Alexander Tucker

Alexander Tucker is a musician from the United Kingdom who works as a solo artist and in collaboration with other performers. His early musical experience is in hardcore and post-rock: he first sings in Suction in the early 1990s, a noisy adolescent punk band with leanings towards Swans and Fugazi, before becoming vocalist in Unhome, a five-piece post-rock hardcore group. Unhome releases one album, Short History of Houses, on Unlabel, as well as a split single with Papa M.

Early solo work and recording style

After Unhome ends in late 1999, Tucker tours the UK with Detroit space-rock group Fuxa playing synthesizers. Around this period he develops an interest in improvisation using detuned guitars, tape loops, a MiniDisc player and effects pedals. In early 2000 he records a self-titled solo album built from acoustic finger-picking, experimental electronics, field recordings and vocals, and it is released on Tom Greenwood’s U-Sound Archives label.

His first two albums are recorded on a digital 8-track while he lives in a flat above Warren Street tube station in London. The second of these, Old Fog, appears on ATP Recordings, the label associated with All Tomorrow’s Parties, and helps widen interest in his work. A later album, Furrowed Brow, is recorded in Kent and also released on ATPR.

Collaborations and side projects

Tucker’s collaborative work includes projects with Stephen O’Malley of Sunn O))) and Khanate. He works with O’Malley on the Ginnungagap side project and later as Stephen O’Malley & Alexander Tucker Duo. He also contributes to a soundtrack for Lali Chetwynd’s performance piece at Tate Britain, and performs with JOMF, Duke Garwood, Little Wet Horse and members of Guapo under the name The Star Gazers Assistant.

Visual art and related work

Alongside music, Tucker is a visual artist. He creates artwork for his album covers and side projects, including drawings and comic artwork for Sturgeon White Moss on White Moss Press, and an album cover for the Polish doom artist Wolfmangler.

Later releases and activity

Tucker remains active as a recording and performing artist, continuing to write, record and perform alone and with others. His later work includes the album Portal on ATP Recordings and the double 7-inch release Custom Made.