Formed in 2001, Nemo, London's most durable and cutting edge electro-rock 4 piece, are possibly the capital's best kept secret. With the aggression of the Clash and the grind of Depeche Mode, their unique energetic sound combined with their infamous, adrenaline-fuelled live performances have assured them a cult following in both the UK and Europe.
As pioneers of the London electro/new wave club scene, their legendary club 'The System' saw them showcase what makes up most of the UKs current electronic underground. Amongst the regulars at the club, founded in 2000, were the Mighty Boosh (comperes and djs), Imogen Heap, Chris Corner (sneaker pimps dj and IAMX live sets), Robots in Disguise, Richard Archer (Hard FI), Graham Coxon, White Rose Movement, Trash money, and Chikinki. Venues included the Water Rats, Hoxton Underbelly, Madam jojos, LSE and The Marquee (London) and Berlin's Mudd Club (via original NY new-wave promoter Steve Maas). Nemo's debut album, 5 min heroes, followed their club success in 2004, but, until now, has never had an official release.
Later in the same year, after an indie label deal that went sour James (singer), Milan(bass) and drummer Section Q decided to change tact. With a change of guitarist, and an investment in their own DeepSeeStudios, Nemo sought an edgier, more aggressive sound. (singer James' infamous first words to guitar wizard Kev Kennedy 'nice shoes, do you play guitar?') Following the appearance of their debut single 'Piccadilly in Sepia' on the New Cross scene's first angular recordings sampler (with Bloc Party and Art Brut), and the formation of their own label DeepSeeMusic, Nemo returned afresh with their second, self produced album 'Post Human Love' in 2006.
Numerous Mighty Boosh appearances followed for singer James Cook (most notably 'Bollo', 'Nannageddon', 'Fountain Of Youth' and 'Eels'), as well as a flurry of co-production credits (including Sunshine's 2007 album 'Dreamer' which won the Czech Grammy for best album). Meanwhile, Nemo joined double US Grammy-nominated singer Imogen Heap on a national UK tour as both her backing band and support act.
Nemo then set sail for Europe, and began scores of club appearances, most notably in Berlin where they found a home amongst the city's most influential movers and shakers. The last 18 months has seen comprehensive national tours of Germany, Austria, Switzerlnd and Czech Republic/Slovakia, where they have an avid underground following. They received an acclaimed award for best new band at the 2006 Montreaux Jazz festival, which was followed by a main stage appearance in 2007.
Since 2008 singer James and guitarist Kev Kennedy have become resident in Berlin, a city far more artist friendly and inspirational than the over-saturated London, and subsequently new Berlin based members have joined the fold. Drummer Kathleen Herold (ex Anne Droid, Robots in Disguise) and bassist/guitarist Dean Rostron (The Michelles) complete the live line up. Nemo release their third studio album 'The Third Wave' on DeepSee, produced by James Cook and SectionQ, recorded at their own DeepSeeStudios in London. The new album has a darker, heavier feel.
The Third Wave is here
Watch the Salzburg 24 video interview
Watch nemo's live show at Sputnik Radio (Maximo Park support)
