. He subsequently returned to performing, but suffered further health complications, including an epileptic seizure, and underwent radiotherapy. Earlier this year, The North Quarter confirmed that treatment for his terminal cancer had stopped.
“For three-and-a-half years he fought with so much strength, courage and love,” the post read. “He showed us what true strength means, and I’ll forever be proud to have walked this life beside him.”
Born in Amsterdam, Van Vliet became a prominent figure in soulful drum & bass, releasing music through labels including Metalheadz, which put out his debut album, Looking At The Stars, in 2014. He founded The North Quarter two years later, establishing the label as an influential platform for soul-inflected drum & bass and related sounds.
In recent months, the drum & bass community rallied around Van Vliet and his family, with benefit events held in London and Amsterdam. He had also continued working on music, including a collaborative album with longtime friend and collaborator Redeyes.
Revisit Lenzman & DRS’ RA Live from Waterworks 2024, and read some tributes.