Mick Harvey is an Australian musician, songwriter, and composer who has gained international recognition as a member of the iconic band The Birthday Party and Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds. In addition to being a founding member of The Birthday Party, Harvey has played a crucial role in shaping Nick Cave's sound and image over the years.
Harvey was born in rural Victoria, Australia, in 1958, and grew up in a family of music lovers. He started his music career as a guitarist for the seminal post-punk band The Boys Next Door, which later became The Birthday Party. The band's music was loud, abrasive, and dark, and quickly gained a cult following both in Australia and overseas.
After The Birthday Party's breakup in 1983, Harvey focused on his work with Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds. He played a variety of instruments, including guitar, bass, and piano, and was the band's co-founder and long-time collaborator. Together they created some of the most influential and innovative music of the past few decades, spanning genres from post-punk to alternative rock, art rock, and more.
Harvey left The Bad Seeds in 2009 to focus on his solo career. He has since released several solo albums, including "Two of Diamonds," "Four (Acts of Love)," and "Delirium Tremens." His work as a composer has also been featured in films, including "Ghost Story," "The Proposition," and "Lawless." Harvey has collaborated with a variety of other artists over the years, including PJ Harvey, Rowland S. Howard, and Anita Lane.
Despite his numerous musical achievements, Harvey is known for his modesty and reluctance to take the spotlight. He has always been the quiet, dependable presence in the bands he has played with, and has often been described as the unsung hero of Nick Cave's music.
Mick Harvey's music represents a unique blend of raw emotion, dark wit, and intelligent songwriting. His contribution to the Australian and international music scene over the past three decades cannot be overstated, and he continues to be a respected and influential figure in the industry. To witness Mick Harvey's music is, in many ways, to glimpse the soul and spirit of modern rock pop.