News and Information

A FEW WORDS OF THANKS

Mick has asked me to post this message to thank everyone who has been of support since his diagnosis was announced. From all the personal messages, to those on his website, to the donations received and all the fundraising efforts going on in all parts of the world. We'd like to thank everyone for their generosity, love and support.

Mick would also like to take the opportunity say a huge thank you to Richard, Steven, Colin and Gavin of Porcupine Tree who are very kindly donating all their profits from the sale of the 'Atlanta' download to the Appeal Fund. 'Atlanta' is a complete 2 hour live performance from the 'Fear of Blank Planet' tour and can be found here:

http://www.burningshed.com/store/porcupinetree/product/169/2213/

Posted 23rd July 2010

D.E.P

The D.E.P. have reunited to record 2 songs for a September release for the MK Appeal Fund. Our love and thanks go to Masami, Sakuma, Vivian and Gota.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fm20100716a2.html

Posted: 22nd July 2010

Message from Sugizo and Download "Missing Link"

I really hope to help Mick in even a small way, so I created a song at an amazingly fast speed to earn donations for him.

I took the song “MISSING” that was included in my first solo album, and remade and re-recorded it according to my current sensibilities. It turned into something entirely new, and is now called “MISSING LINK.” This ambient music seems to soar to the heavens, It contains beautiful examples of Mick’s breath and vitality, and I hope that you all get a copy and experience the world of the song. And from the bottom of my heart, I pray that Mick gets better so that we can play “MISSING LINK” together on stage! - SGZ

We are offering this track as a download and you can decide how much you would like to donate for receiving the track. Please select from the box below. All donations received will go directly to the MK fund. Our heartfelt thanks to Sugizo for this beautiful track.

Please choose donation amount for this track

If Paypal does not send you back to the download link automatically please click on the "Return to MK" link on the paypal checkout page.

Posted: 9th July 2010

Mick Karn Prints

Dirk Tholenaar is kindly auctioning a set of 3 Mick Karn prints - printed on archival paper.
You can find more information here:

http://www.dirktholenaar.com/dt.mickkarn.html

Posted: 9th July 2010

Concert

There is a strong possibility that the date of the concert will have to be moved. We are working on things now and will come back to you with more information when we have it.

Posted: 7th July 2010

MICK KARN APPEAL - Photograph auction

Longtime Japan fan and photographer Chris Crader has put together a beautiful package of live photos of David Sylvian and Steve Jansen to auction for the appeal.
For more information click here

Posted: 2nd July 2010

Midge Ure - Fund Raising Concert

The concert is scheduled for August 31st 2010. We can't announce the line up or venue just yet but we will post it as soon as we can so keep coming back to check.

Posted: 29th June 2010

Midge Ure - Fund Raising Concert

Together with Midge Ure we are planning a fund raising concert for Mick (see below). We would like to point out that Midge never implied that Japan would reunite for this. We will bring you more details when we have them.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/news/20100611_midge.shtml

Posted: 17th June 2010

Message from Mick : Footnote

Your comments and well wishes have left me speechless, in the same way that our news had affected you. The support and love you give me is felt by all of us here, every day.

At the time of first posting my news I was striving to obtain a medical card that would pay for treatment here in Cyprus and I am pleased to say that in recent days, since becoming officially diagnosed through a series of specific tests, the state will now take care of my basic medical costs, including referrals to Hospitals within the EU in the event that any procedure cannot be carried out here in Cyprus. This is great news and comes as a genuine relief but I wanted to make clear that the donations that have been received will remain in a fund which will be used to augment the state care and allow me to look into alternatives that will help my fight with cancer, including options such as advanced treatments in the USA and other non-state-funded medical alternatives. It also affords me some peace of mind as, during this difficult time, I am not able to provide for my family's needs in a way that I would otherwise wish, and their security is my primary concern now. Obviously, their lives are dramatically impacted upon by my condition and your kind support helps me to feel that they will be able to manage a little better if I am not able to be with them.

I hope this makes sense to all of you who have made a donation because words cannot truly express the full scope of my gratitude and feeling of good fortune to have so many friends, both near and far, familiar and undiscovered until now, who are willing to help us out in this incredible way.

