Nemo: That opened the ESC star’s eyes

Around five months after Switzerland won the ESC, Nemo (25) released the new single “Eurostar” this Friday (October 4th). Nemo’s life changed this year not only because of the Eurovision Song Contest, but also because of the move from Berlin to London. The change of location came “at exactly the right time,” reveals Nemo in an interview with the news agency spot on news. The ESC star also talks about his fascination with the city, queer life in the metropolis and a potential appearance in the upcoming song contest.

Around half a year has passed since your ESC victory. How are you today?

Nemo: I’m doing very well. I’m overjoyed to finally be able to release music again. I’ve experienced an incredible amount in the last few months, but I’ve also learned a lot about myself. Also about the world, performing and making music. I’m excited to be able to dive back into making and releasing music.

What positive and negative experiences did you have after your victory that still shape you today?

Nemo: I think my emotional world has expanded. The great moments are incredibly beautiful and full of endorphins. The less beautiful moments go much deeper. I definitely had to learn to deal with it. Maybe my range of feelings has simply expanded through all these experiences. Sometimes everything can be very intense. I am very lucky to have a great network around me – friends and family, but also the people (my wonderful team) I work with. They treat me very carefully, which helps me a lot.

With “Eurostar” a new chapter begins for you after your victory. The song brings pulsating beats to dance to. Do you like going to clubs, what should a perfect party night look like for you?

Nemo: A good night out for me is when everyone feels safe and comfortable enough to be themselves. This is the perfect condition.

They moved to London. What makes the city special for you and how did you settle in?

Nemo: Moving to London came at exactly the right time for me. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do musically. I think “The Code” and the Eurovision Song Contest opened my eyes a lot musically. Now I know where I want to go musically and artistically. There is no better city for this than London. There are an incredible number of super talented people there who make music, art and fashion. It’s wonderful to work with these people and I’ve had the opportunity to get to know many of them this year. There is a real exchange taking place, also in connection with the history of London and all the influences that have reached me or even Biel in Switzerland. That makes London such a magical place for me.

How does the city influence your musical journey?

Nemo: One element that has been incorporated into my artwork is that I approach everything more holistically – from styling to visuals to references for visuals and the entire world around the music. My encounters and experiences in London all flow into this process. The history of London, the punk of the 70s, the whole movement also inspires me extremely. I see many parallels to how I and many other people of my generation are feeling right now. I think many of our questions are based on similar ideas.

Where is your favorite place to be in London and what do you like to do?

Nemo: I live in East London, which is a huge area. London is so big! It’s crazy when I compare it to Berlin, where I lived before. Berlin seemed huge to me. Above all, I am where I live. I don’t know exactly what I like to do in London. In terms of leisure time, I’m not doing that much at the moment. Most of the time I’m in the studio, going to fittings for shoots or visiting thrift stores. I don’t think there are anywhere as many good thrift stores as in London, maybe even in Paris?

They advocate for the rights of non-binary people. How do you experience acceptance in the UK? And what is the overall acceptance like in the music industry?

Nemo: I’ve met a lot of great queer people in London, especially from the music and creative industries. It’s certainly a kind of bubble in which I sometimes wonder why people, unfortunately, are still not sensitized or don’t want to understand it. But I think the fashion, music and creative scenes form a bubble in which I’m lucky enough to often feel comfortable.

Do you want to live in London long-term, or what are your plans?

Nemo: I rarely plan for the long term. I know I want to make my album that will be heavily inspired by London. I also want to work a lot with people from London. Then I just see how I like it and which doors life opens for me – and which ones maybe close. Life often brings surprises, so I never plan for more than a year. I’m definitely staying in London for this album and I’m looking forward to really finding my feet here.

What do you want for your music career?

Nemo: I want enough freedom to be able to implement my ideas with my team the way I imagine them – musically, visually and communicatively – and for as long as possible. I want a connection with the people who listen to my music and to whom it means something. I believe that only if music and art mean something to me can I bring it out into the world.

The ESC will take place in Basel in 2025, your hometown Biel has not become one. Were you sad about it?

Nemo: I was a little sad, but there are so many decisions involved that we don’t even notice. I hope you have given all the important considerations. I think Basel is a good choice, that would have been my favorite after Biel/Bern. Basel has super good arguments: It is a super diverse, culturally rich city that is very close to Germany and France.

Will you also be there at the ESC in 2025?

Nemo: I don’t know yet, the planning hasn’t progressed yet. The organizers have already contacted us and we will exchange our ideas. Hopefully I’ll be there in Basel then!

Who would you like to succeed you?

Nemo: I think there are so many great artists in Switzerland who would be a great fit. There are really many, and I’ve already heard one or two songs! I’m very excited to see what else will happen here.