Andonis Michaelides, known as Mick Karn, shaped the distinctive sound of the art rock band Japan through his unconventional use of the fretless bass guitar. Born in Nicosia in 1958, he moved to London at age three, eventually emerging as a central figure in the British new wave scene through his melodic, self-taught playing style and multi-instrumental contributions.
Early Development and Japan
Karn's musical foundation began with the mouth organ and violin before he studied the bassoon. After his instrument was stolen in 1972, he purchased a bass guitar for £5. This shift facilitated his collaboration with school friends David Sylvian and Steve Jansen. The band, named Japan, signed with the German label Hansa in 1977. Over the course of several albums, they evolved from an alternative glam rock outfit into a refined new wave group. Their final studio record, Tin Drum, achieved commercial success in 1982, notably with the single Ghosts. Internal tensions, exacerbated by shifting personal relationships, led to the band's dissolution shortly thereafter.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Collaborative Projects and Solo Work
Following Japan's split, Karn pursued an eclectic career as a session musician and soloist. He released his debut solo album, Titles, in 1982. Throughout the decade, he contributed to projects by Gary Numan, Kate Bush, and Bill Nelson. In 1984, he partnered with Peter Murphy to form Dalis Car, releasing the album The Waking Hour. His session work continued into the 1990s, where he played with artists including David Torn and Bill Bruford. He also co-founded the Medium Productions label with Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen to facilitate his own creative output and support other musicians.
Later Career and Legacy
Karn relocated to Cyprus in 2004, where he continued to compose and record. He established the MK Music imprint in 2006 to handle his releases, including his 2009 autobiography, Japan & Self Existence. In 2010, he began working on new material with Peter Murphy for a second Dalis Car release, though the sessions were interrupted by a cancer diagnosis. Karn died in London in 2011 at the age of 53. Posthumously, the recorded sessions were released in 2012 as an EP titled InGladAloneness, featuring work mixed by Steve Jansen.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 July 1958, Nicosia
- Died: 4 January 2011, London
- Primary Instrument: Fretless bass guitar
- Notable Band: Japan
- Collaborative Project: Dalis Car
- Autobiography: Japan & Self Existence (2009)
- Citizenship: United Kingdom, Cyprus
- Early instrument: Bassoon
Questions readers ask
What instruments did Mick Karn play?
He was primarily known for the fretless bass guitar, but he was a multi-instrumentalist who also played saxophone, mouth organ, violin, and the Chinese suona.
Why did Japan break up?
The band dissolved in 1982 due to personality conflicts and internal tensions among the members, which intensified following the commercial success of their final album, Tin Drum.
Achievements
- Instruments: bass
- Genres: post-punk, new wave and experimental rock