Posted: 14th June 2010

Message From Mick Karn

Mick would like to thank each and every one of you who have sent messages of support and donations or who are fundraising in some way. It really means a great deal and he is drawing a lot of strength from the love that surrounds him. Thank you all so very much.

To update you, Mick has been referred to a cancer specialist hospital and yesterday discussed treatment with them. Two weeks of extensive therapy begin next week before his case is re-assessed.

Posted: 9th June 2010

MICK KARN APPEAL - Fretless Bass Auction

Prometeus Guitars of Italy have kindly donated a stunning fretless bass which is being auctioned on the Japan Nightporter website. http://www.nightporter.co.uk/pages/bass_auction.html

Posted: 9th June 2010

MICK KARN APPEAL - Steve Jansen

Steve Jansen has changed his appeal offer slightly. Now, if you purchase any portrait from his website collection and state that you are purchasing as a means of donating to the Mick Karn appeal the funds will be be donated to the fund. Any Mick Karn portrait purchased will automatically be donated to the fund. http://www.stevejansen.com/imageshop

Posted: 8th June 2010

MICK KARN APPEAL - Donations

We understand that some people are not able to use Paypal but would still like to donate to the appeal. If this is the case for you please send an email to donations@mickkarn.net and we will be very pleased to find an alternative payment method.

Thank you for your very kind support

Posted: 6th June 2010

MICK KARN APPEAL - Posted 4th June 2010

With great sadness we regret to inform you that Mick has recently been diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer. Mick is currently in a positive mood and undergoing further tests and treatment. His family and friends are close with him, supporting him in practical ways, and surrounding him with their love, friendship and care.

Mick has been struggling financially for some considerable time now and we are hoping that this appeal may help to raise funds for any necessary treatment and perhaps go some way towards providing a small degree of financial support whilst Mick's immediate family provide the care and comfort we would all wish for him. We are hoping that his friends, fans and musical colleagues will, over the coming months, offer any support they feel capable of giving. Quite aside from the sheer brunt of daunting medically-related costs, Mick's clear and major concern is for the security and well being of his wife and young son.

If you would like to make a donation whether as an individual or as a group, you can do so via the paypal link below which has been set up for this sole and express purpose. Any support you are able to give, no matter how small, could make a difference in helping Mick cope during this difficult period. His friends will be looking at a variety of ways to raise funds.

If you would simply like to leave your kind messages of support for Mick, please do so, here: Messages

We will keep you all updated as often as we can.

Please do note that news is released with Mick's full approval.

Posted: 3rd June 2010

David Bowie Tribute - events, press and track list

  • MAY 15th: VIVIAN GIRLS "John, I'm Only Dancing" released on iTunes via Urban Outfitters
  • JUNE 15th: EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS "Memory of a Free Festival" on iTunes
  • JULY 15th: CORRIDOR "Be My Wife" on iTunes, video online media outlets
  • AUG 15th: WARPAINT "Ashes to Ashes" on iTunes
  • SEPT. 6th: TRIBUTE RELEASE DATE (US/UK)
  • SEPT/OCT 2010: RELEASE PARTY IN PARIS TBA!!!


WE WERE SO TURNED ON: A TRIBUTE TO DAVID BOWIE (Manimal Vinyl; Sept 6th, 2010)

A project that began in early 2008 will at last see the light of day and grace itself upon the shelves of record shops across the world. What began as a vague idea of fresh and seasoned artists paying homage to the man who invented the art of reinvention, David Bowie.

War Child is a charity that simply helps children affected by war across the globe no
matter what border they inhabit. A charity that Bowie makes no secret about supporting. Within a few months Devendra Banhart (Megapuss), Vivian Girls and Carla Bruni all came on board to contribute tracks.

By the summer of 2009, the record had began to take shape when the addition of UK pop legends Duran Duran, ex-Slits Viv Albertine and legendary avant-garde bassist/musician Mick Karn were added to the roster. Manimal friends and alumni's Warpaint, Chairlift and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros came on board by that autumn.

With a final tracklisting that is as diverse as it is chameleon-like, just like the thin-white duke himself, We Were So Turned On has something for every Bowie lover.

