In the universe of MOROBÉ, music isn’t just an accessory— it’s the heartbeat of the brand. This dynamic interplay of sound and style finds a kindred spirit in Mickael Karkousse, the Belgian musician and artist best known as the frontman

of the electro-rock band GOOSE. With his magnetic stage
presence and innovative blend of rock and electronic music, Karkousse’s journey is a tale of relentless creativity and bold reinvention, perfectly in sync with MOROBÉ’s avant-garde ethos.

Born and raised in Kortrijk, Belgium, Karkousse’s passion for music and visual arts ignited early. “From a young age, I was fascinated by the way sounds and visuals could create an immersive experience,” he recalls. His artistic path began with experimenting

on various instruments and electronic sounds, which eventually led to the formation of GOOSE in 2000 with friends Bert Libeert, Dave Martijn, and Tom Coghe. The band made a splash in 2006 with their debut album “Bring It On,” garnering rave reviews

from NME and The Guardian for its high-energy mix of rock and electronic beats. This debut catapulted GOOSE into the limelight, both in Belgium and internationally, establishing their reputation for electrifying live shows.

Karkousse’s talents extend beyond music. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (KASK) in Ghent, focusing on visual arts. His graduation project, a blend of video art and sound, was featured in the gallery of acclaimed Belgian fashion designer Walter Van Beirendonck. “That project was a turning point,” Karkousse explains. “It showed me how different art forms could intersect to create something truly unique.”

The fusion of music and visual arts is a constant in Karkousse’s career. His visual arts background heavily influences his musical projects, with striking visual elements often taking center stage in his performances and music videos. “I see music and visuals as two sides of the same coin,” he says. “They complement each other, and together, they can tell a more powerful story.”

Karkousse has also embarked on solo projects, pushing his creative boundaries even further. In 2021, he released his debut EP “Where Do We Begin” and his first solo album “Hello.”

These releases opened a new chapter in his career, allowing him to delve into a more personal and introspective artistic space. His solo work dives deeper into emotional themes and showcases a refined electronic sound, building on his foundation with GOOSE.

Describing his debut EP as a cinematic, nostalgic journey, Karkousse reflects on life’s significant firsts. Creating solo music was a self-discovery process, as he aimed to carve out a sound distinct from GOOSE. “That first EP was almost like a research project,” he admits. “After years in a band, I was figuring out my direction as a solo artist. It took time to find that unique sound, and I had to avoid sounding too much like GOOSE.”

His album “Hello” represents pure creativity and personal reflection. Collaborating with French producer Victor Le Masne, known for his work with Kavinsky and Gaspard Augé of Justice, Karkousse embraced a process that took his music into unexpected territories. “Every time my producer asked if we were sure about something, I said yes. This openness led to surprising turns in the songs—sometimes so surprising I had to get used to them myself.”

Karkousse’s solo work maintains the energetic vibe that fans love. His first single “Hello,” uses the word “hello” in various forms, demonstrating his skill at conveying emotion and narrative with minimalistic yet powerful elements.

Reflecting on his multifaceted career, Karkousse says, “Blending different art forms keeps things fresh and exciting. It’s about constantly challenging myself and finding new ways to express my creativity.” His journey from the small town of Kortrijk to

the international stage showcases his extraordinary talent and unyielding pursuit of artistic innovation.

As GOOSE marks their 20th anniversary with a special show at
Lotto Arena in Antwerp, Karkousse’s impact and contributions continue to inspire and engage audiences worldwide. “It’s been an incredible journey,” he says. “And I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.”