Muse and Mike Skinner: The Story Behind 'Who Knows Who'
In the world of music, some of the most interesting tracks are those that were never intended for the public ear. Such is the case with Who Knows Who, a collaborative effort between the English rock band Muse and artist Mike Skinner. What began as a casual experiment eventually found its way into the hands of fans, leading to an official, albeit unexpected, release.
The Unexpected Leak
The journey of the track began on August 2, when a user named "dopemc" uploaded an mp3 file titled "Muse and the Streets – Who Knows Who" to Muselive, a popular community forum for Muse fans. The sudden appearance of the track sparked intense debate and speculation among the fanbase regarding its authenticity and origin.
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Official Clarification from Muse
To clear up the confusion, Muse issued an official statement on their website. The band explained that the track was the result of a late-night jam session recorded with Mike Skinner a few months prior. They described the song as something created "for a bit of a laugh," built around a blues riff the band had been performing live—one they noted was similar in style to Led Zeppelin's "Heartbreaker."
Because the recording was not intended to be a serious professional release, the band members—Matt, Dom, and Chris—expressed that they were happy for the track to circulate unofficially among fans.
Perspectives from Mike Skinner
Mike Skinner later shared his own take on the collaboration. While he felt the track was genuine, he echoed the sentiment that it was largely a lighthearted project. Skinner revealed that while the record label became overly excited about the song's potential, he ultimately dismissed it, stating that he did not believe the quality was high enough for a major release.
Despite his reservations, Skinner performed a portion of the song during his appearance at the BBC Electric Proms on October 23.
Official Release and Legacy
Although it started as an unofficial leak, "Who Knows Who" eventually received a formal release. In September 2009, just over a year after it first appeared on the Muselive forums, the track was included as the B-side to the 7" vinyl single of the song Uprising.
Key Facts
- Collaborators: Muse and Mike Skinner.
- Origin: A late-night jam session based on a blues riff.
- Initial Leak: Uploaded by user "dopemc" to Muselive on August 2.
- Official Release: September 2009 as a B-side to the "Uprising" 7" vinyl.
- Musical Influence: The riff was compared to Led Zeppelin's "Heartbreaker."
| Event | Date/Period | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Recording | Pre-August | Casual jam session with Mike Skinner |
| Fan Leak | August 2 | Uploaded to Muselive forum by "dopemc" |
| Live Performance | October 23 | Rapped by Skinner at BBC Electric Proms |
| Official Release | September 2009 | B-side to "Uprising" 7" vinyl |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did 'Who Knows Who' first become public?
The song was leaked on August 2 by a member of the Muselive fan forum using the username "dopemc."
Was 'Who Knows Who' intended to be a professional single?
No. Muse described it as a track recorded for a "bit of a laugh" during a jam session, and Mike Skinner indicated he did not think the quality was sufficient for a serious release.
What musical style influenced the track?
The song features a blues riff that the band had been playing live, which they noted was similar to the song "Heartbreaker" by Led Zeppelin.
When was the song officially released?
It was officially released in September 2009 as the B-side to the 7" vinyl single for "Uprising."
Did Mike Skinner ever perform the song live?
Yes, he rapped a portion of the track during his performance at the BBC Electric Proms on October 23.