Mike Harland Dead: Member of Acid Test and 10000 Watt Head Passes Away

Mike Harland, a Toronto area DJ who was a member of '90s indie rock band Acid Test and later 10000 Watt Head, has died. Although details are few as to the cause of death, a tweet by weekly magazine NOW in Toronto confirmed the news.

"RIP Mike Harland (10 000 Watt Head, the Bagel, ect)," the publication tweeted yesterday. "Sad news for the Toronto indie scene."

"Mike Harland, formerly of Acid Test and 10,000 Watt Head, has passed away," Everyone's A DJ tweeted this afternoon. "He was a good man, and a great local DJ to boot. He'll be missed."

"'a precious stone he will remain'," Don Cash tweeted. "RIP Mike Harland I loved you bro."

Harland was best known as a member of '90s alt-rock group Acid Test where he was a DJ. The group, who created songs which ended up on the soundtrack to Bruce McDonald's cult classic Highway 61 in 1992, released their major label debut album Drop in 1993. Despite opening for acts such as Nine Inch Nails, Acid Test went on hiatus in 1994.

The musician would later perform in 10,000 Watt Head along with Dane Mills, an early and now former member of Arcade Fire. Harland was the band's bassist and keyboardist and described the band's sound as having "dance appeal and the ability to blow ear drums."

In a 2006 interview with Wavelength magazine, Harland said he was excited to be back performing on stage.

"To be honest, we're just having fun right now," he said at the time. "There's really only so far you can take a noise/improve band. For now, just fun times and trying to weasel into as many cool shows as possible."

According to the band's MySpace page, though, by 2009 the group had seemed to have run its course.

"10000 Watt Head is DEAD! RIP!" the band's page reads. "Watch out for Mike and Dane's new band Black Powder."

Harland also produced a variety of artists including rap artists C-Rayz Wals and 4th Pyramid. He would also make numerous appearances as a DJ, including playing Toronto institution Wavelength using the moniker Separate Bill.

There is no word as to funeral arrangements or visitations.