Karl Hussey, a drummer, and artist hailing from London, has had a prolific career in the music industry, marked by his involvement with several influential bands and his unique style that seamlessly blends punk rock energy with funky grooves.
Early Years and Mint 400
Hussey's journey in the music world gained momentum with his original role as the drummer for Mint 400, a band that signed with Food Records in 1992. During his time with Mint 400, the band released several EPs, including "Gas E.P.," "Natterjack Joe E.P," and "Thruster E.P," as well as the album "Intercomfort." Their music, characterized by eerie lyrics and quirky structures, aimed to counteract the British flood of techno and indie music. A highlight of this era was their performance in a John Peel session, showcasing their distinct sound on tracks like "Sew My Eyes" and "Natterjack Joe."
Swimmer and Continued Evolution
In 1995, Karl joined the band "Swimmer," contributing to the album "Petit POIS," recorded at the legendary Toe Rag Studios in Shoreditch. This phase of his career was marked by a continued exploration of his unique drumming style.
Founding Fraff and Artrocker
Hussey's creative journey took a new turn in 1997 when he formed Fraff and signed to Rainbow Quartz records. The band released several works, including the mini-album "It's A Long Way To..." and albums "Resist The Call To Rock" and "Just What Is It..." Fraff also played a pivotal role in setting up the Artrocker label, club, and magazine, contributing significantly to the indie music scene.
Collaborations and Ten Benson
Hussey co-produced and drummed on Jude Cowan's "To America" album in 1999. In 2002, he joined Ten Benson, where he co-produced the album "Satan Kidney Pie" and played on tracks like "Snowman," "Snowgirl," and "Mud Man." Ten Benson's sound was instantly recognizable, a testament to Hussey's distinctive drumming style that contributed to their signature sludge rock sound.
Varied Musical Contributions
Throughout his career, Hussey has played with various other bands, including Dig Dag Dog, Gamages Model Train Club, Xm3a, Follow The Crows, and A Body Of People. Each of these collaborations highlighted his versatility and adaptability as a drummer.
Transmaniacom and Solo Projects
In 2014, Karl was part of "Transmaniacom," drumming on their album and showcasing his skills in yet another musical landscape. He has also been involved in other projects, including contributions to the album "Glass Town" with singer-songwriter Jude and various releases with bands like Swimmer and Mint 400.
Legacy and Influence
Karl Hussey's career is a testament to his enduring influence in the rock and alternative music scenes. His ability to fuse different genres, coupled with his technical prowess, has made him a respected and sought-after musician. His work continues to inspire aspiring drummers and musicians, solidifying his place as a significant figure in contemporary music.