DISC ONE:
EXITMUSIC "SPACE ODDITY"/ DURAN DURAN "BOYS KEEP SWINGING"/ MEGAPUSS "SOUND + VISION"/ WARPAINT "ASHES TO ASHES" CORRIDOR "BE MY WIFE"/ CHAIRLIFT "ALWAYS CRASHING IN THE SAME CAR"/ VIVIAN GIRLS "JOHN, I'M ONLY DANCING"/ ALL LEATHER "FAME"/ WE ARE THE WORLD "AFRAID OF AMERICANS"/ A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS "SUFFRAGETTE CITY"/ TEARIST "REPETITION"/ HALLOWEEN SWIM TEAM "LOOK BACK IN ANGER"/ AFGHAN RAIDERS "FASHION"/ POLYAMOROUS AFFAIR "THEME FROM CAT PEOPLE"/ SWAHILI BLONDE "RED MONEY"/ JESSICA 6 "I'M DERANGED"/ ASKA + BOBBY EVANS (feat. MOON & MOON) "AFRICAN NIGHT FLIGHT"/ XU XU FANG "CHINA GIRL"

DISC TWO:
VOICESVOICES "HEROES"/ CARLA BRUNI "ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS"/ PAPERCRANES "BLUE JEAN"/ KEREN ANN "LIFE ON MARS?"/ LEWIS & CLARKE "CHANGES"/ ZAZA "IT AINT EASY"/ GENUFLEX "SOUL LOVE"/ SISTER CRAYON "BEWLAY BROTHERS"/ MARCO BENEVENTO "ART DECADE"/ MICK KARN "ASHES TO ASHES"/ LIGHTS (NYC) "WORLD FALLS DOWN"/ AQUASERGE "THE SUPERMEN"/ CAROLINE WEEKS "STARMAN"/ RAINBOW ARABIA "QUICKSAND"/ MECHANICAL BRIDE "SOUND + VISION"/ EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS "MEMORY OF A FREE FESTIVAL" BONUS TRACKS (iTunes Only) VIV ALBERTINE "LETTER TO HERMOINE"/ ARIANA DELAWARI "ZIGGY STARDUST"/ GANGI "OH YOU PRETTY THINGS"/ AMANDA JO WILLIAMS "THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD"/ LACO$TE "WITHIN YOU"/ UNIVERSE "HEATHEN"/ PIZZA! "MODERN LOVE"

Posted: 3rd June 2010

The Concrete Twin - IN STOCK NOW

Please click here to get your copy of The Concrete Twin.

Posted: 11th April 2010

REPETITION / A Tribute to DAVID BOWIE (2XCD)

MANI-025 limited edition $15.99 (ships on May 14th, 2010) featuring new covers from CARLA BRUNI, DURAN DURAN, VIVIAN GIRLS, CHAIRLIFT, A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS, EXITMUSIC, KEREN ANN, MEGAPUSS, MERCO BENEVENTO, WARPAINT, MICK KARN, ALL LEATHER, TEARIST, VOICESVOICES, WE ARE THE WORLD, ASKA, LIGHTS, SWAHILI BLONDE, ZAZA, RAINBOW^ARABIA, POLYAMOROUS AFFAIR, CORRIDOR + MANY MORE TBA! 100% of the proceeds go to WAR CHILD UK www.warchild.org

Pre order and more info - click here

Posted: 11th April 2010

The Concrete Twin Release Date

The release date for The Concrete Twin is now 15th March.

Posted: 18th Feb 2010

Japan and Self Existence

Mick Karn's autobiography is now available to order online, in paperback, at a price of £16.96 plus postage. CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR BOOK

The 387 pages include 24 photos, of which only 7 have ever been published before. The chapters are purposely not in chronological order and are as follows:

