? NéMéSiS-303 ?

nms 303
Aug 7, 2020
3 min read

Updated: May 2, 2021

NéMéSiS

Both concept & goddess of Greek mythology (daughter of Nyx, at night): that of "just anger (of the gods) & heavenly punishment..."

In relation to the notion of punishment, concept & divinity are assimilated to that of "divine vengeance" & sometimes also to the notion of balance...

From the Greek verb νέμειν (nemein): "to distribute fairly, to distribute what is due..."
Roman mythology: "iNDiGNATiON in the face of an unfair advantage..."
Myth representing "distributive justice & the rhythm of fate..."
Revenge of crimes & punishes excess!

Acronym: n m s !

303

In reference to the specific variations, modulations & sounds of the TB-303 synthesizer/sequencer manufactured by the Japanese company Roland between 1982 & 1983. (For your information, its designer, Tadao Kikumoto, also designed the famous TR-909!)

Roland TB-303 > TB = Transistor Bass: synthesizer, sequencer; oscillator, envelope generator, filter... Originally intended for guitarists, it was in the second half of the 80s that house and then Chicago & Detroit techno took over the machine. In 1987, the song Acid Trax (Phuture), produced & mixed by Marshall Jefferson, the precursor of the genre, illustrated electronic music in full experimentation!

Why this pseudonym "NéMéSiS-303" ???

From a "philosophical", ethical point of view:

With reference to the notions of "anger" & indignation aroused by the number of injustices & inequalities within our societies, the excessiveness & shortcomings of our so-called humanity... The term therefore, in a way, hallows the present artistic approach of a modestly protestant state of mind! In this sense, the metaphor here reconnects with the "rebellious", anti-establishment, non-conformist & "anti-system" soul of the early TECHNO underground movement! It also raises the question of an insurrection that is meant to be pacifist! That of a revolt guided by reflection, the desire for conciliation & non-violence! The idea being then to embody the spirit at the same time claimant, open & "resilient" of a cultural & musical current adept of freedom, compassion & tolerance... The questioning in addition!

From a "pragmatic" point of view:

Through the prism of the arts, culture or music, the approach & philosophy defended all aim at a much broader reflection on the contemporary world, the economic system, mass consumption, new means of communication, climatic & ecological phenomena, or themes such as altruism, tolerance, maturity, involvement or even personal development... In other words, it is with a head on one's shoulders & both feet firmly on the ground that such an artistic project takes root on very real foundations in relation to the values defended by those who have not yet given in! Thoughtful choice, freedom & autonomy of action, claimed self-production, ethical charter, open-mindedness, tolerance, awareness, reflection, responsibility, sharing, exchange & place of the human being at the heart of a plural project in constant evolution in support....

Also, by referring to the modulations, oscillations, variations, adjustments & other harmonies of "swirling sound sinusoids" coming out of a real machine instrument, the reference to TB-303 raises the common idea, like the handling of the regulating buttons of synthesizers & other sequencers, of the experience of a "variable" balance in the quest for a "happy medium" plus... That of a constant search for the right dosage, for "measurement" whatever the field....

>>> The 303 to modulate the effects of iNDiGNATiON! (This is the title of the first single released to launch the musical project!)

>>> THE LOOP iS CLOSED! (lol)