Michael Somerset Ward

MICHAEL SOMERSET WARD 

 EARLY YEARS AND FORMATION (UP TO EARLY ’80s)

Michael Somerset Ward was born in the United Kingdom and took his first steps in music playing in various cover bands, honing his craft as a musician. His artistic destiny changed radically when he came into contact with the Sheffield scene, at the time one of the most vital and innovative centres of British post-punk and industrial music.

 JOINING CLOCK DVA (1982-1983)

In 1982 Somerset joined Clock DVA, one of the seminal bands of the English industrial scene led by the charismatic Adi Newton. His time in the group, though brief, was fundamental to his artistic formation. Working alongside Newton – whom Somerset immediately recognised as a “true Artist” – he developed a conception of music as total art, where sound, text and conceptual vision are inseparable. This experience laid the foundations for a creative partnership that would last for decades to come.

 THE AMERICAN BREAKTHROUGH AND COLLABORATION WITH DON WAS (1984-1986)

Driven by the desire to forge an independent path, Somerset left for New York. His goal was audacious: to reach Detroit and knock on the studio door of Was (Not Was), his favourite artist. By a stroke of luck, Don Was was in New York. Somerset played him a cassette demo and Was replied: “Fix it up with Virgin and I’ll do it.” Despite Virgin’s initial scepticism (they called the Was brothers “acid casualties”), Somerset persisted and got the green light. In 1985 and 1986 he made two albums with Don Was and his band:

– “Into the Hot” (1985)

– “Weak in the Presence of Beauty” (1986)

Released under the name Floy Joy (a name foisted on Somerset and not his choice), the albums garnered critical acclaim but not the hoped-for commercial success. However, the experience was formative: Somerset learned the art of studio production, arranging and songwriting alongside one of the most visionary producers of the era.

 SUCCESS AS A SONGWRITER AND RETURN TO CRAFT (1986-2010)

After disbanding Floy Joy, Somerset found his vision confirmed when pop diva Alison Moyet recorded the title track Weak in the Presence of Beauty, turning it into a multi-platinum success that became a radio perennial. This event launched Somerset into a successful career as a “gun for hire” songwriter. From this moment until 2025, Somerset remained continuously under publishing contract, writing for numerous international artists. Among his most notable successes:

– Everything Changes (But You) – Written and produced for Take That, achieving triple platinum status.

– Collaborations with Irish avant-pop icon Róisín Murphy, for whom he wrote tracks including Murphy’s Law and Simulation (the latter destined for the Grand Theft Auto 6 soundtrack).

Concurrently, he worked all over the world, from Nashville to Stockholm, honing a versatility that few songwriters can claim.

 RETURN TO EXPERIMENTATION: CROOKED MAN AND MZYLKYPOP (2010-2024)

The need to express himself artistically again in his own right led Somerset to new projects:

Crooked Man – As principal songwriter for the group (a.k.a. Richard Barratt/DJ Parrot), he released two albums on the prestigious DFA Records (Dance Federation of America), garnering critical acclaim.

Mzylkypop – Under this pseudonym, Somerset created his personal sonic laboratory, releasing two albums:

– Kiedy Wilki Zawja? (2018) – First album of the project. The Polish title (“When do the wolves howl?”) suggests a dark and mysterious atmosphere.

– Threnodies and Ad Hocs (2024) – Second album, featuring Adi Newton and Stephen Mallinder (Cabaret Voltaire), reconnecting with his roots.

REUNITING WITH CLOCK DVA AND THE SHEFFIELD SCENE (2013-2025)

In 2013 Somerset decided to re-establish contact with Adi Newton, whose career he had always followed with interest. He travelled to Truro, to Newton’s base, and recorded two days of woodwind solos for what would become the album “Newtones” (Rizosfera/Armcomm Europe). Newton, along with many principals from the Sheffield industrial scene, also participated in the broadcast radio play “Kafka Chic” , for which Somerset created the original soundtrack, involving Glenn Gregory (Heaven 17) and Stephen Mallinder.

In 2025, Somerset returned to playing live with Clock DVA:

– Live in New York (LPR on 158 Bleecker Street, Manhattan)

– November UK tour

– He also participated in the Mute reissue of “Thirst”, playing woodwinds on new versions of 4 Hours and Sensorium.

 ESSENTIAL DISCOGRAPHY

With Floy Joy

– Into the Hot (1985)

– Weak in the Presence of Beauty (1986)

As Mzylkypop

– Kiedy Wilki Zawja? (2018)

– Threnodies and Ad Hocs (2024)

As Michael Somerset Ward

– No Ordinary Raconteur (May 2026, Armcomm Europa / Rizosfera)

Michael Somerset Ward – photo by