1 Foreword
2 Childhood
3 First Meetings
4 Beginnings
5 Contracts
6 Christian Neighbours
7 The Tooth Mother Tour
8 Bank Manager
9 The Tooth Mother
10 Pies
11 Dear Diary (Sept 2005)
12 Sessions
13 Fortunes
14 Bass
15 1978
16 1979
17 Life in Tokyo
18 Going Dutch
19 Holiday
20 Quiet Life
21 Part Art - 1
22 Gate Music
23 Brainstorms
24 1980
25 Gentlemen Take Polaroids
26 Mrs T
27 Bestial Cluster
28 Rossina
29 Game Play
30 DT
31 Dear Diary (Dec 2005)
32 Kashmir
33 CMP vs Medium
34 The Bestial Cluster Tour
35 Gala Performances
36 The Last of England
37 Musical Friends
38 San Francisco
39 Titles
40 Part Art – 2
41 Dali's Car & Dreams of Reason Produce Monsters
42 Fifth Business
43 Finale
44 Each Eye a Path
45 Rain Tree Crow
46 Where Are We Now?

Forum

Mick is aware that his candour may upset some people after reading the book, and has therefore decided to reopen the discussion forum at mickkarn.net for any comments directed at him, or for any other topics that may interest visitors to the site.

Please be aware that the forum was closed down a few years ago due to comments Mick found distastefully aimed at friends and colleagues. Although Mick won't mind what is said about him, he will have no hesitation in taking the same decision again if need arises.

Posted: 22nd September 2009

The Concrete Twin — download available now!

With a definite sense of Jazz, Swing and Drum and Bass throughout, laced with a dramatic symphonic feel, The Concrete Twin comprises of 10 dense tracks that reach the point of being overpowering at times.

Pete Lockett (drums and percussion) appears on several tracks, while all other instrumentation is by Mick, including the long neglected dida and ocarina, unheard since the recording of Tin Drum and Titles.

Option 1. We are offering the opportunity to buy the complete download now and have the CD copy when it is officially released in January 2010, for the special price of £17.49 including post and packaging
or
Option 2. Purchase price for the download only £7.99.
or
Option 3. CD version to be released January 2010 will be priced at £12.99 plus p&p.

Posted: 14th September 2009

The Concrete Twin update

The release date for Mick's new album has been postponed due to misunderstandings between MK Music and Manimal Vinyl. We hope the delay will be as short as possible, and that The Concrete Twin, now to be released solely by MK Music, will be ready for release before December.

Posted: 18th August 2009

ALBUM UPDATE

The new Mick Karn album, The Concrete Twin, will be released by MK Music and Manimal Vinyl Records on 5th October.

Posted: 8th June 2009

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

We are pleased to announce that Mick is preparing to self-publish his autobiography entitled JAPAN & SELF EXISTENCE.

We will bring you more details soon.

Posted: 4th June 2009

MICK JOINS THINK TANK JURY

Mick has been asked to be part of the 2009 jury for The Think Tank.

Here is a short description, but for more information, visit:

http://www.thethinktank.it

THE MUSIC THINK TANK 2009 - INTERNATIONAL AWARDS, MEETING & FESTIVAL

Think Tank it's a cultural association based in Milan, Italy that promotes art in international scenarios and with a serendipity attitude.

The Music Think Tank is a new meeting place and opportunity for artists, music industry, companies, social leaders and visionaries, professionals and the public with a particular attention for different cultures.

More than 50 awards and 60 honorable mentions for young creative emergent and independent artists from all over the world that are going to demonstrate their talent, creative deepness and originality judged from the music industry, successful artists and other personalities.

A global scouting action that is going to give to the best artists more visibility and references, to establish new connections with the music scene and extend their know-how.

A good opportunity for companies and music industry to present new ventures and proposals.

Posted: 4th June 2009

ASHES TO ASHES update

The release of the David Bowie tribute album on Warchild has been postponed until February 2010 due to some of the artists schedules not permitting an earlier release.

Posted: 27th May 2009

THE CONCRETE TWIN, Mick Karn's next solo album, will be released later in the summer.

Tracklisting:

1. ashamed to be a part of them
2. presence
3. t.v. woo
4. confabulation
5. yes i've been to france
6. tender poison
7. purple attachment
8. vote for lies
9. j.b. meknee
10. antisocial again?

More details to follow.

Posted: 30th April 2009

Ashes to Ashes

Mick will be contributing "Ashes to Ashes" to a Bowie tribute on Manimal Vinyl Records in support of War Child UK. Due for release later this year.

