Interview with The News Tribune

Band spotlight: The Nemesis Theory

Who they are: Tim Strovas (drums), John Gillanders (vocals, micro-Korg), JD (guitar).

Where they’re from: The Nemesis Theory, a Seattle-based band, began as a weekly jam session. “I met JD and our first bassist through friends, and we just started jamming together on Saturdays,” says Strovas. “Over time, we progressed and moved into a rehearsal space and found John.”

Their music: “Some have labeled us a progressive math metal band, but I think this lacks substance. I think our own genre would be called post-post-modern metal with a little bit of noise thrown in for garnish,” says Strovas. Adds Gillanders, “One of our fans called it mind metal. That was amusing.”

The Nemesis Theory draws its influences from a variety of sources, including bits of the local grass-roots scene. “As far as inspiration, there are so many musically that it’s hard to get into detail,” says Gillanders. “I would have to list orators like David Cross, Henry Rollins and Bill Hicks. Very inspirational.”

Their goals: Says JD, “Long term? Last band on Earth. Short term? First band on Mars.”

Before, during, and post-show activities: For Gillanders, preparation requires the presence of a higher being. “I perform an array of esoteric self-designed sorcery practices exactly seven hours before every show. I summon a transdimensional entity named ‘Klaus’ to envelop and mystify the crowd. No, no. I’m far too lazy for all that.”

JD’s method is a bit easier. “For me, it’s Pilates and Pall Malls; before, during and after.”

Advice to new musicians: “Don’t listen to commercial radio, ever,” says Gillanders. “Unless we start getting played, then start again.”

For more information: www.thenemesistheory.com Neon Primitives (electronica), the Counted, Fly the Lines, Bad Luck Streak, As Fate Would Have It, 6 p.m., Club Adrian at Asbury United Methodist Church, 5601 S. Puget Sound Ave., Tacoma; $6; 253-472-4239.

Monique LeTourneau is a senior at Henry Foss High School. To submit information on all-ages shows, e-mail her at starving.artiste@gmail.com.