Artist page

Mick Karn, born Andonis Michaelides on July 24, 1958, in Cyprus, was an English-Cypriot musician and songwriter best known as the bassist for the art rock/new wave band Japan. Renowned for his distinctive fretless bass sound and melodic playing style, Karn's contributions were integral to the band's unique sound. In addition to the bass, he played various woodwind instruments, including clarinet and saxophone. Karn was also a talented sculptor, author, and chef, and he later qualified in psychiatry. He was multilingual and published his autobiography, "Japan And Self Existence," in 2009. Karn emigrated to the UK from Cyprus in the early 1960s and met the founding members of Japan at Catford Boys' School in London. The band disbanded in 1982 after a successful world tour and the album "Oil On Canvas." Throughout his career, Karn developed a recognizable bass sound that changed perceptions of the instrument. He was primarily a self-taught musician, and his innovative style led to comparisons with other notable artists. After Japan, he explored various genres, including jazz, ambient, and progressive music, while continuing to create his own unique music as a solo artist and in collaboration with former bandmates.

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