Posted: 6th February 2009

Photo's from the Isuldars Bane Concert.

We have put some images in the gallery from the live performance at the IB Expo. http://www.mickkarn.net/igallery/igallery.asp?d=\2008ib\ These excellent photographs were taken by Patrik Leonardsson

Mick Karn

 

Posted: 29th November 2008

Mick Karn – Live Performance on Saturday 8th November 2008.

Each year, Isuldars Bane bring a set of musicians together for 5 days rehearsal followed by a gig. Mick will be taking part again this year (he took part a couple of years ago with Jerry Marotta).

The concert will be at the Halmstad Town Hall, Sweden, on Saturday 8th November.

The full line-up this year will be:

  • Mick Karn (bass)
  • Pat Mastelotto (drums)
  • Pamelia Kurstin (an extraordinary Theremin player)
  • Christian Saggese (an amazing Italian Classical guitarist)
  • Jan Schaffer (Swedish session guitarist, living legend in Sweden, has played with ABBA, Bob Marley and Zappa, to name a few)
  • Valgeir Sigurdsson (Icelandic producer who has worked with Björk, The Kronos Quartet, Bonnie Prince Bily etc)
  • Luca Calabrese (horn player from Italy)
  • Isuldars Bane

Each guest musician has a solo spot utilising the other musicians. Last time MK performed 3 of his tracks: 'Thundergirl Mutation' from The Tooth Mother, 'Back in the Beginning' from Bestial Cluster and 'Twitchy Hand Mover' from Three Part Species.

Posted: 11th October 2008

MK Selected - Release 5th November 2007

"Selected", Mick Karn compilation album, will be released on Monday 5th November. We are currently taking pre-orders in the shop and will send out the CDs in the week before the official release date. Click here to order.

 

Tracklisting:-

THREE PART SPECIES - 2006
Twitchy Hand Mover
Floating Home
I'll Be Here, Dreaming

MORE BETTER DIFFERENT - 2003
Atyan B-Boot
The Jump

EACH EYE A PATH - 2001
Forgotten Puppeteer
Serves You Rice

THE TOOTH MOTHER - 1995
Thundergirl Mutation
Lodge of Skins

BESTIAL CLUSTER - 1993
Bestial Cluster
Sad Velvet Breath of Summer and Winter

LIQUID GLASS - 1998
Lunette

Posted: 2nd October 2007

MK Space Collective

We are on a journey and we're having fun. MK's silky bass meets some of the most creative artists around the space. Come and see what we are up to at http://www.myspace.com/mkspacecollective And, if you feel you have something to contribute then send us some samples and we might just invite you to join us.

Where it goes nobody knows but hopefully we will see you there

Posted: 9th March 2007

Tour Postponed

Columbia have decided to delay the proposed Three Part Species tour of Japan from January to Spring 2007, thus allowing sufficient time for promotion.

Needless to say, any plans for concert dates elsewhere are also on hold until we receive confirmation of the above going ahead.

Posted: 23rd November 2006

Thanks and Japan

Firstly, Mick wanted to pass on his thanks to all of you for keeping the forum lively and entertaining.
Rather than replying individually, here is a concise summary of work in progress and pending over the coming months.

Tomorrow (18th October) sees the release of Three Part Species in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia on Columbia Records. The CD is in jewel case format and includes the additional track Edge Of Charm, which was part of the UK single.
As is standard procedure on Japanese CD packaging, there are comments from friends and fellow musicians, in this case Ryuichi Sakamoto and Sugizo.

Following the release, a promotional concert tour of Japan is scheduled to take place in January and, depending on the response, Mick very much hopes a selective date or two may be possible in the UK.
Details of the all dates and band personnel will be announced shortly, and for any Japanese speaking members, Columbia have created a Mick Karn page at their website: http://columbia.jp/artist-info/mickkarn/

Posted 17th October 2006

Uncompromising Innocence

Mick was recently asked to contribute some bass guitar on Mari Iijima's forthcoming album "Uncompromising Innocence".

Mick appears on two of the tracks: Broken Computer and Anticipation. The album, released on November 5th, will be available from Mari's official website: www.marimusic.com

Posted 4th October 2006

Three Part Species release in Japan

We are pleased to inform you that Three Part Species will be released in Japan by Columbia Music Entertainment on 18th October 2006.

