Emil Karlsen (b.1998) is a Norwegian improvising drummer currently based in the UK. Described as a “significant addition to the UK free jazz scene” and an “exceptional improv drummer”, he’s establishing himself on the improvised music circuit working the span from free improvisation to free jazz. Occupied with exploring the timbral and sonic possibilities of the drum kit, he performs with Philipp Wachsmann, Matthew Bourne, Phil Durrant, Maggie Nicols, Ed Jones, and the London Improvisers Orchestra amongst many others. Recently, Emil has been behind the relaunch of the historically important Bead label.