Timber Timbre Frontman Taylor Kirk Dead at 44
Canadian singer-songwriter Taylor Kirk, the creative force behind the indie band Timber Timbre, has died suddenly at the age of 44. A representative for Kirk confirmed to CBC Music that he passed away on April 14, 2026.
Kirk founded Timber Timbre in 2005 as a solo project, which later evolved into a collaborative band based in Toronto, and Montreal. The group gained recognition for their sparse, atmospheric sound blending folk, blues, and experimental elements. Their self-titled third album was longlisted for the 2009 Polaris Music Prize, and 2011’s Creep on Creepin’ On was shortlisted for the award.
Timber Timbre’s music was featured in several high-profile television shows and films, including Breaking Bad, Russian Doll, and Sarah Polley’s Stories We Tell. The band’s last album, Lovage, was released in 2023.
In a statement shared with Exclaim! and CBC Music, Kirk’s family described him as “beloved son to Donna and David, brother to Caley and Emma, uncle to Arden, partner to Linda, nephew to Steve, Arlene, Randy, and Les.” They added, “His memory will live on through his music that we are fortunate to have for the rest of our lives.”
Musician Chad VanGaalen expressed his condolences on Instagram, calling Kirk “one of those magical people” and saying he felt “lucky to have made a video for Timber Timbre.”
No cause of death has been reported.