Posted 21st September 2006

Mick Karn Interview

There is a recent interview with Mick posted at Beatmag - http://www.beatmag.net/june06/features/mick_karn.php

Posted 21st July 2006

Three Part Species - in the shop

Mick's latest album Three Part Species is now available in the online shop - click here.

Posted 30th June 2006

Three Part Species

We have put a download version of Mick's latest album "Three Part Species" in the shop at
http://www.mickkarn.net/shop/ The download version is the same as the CD release and also contains the cover artwork.

From what we have already seen Three Part Species is picking up some fabulous reviews in magazines including Uncut, DJ Magazine, Q Magazine and many more. These should be out in June.

Posted: 24th May 2006

stop-rokkasho podcast feed

Mick was asked by Ryuichi Sakamoto last week, to donate a track to a cause he'd like people to be urgently made aware of :

Ryuichi Sakamoto launched stop-rokkasho.org in response to the opening of a nuclear reprocessing plant in the village of Rokkasho in Japan's northern Aomori Prefecture. Sakamoto wrote and recorded a new track along with shing02 and Christian Fennesz under the group name team 6 as a way to begin the Rokkasho awareness campaign.

This podcast will deliver music, video, photos, art, information and interviews to help spread the word about both the Rokkasho plant and the dangers of reprocessing in general. Future episodes will feature music and are donated by a growing list of artists joining the project.

Podcast News Feed: http://stop-rokkasho.org/av-rss2.php To use the shows with a podcast client, add the news feed URL above.

If you have iTunes click here - http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=154608063

Or, for an online view of the podcast click here http://www.podcastingnews.com/details/stop-rokkasho.org/av-rss2.php/view.htm

The track Mick felt would best suit the project is a re-adaptation of one of the tracks from the forthcoming Three Part Species album. Mick has added a few touches to 'Chocolate Was A Boy' and re-named it 'Chocolate' for copyright reasons, allowing anyone to download it free of charge.

For all relevant information please visit : http://stop-rokkasho.org/

Posted: 22nd May 2006

Three Part Species - Reviews

The following have confirmed reviews for Three Part Species in May/June issues. So far the response has been great and the reviews are looking excellent.

Uncut
Record Collector
Q Magazine
Classic Rock Magazine
DJ Magazine
Barcodezine.com
Total Music
Future Music
Teletext

Posted: 10th May 2006

Mick Karn gets Devious

Mick has been recording some bass for the much respected “House” duo Lil’ Devious. Two tracks can be heard on the Lil’ Devious Myspace at http://www.myspace.com/lildeviousmusic - These are She’s Perfection and a remake of The Jump from More Better Different. The Jump (Devious Mix) and other Mick Karn music is also being used on an extreme sports film– "The World Cup Paragliding Championship 2005", this will be available on DVD within the next 2 months. We will keep you posted.

These tracks and more should be released some time this year. DJ’s and clubs can contact us for promotional releases. music@mickkarn.net

For more information about Lil’ Devious please go to their website http://www.lildevious.com/16226.html

Posted: 8th May 2006

Of and About

The latest single Of and About is now available in our shop as a CD or Download.

Posted: 24th April 2006

Tour Cancelled

I'm sorry to say that the MK tour scheduled for May this year has now been postponed. This has come about due to poor ticket sales, and both agent and promoter felt it the only logical step to take, rather than wait until closer to the shows.

Nobody regrets the decision that was taken only today more than I do, as having direct contact with my audience has always been the most enjoyable part of being a musician. I apologise to any of you who have already bought tickets, and also if you, unfortunately, heard the news before this posting.

I can only hope that rescheduling with additional promotion will put right the situation for sometime later in the year.

Thank you all for your much appreciated support.

MK.

Posted: 28th March 2006

On the Radio

Juice Radio in Brighton are playing tracks from Mick's new single Of & About. You can catch the show live online 10am Sunday morning with Diaruis Akashic. www.juicebrighton.com - just click on the listen live link.

Posted: 22nd March 2006

Three Part Species – Album release June 19th 2006

Of & about
Twitchy hand mover
Floating home
All you have
I'll be here, dreaming
Red film
Chocolate was a boy
Pitta pop
The wrong truth
Regretted

Mick Karn's 7th solo album illustrates more than any other, how completely in command of musical composition he has become. A mixture of so many diverse types of music that, somehow never, even for a second, sound confused in direction. It's impossible with each piece to predict which genre will come next, as the listener is guided through Mick Karn's unique world. At times, there are elements of mowtown rhythms and gospel choirs, classical arrangements and rock guitars, passing through hip-hop and jazz fusion, ethnic traditions and pop songs. The fast tempo bass on 'Twitchy Hand Mover' leaves you wondering how it is possible to actually play such lines, as it totally dominates the track, but then again, so do the clarinets in 'Chocolate Was A Boy', and the acoustic instrumentation in 'Pitta Pop'.

The album includes the voice of new vocalist Bex Collins, who Mick chose after auditioning 'All You Have' through the Mick Karn website. It also has Mick singing on two songs, the title track from the single 'Of & About' and 'The Wrong Truth'. "I find both my vocal tracks to be quite moving love songs, but that's my own personal interpretation, they might not readily come across the same to anyone else." Mick commented, "I've always felt with music that the listener should draw their own conclusions from how it makes them feel at any given time. A happy song for some can often appear sad to others".

There are places that will leave you floating in surrealism, while others anchor you to the ground with solidly formed structures and melodies, and the only disappointment likely to be felt when listening to Three Part Species, is the wish at the end of each track, for more of the same. When asked to explain where some of his influences for writing came from, Mick only had one thing to say: "The life I'm living of course, where else?"

Posted: 7th March 2006

Of & About – single release on April 3rd

Of & About
All You Have
Edge of Charm

The 3 track double A side features 2 songs from Mick's 7th solo album due for release in May to coincide with a tour across the UK.

The title track is a blend of Hip-Hop rhythms, evangelical choirs, Jazz and catchy vocals, all brought together with a melodic and unpredictable bass line. Although the description may sound complicated, it belies the simplicity of the love song at the heart of 'Of & About'. MK "I see it as a jigsaw puzzle of sounds, each fitting neatly into its own space without disturbing the overall picture."

The alternative A side introduces the voice of new vocalist Bex Collins in a dark, moody setting with the surprising addition of fuzz bass guitars and a Gypsy violin. 'All You Have' was auditioned extensively before Mick decided on Bex as the missing element needed to complete the song. "I gave no indication of what I wanted to hear," explains Mick, "It's a strange track, but I knew the right singer would understand it without any guidance."

The third piece, 'Edge Of Charm' is an up-beat instrumental exclusively recorded for the single.

Posted: 1st March 2006

Three Part SpeciesMick Karn photo shoot for Three Part Species

Mick Karn will be releasing his 7th solo album titled "Three Part Species" in May 2006. The album is to be accompanied by a three track single.

We are currently working on a few dates for small intimate live shows in the UK we expect these to be London, Glasgow and Nottingham during May. We will let you know as soon as this has been confirmed.

Images are from the promotional photo session for the album release. Click here for more (Photo's by Debi Zornes)

Mick Karn photo shoot for Three Part SpeciesMick Karn photo shoot for Three Part Species
Posted: 9th February 2006

Bass Player Magazine

In the February 2006 edition of Bass Player magazine there is an interview with Mick Karn. You can see the article here - http://www.bassplayer.com/story.asp?sectioncode=16&storycode=12823

Posted: 7th February 2006

Mick performing live with Isildurs Bane

On Friday 16th December Mick will appear at IB Expo 2005 in Halmstad with 3 of Mick's tracks being included in the perform:- . Honey Sweating - Polytown, Thundergirl Mutation - The Tooth Mother and Plaster The Magic Tongue - Bestial Cluster.

There are only 166 seats so this will be an unforgettable and intimate concert.

Download Press Release - here

Isildurs Bane website - click here

Posted: 1st December 2005

Timelines is in the shop

We are pleased to inform you that the new "Timelines" album by Stefano Panunzi is now in the shop - click here Mick plays bass on 5 tracks and vocals on 2.

