As their name highlights, local act Nemjuci’s not only about front woman Juci Németh (nem means no). So, before they rock the A38 along with the UK’s The Subways later this month, we caught up with drummer Áron and bassist Máté to find out more about the band behind the name…
How did Nemjuci come about?
Á: I met Juci in England. I gave her a place to stay when she felt like she needed to drink a little from the UK music scene. By that time, she’d left Anima Sound System but wanted to get back on stage. When I moved back home, we spoke about forming a band, and I recommended Máté. She went to watch him, and her response was, “He’s cute, but I don’t know…”. It turned out she’d caught him playing a joke set with a mate’s band! When we heard Tamás from The Puzzle was returning from the UK, it kind of made sense, and we came together as Nemjuci at the end of 2007.
You’re from a range of musical backgrounds. How did you find Nemjuci’s sound?
Á: We started in a room and just kind of said, “let’s play something!”. There was definitely a mixing of backgrounds, which took us in so many directions. We were constantly showing each other YouTube videos, saying “I want to do something like that!”. In all this chaos, though, we found something in common and stared to go in that direction.
What direction would you say that was?
Á: Simple tunes with a rock ‘n’ roll core – predominantly indie.
M: But because of Juci’s singing style, it’s not really indie. I’d say we’re more pop rock – in a good sense.
So much focus is on Juci and her voice. Are there any issues of balance or control within the band?
M: Well, we’ve had to accommodate each other and get to understand each other’s tastes.
Á: Juci thought our original rhythm ideas were too funky, so we began to experiment with these groovy, very simple and easy to dance to rhythms instead. We accepted that she had a vision, and that she was the front woman. Fortunately, everyone liked her vision, so there weren’t any problems.
And how do you put tracks together?
M: There’s a lot of team work, but there’s always a starting point which begins with someone, and it could be any of us.
What are your favorite Nemjuci tracks, so far?
Á: It sounds cheesy, but Runaway remains my favorite. It was our second hit, and I love it.
M: We can be proud of it – it could really have been a hit elsewhere.
How did you land the Subways gig?
M: Simply luck!
Á: Well, not entirely. In 2008, we were playing at Sziget, and Ed – the gig’s organizer – heard someone playing a Subways cover. He went to find out who it was and has been coming to our gigs ever since.
And how are you feeling about it?
Á: Absolutely happy!
M: Yep, very good!
What can we expect from the gig?
Á: We’ll be playing our usual stuff, as well as some new material. We might not do the Subways cover, though… Our sets are energetic with dirty guitar riffs, almost a garage sound, and obviously Juci’s voice is really sweet, so it sits on all this like a queen.
M: A rock ‘n’ roll queen! I said it was down to pure luck that we’re supporting, but I think our sound suits them well – we’re gonna be a great support!