King Hammond

About

King Hammond, the moniker of ska innovator Nick Welsh, isn’t just reviving Jamaican rhythms; he’s injecting them with a vital, contemporary pulse. For decades, Welsh has been a lynchpin of the UK ska scene, first emerging with Bad Manners before forging his own path. King Hammond’s sound is rooted in classic ska and reggae, drawing inspiration from Prince Buster and Lee “Scratch” Perry, yet infused with elements of dub, rocksteady, and even a touch of Britpop swagger. Welsh's career is a testament to ska's enduring appeal. From his early days jamming with Buster Bloodvessel, to forming Selecter (as keyboard player & co-writer on albums "Celebrate the Bullet" & "Madness"), he’s consistently pushed the genre forward. The King Hammond project has allowed him to explore a broader sonic palette, resulting in albums that are both reverent of the past and boldly forward-thinking. He's collaborated with a diverse range of artists, cementing his status as a respected figure in the music world. King Hammond doesn't just play ska; he embodies its spirit of inclusivity and rebellion. Recently, Welsh continues to tour extensively, bringing his infectious energy and timeless grooves to audiences worldwide, reminding everyone that ska is far from a relic, but a vibrant force in modern music. His Instagram reveals a man still deeply committed to the music and his fans.