Posted: 8th November 2005

Love's Glove CD in the shop

The CD version Mick Karn's latest EP, Love's Glove, is now available in the shop. click here

Posted: 19th September 2005

The Shop Is Open

We are pleased to add a shop to the site. There are some limited edition and very rare postcards in the shop so be quick.

You will also find a download version of the new EP Love’s Glove (soon). We might be releasing a slightly different version of this EP in a few months on CD.

Posted: 12th July 2005

Love's Glove EP - Message from Mick

The four tracks were recorded during February and March and are a bridge between More Better Different and the next album.

Although much time has passed since the last release, 'mustard grapes' and 'outline ... sandcastle' were already half written before More Better Different's release and therefore seem to share a sympathetic quality. The remaining two tracks point the way and were written at the time of recording.

I find 'regretted' particularly rewarding as a musician as it's made up of only 8 sounds, all of them real and unsynthesized. I also find it to be quite an uncomfortable and disturbing track, something I haven't felt with a piece of music for a long time. It seemed to have a mind of it's own, taking shape and falling into place almost by accident during one sitting.

I should also mention that slight changes have already been made for any subsequent releases, making the download versions unique.

I hope you will all enjoy listening as much as I have in recording them and I look forward to reading any comments.


MK.

Posted: 12th July 2005

Mick on Tour with Kirito

Mick has been working with Japanese artist Kirito. A tour has been arranged and Mick will be with them on stage during August. Kirito's band "Pierrot" are described in Japan as "visual rock". It is very different from Mick's usual projects but we all know that Mick likes to explore new ground.

KIRITO TOUR 2005

 “ The Fef of Hameln ”

  • 11th of August  / Namba Hatch (Osaka)
  • 13th of August  / Drum Logos (Fukuoka)
  • 17th of August  / Zepp Nagoya (Nagoya)
  • 22th of August  / Zepp Sendai (Sendai)
  • 27th  of August / Zepp Tokyo (Tokyo)
  • 28th  of August / Zepp Tokyo (Tokyo)

Price:All Ticket \5,500yen(Tax Inc)

information: http://www.cycloid.jp

Posted: 7th June 2005

New EP

We are delighted to inform you that Mick has finished a few tracks that are about to be released as an EP. This is a transition between old and new and will be made available as a download and also a CD.

Here is a teasing little taster of Milk the Filthy - download

Posted: 24th May 2005

Stefano Panunzi

Stefano has informed us that his album is nearly ready and has given us two preview downloads of tracks featuring Mick Karn on bass. Mick plays on 5 tracks in total on this album.

Masquerade (download preview)
Web of memories
I'm looking for
Tribal Innocence (download preview)
Everything 4 her

We will let you know as soon as the album has been released.

Posted: 25th April 2005

Stefano Panunzi's new Album

'Timelines' is an album by keyboard player Stefano Panunzi which features Mick Karn on four tracks:

Everything 4 Her
Web of Memories (Gavin Harrison on drums)
Tribal Innocence (David Torn on guitar loops) and mixed by MK
Masquerade (includes Mick on backing vocals)

Richard Barbieri also plays on one track with Gavin Harrison called 'Set in Darkness'.

Stefano tells us that it is nearly done, details will be posted when we have them.

Posted: 29th March 2005

New Website, New Forum, New News

Welcome to mickkarn.net - This is the new official website for Mick Karn and Mick will be here regularly to read your messages in the forum and even join in from time to time. So, if you have any questions for Mick then post away here

Please subscribe to the newsletter and we will keep you informed about latest news and updates. Send an email to subscribe@mickkarn.net with subscribe in the subject line - click here

Posted: 22nd March 2005

New Solo Album

Mick is currently working on a new album and is hoping to have it finished later this year. Mick tells us that it is coming on well and we will keep you posted with the progress.

Posted: 22nd March 2005

Latest Releases


The Concrete Twin
2009


Selected
2007

Three Part Species
2006

Of & About
2006


Love's Glove
2005

More Better Different
More Better Different
2004
Each Eye A Path
Each Eye A Path
2001

The Tooth Mother
1995

Bestial Cluster
1993

Dreams Of Reason Produce Monsters
1987

Titles
1982