There is an overwhelming feeling of sadness in the dance community today. Last night, it was announced that DJ and producer, Garrett Lockhart (i_o) had passed. The cause of death has yet to be announced, but the news of his passing has already swept through the EDM community. Our heart goes out to his friends, family, and fans. There are no words to fix the pain. However, in the face of this tragedy, we hope they find solace in the love being shown for i_o by producers, labels, and fans alike. His time on this earth was short, but his impact will be eternal.
— i_o (@i_oofficial) November 24, 2020
For those who don’t know, i_o was a Los Angeles based producer. He is known for his melodic, emotionally driven tracks. While he is most commonly referred to as a techno artist, he blurred the lines between trance, techno, and progressive house. He studied producing at Icon Collective and was signed under Deadmau5‘s label, Mau5trap, by 2017. In the short time that Garett spent under the alias i_o, he had already become an icon in the industry. Through collaborations with artists such as Jauz and Grimes, along with his own mixes, his music is and will continue to be emulated through his peers.
Since his death has been announced, many fans and DJs alike have shown their support for i_o’s legacy. His joy and loving disposition reached far beyond his genre, touching the hearts of many. These are a few of the many posts shared in the wake of his passing.
Going to miss you my dude, it was a real pleasure working with you and watching you succeed… may you find rest, and let your music live on into eternity. pic.twitter.com/wwKh0prn1q
— Goat lord (@deadmau5) November 24, 2020
we lost our day one today.
you were there for us at our first events when we had 50 ppl in a little basement. we said fuck it and put on so many shows together before anyone even noticed. you made such a huge impact on the scene and changed it for good.
RIP Garrett Lockhart pic.twitter.com/F7xbX5yZMI
— SPACE YACHT (@spaceyacht) November 25, 2020
4am in the morning and that crowd in the palm of his hand❤️ pic.twitter.com/JzoNMjVSbf
— Jeremy Verone (@jveronephoto) November 25, 2020
I can’t even think straight right now.
I fucking love you so much, Garrett. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am in music. Thank you for always lighting up every room you walked into and every stage you stepped on. I’m gonna miss you so much.
i_o forever https://t.co/eQ0E9WhzOi pic.twitter.com/CPkAHAPuLE
— Sully (@SullivanKing) November 24, 2020
I really am speechless
Rest In Peace GarretThis year is fucking shit pic.twitter.com/KeTEXmB74n
— RΞZZ (@OfficialRezz) November 24, 2020
Today I lost my fucking brother. My best friend. The person who I trusted more than anyone when it came to music.
Today the world lost an incredible human being and one of the most visionary, genius producers of our generation.
We love you so much. RIP Garett Falls Lockhart
— JAUZ (@Jauzofficial) November 24, 2020
garrett had a few projects, and when he pursued i_o, i knew it was going to be a hit. i regret not telling him more how much he inspired me and everyone else – i got jealous even at times because he pushed the dark shit better. he was a true fucking artist
— Drezo (@drezomusic) November 24, 2020
2020 has taken another beautiful soul from us too soon. I_o is in our thoughts, and we are sending our condolences to the family, friends, and team. Remember to tell your friends that you love them as much as you can. You are missed, and loved, Garret. Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/QXLjgjagtb
— DiscoDonniePresents (@DDPWorldwide) November 25, 2020
sun & moon (i_o remix) at Escape 2019… rest easy king pic.twitter.com/3MmghouAh6
— (@stonedkingg) November 25, 2020
— Bite This (@heybitethis) November 25, 2020
i_o never ceased to amaze us with his creativity, art, and spirit. May you Rest In Paradise, Garrett. Sending our deepest condolences to your family, friends, and fans. pic.twitter.com/USnbRl7DVI
— Day Trip ☀️ (@daytripla) November 25, 2020
Did it work? pic.twitter.com/UFfmrEAeC9
— x⃠ ⇲⇱ f˟『 x͓̽ ↭ ✘ M⃫ ࿏ 』 (@ferryrtx) November 25, 2020
This video of @I_oofficial actually makes feel happier. ❤️ He was a vibe. A risk taker. He will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/BZjgBKXQhe
— EDM Maniac (@EDMManiac) November 25, 2020
We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Garrett Lockhart, aka @i_oofficial. All the things Garrett loved about dance music, we loved too. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/84DthW7Uit
— Anjunabeats (@Anjunabeats) November 25, 2020
I had the pleasure of getting to know i_o over the past year. Garrett played several livestreams for us during quarantine & his smile made a lasting impression.
Rest In Peace to a beautiful soul, you will be deeply missed, may your music and spirit live on forever pic.twitter.com/K9cKiWdVuE
— Pasquale Rotella (@PasqualeRotella) November 25, 2020
very sad to hear about @i_oofficial passing away last night. I felt he was one of the most talented artists making music right now. when I saw his Tweet yesterday reminiscing about a big club show it seemed a bit odd to me. 1/5 pic.twitter.com/T2QgsOm2wC
— #BlackLivesMatter ✊️ (@tommiesunshine) November 25, 2020
Garrett is physically gone from this world, but his memory will be everlasting. We wish his loved one’s peace and comfort at this time. We hope they see what the world has to say about the amazing legacy Garrett has left behind and find pride in his life. Life is short and unfair, but what i_o did with his time is truly inspirational. Rest in peace, Garrett, and we wish you the best in your castle in the sky.
Featured photo by @i_oofficial