N*E*R*D - Melbourne Show

Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes are the most revolutionary production tandem in modern music. They've taken their hip-hop foundation and un-tethered the boundaries of pop, bestowing unsuspecting hit records in almost machine-gun-like succession - whether in rap (Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, et al), R n' B (Usher, Babyface), pop (Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake) or rock (No Doubt).

N.E.R.D is not the Neptunes. N.E.R.D is the offspring of the Neptunes, a fly-or-die, thrash-around, do-as-you-will, set-your-soul-on-fire alter ego that subscribes to no rules, adheres to no agenda. It is Pharrell, Chad and Shay - a trio whose chemistry allows the uninhibited exploration of the sounds, emotions and impulses of self and society, of identity and belonging.

The 2004 release of ‘Fly or Die’ was the second album from N.E.R.D, picking up where the groups 2002 debut, ‘In Search Of’, left off. From a musical perspective, ‘Fly or Die’, picks up on the freewheeling sensibility of its predecessor. The most under-appreciated aspect of The Neptunes' Midas touch are the melodies and carefully crafted song writing skills inherent in their barrage of hits, the complexity is in the simplicity. The songs of ‘Fly or Die’ represent the spectrum of influence impressed upon the trio, from classic rock and Beatles-esque pop to old funk and new wave. It's the space where musical styles are truly influences, not reflexive actions.

Recently in 2008, they released their new album titled ‘Seeing Sounds’, with the first single off the album, ‘Everyone Nose’ being a huge underground and commercial hit. N.E.R.D are back in a big way and coming to a city near you. Don’t miss your chance to see this explosive live act up close and personal for their first major concert tour of Australia & New Zealand.

music:
r&b, hip-hop
scene: Concert

lineup:
N*E*R*D
Pharrell WIlliams
Chad Hugo