Artist Profile – NEMY – (Serbia)

Nemy has made a steady name for himself over the last ten years, with releases on some of drum and bass music’s mightiest labels, including Ram, Skank and Bass and Dispatch to name but a few.

His style is gritty, low, dark and deeply atmospheric, relying on abstract sounds with haunting reverb and low end bass frequencies that make your guts rumble. And that’s before we even mention the intricate percussion and delicately crafted synth sounds.

He has a brand new EP out on Martyn Nytram’s Hardpoint label this week and we thought we’d touch base with this master of modern minimal to get a few words.

Nemy! Welcome in!

You’re from Serbia. Would you say the scene there is strong right now?

Yes, its not bad.. We have some good artist like MISSIN, INDUKT, EUPHORICS, C:CRITZ, OMNEUM, CODEX, HERMETIK, DRUMSIK and SPLASH HEADS.

You cite a lot of UK based labels and artists as influential to your sound. Do you find that your own nationality and your immediate surroundings also influence your music?

I am big fan of sound design in music, and I love Noisia, Posij, Eprom, Noer the boy, Kursa and Ivy lab to name but a few, but I couldn’t day that my nationality and surroundings have ever influenced my style though.

Living right on the banks of the Danube River must be pretty special. Do you find comfort in nature or are you more of a city boy?

I prefer to spend time in nature. I love running and the sense of serenity that I get from nature.

At 32, you’re witnessing a whole new generation of DNB producers coming through, so what is your take on the next gen? What are you seeing and hearing that you love, and also that you maybe don’t love quite so much?

I am loving it! I am excited to hear new sounds from artists like Imanu or Buunshin, and hearing their fresh take on DNB music really inspires me to work on my own style and try to express myself through music like they do.

We’ve read elsewhere that you’re a fan of 90s drum and bass, and you can really hear a lot of that influence coming through your music, particularly the latter end of the decade. Does that come out of your mind subconsciously as a producer?

The 90s is the best generation 🙂 I definitely love listening to old school artists such as Goldie, Detboi, Ulterior Motive, Ed Rush and Optical and Photek. In my opinion they are at the foundation of drum and bass music.

Techno has also previously played a big part in your life as a musician. That really comes through in your sound, particularly in the percussion. It’s so, well, techno-y! It just keeps your mind moving through the tracks. Sound design is a special interest of yours, so where do your drums sit in all of that?

Honestly, techno is my second biggest love in music, and yes, I do try to make the drums sound like techno to add a little bit of spice to the DNB!

The attention to detail on your music is exceptional. We can imagine you being a bit of a perfectionist?

I am definitely a perfectionist! When I start producing I can spend hours at my desk until the sound I make feels right to my ears.

We noticed that you’ve studied with both Point Blank and the SAE Institute. The knowledge gained during those courses must be immeasurable. What things would you say has been the most useful in terms of getting to know your way around a studio?

In general my education is a plus, but mostly hours and hours of practice are what got me here.

And are there any plans (or is there a big enough demand) to maybe open a studio or find studio work in Serbia?

No

This is your first release on Hardpoint, right?

Yes, it’s my first release for them and I always try to make diverse sounds.

Outside of the music scene you’re a bit of a foodie? Tell us a bit about the food and culture of Serbia. What dishes should we look up and try at home?

I am a huge foodie but my favorite is when my girls cook for me. If you ever visit Serbia try our traditional dishes like Sarma, Pljeskavica and Cevapi.

Podcasts are a big thing in your life too. We like those as well. We’re into world history and the history of modern music. What kind of stuff do you like to listen to?

I listen to sports podcasts, specifically UFC and also some Serbia podcasts.

One thing that really fascinates us bout you is that you mention that you not only like to drink plenty of water, but also that you like to try different waters from around the world. This is interesting, as we know that water generally picks up nutrients from the type of ground it falls on and this can influence its taste and molecular structure. With this in mind, who’s water do you rate the best and then the worst?

The best one I’ve tried is Prolom from Serbia, and the worst is tap water!

Mental health is at a level across the global consciousness that we don’t think it’s ever been at before, yet many people still find it difficult to talk about their own, and when they do, they are often ridiculed for being needy or oversharing. You mentioned that you wish we could talk more about this highly emotive subject. What would you like to say about mental health, and how is your own relationship with it?

I wish people would be more open to their friends and family and to not to be afraid to ask for support. Asking for help from professionals is also something people should not be ashamed of.

Finally, what are your plans for what is left of 2023 and beyond? Might there be a Nemy album in the pipeline, or maybe a foray into something a little different?

Yes! I have confirmed an album for Rebel Music and also have confirmed gigs in the Netherlands and Switzerland!

WIKKED! Best of luck with it all!

FIND OUT MORE HERE:

Nemanja Brakovic (@__nemy___) • Instagram photos and videos

Stream NEMY music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud

Stream Hardpoint Recordings music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud