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Nou is an American alternative rock quartet which formed in Pasadena, CA (Los Angeles area) in early 2006. Though it was originally conceived as a side project of singer/songwriter/guitarist Derek de Lang, it grew into an almost full-time commitment. De Lang soon found that he had some great songs, and wanted to make a record without the traditional “band” configuration, like Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carabba or Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor.
After recruiting former bandmates Alex Babcock (bass/keys), and Daniel Silver (guitars), and mutual friend Christian Welch (drums), the four began to play live in the local Pasadena area, setting up gigs in their backyards, and playing at benefit shows.
Before beginning pre-production on their début EP, Alex Babcock amicably left to finish university and was replaced by Andrew Sabatine, a good friend and schoolmate of Derek’s. Pre-production then commenced on Stateless in the fall. After the winter holidays were over, they went into the studio to finish recording over the next two months. After almost two years from conception, Stateless was finally released in April 2008.
Soon after, when longtime touring guitarist Daniel Silver was unable to play anymore because of prior teaching commitments in China, Alex Babcock returned to Nou, now playing guitars and keyboards.
After hitting up the Sunset Strip club scene with gigs at the world-famous Whisky a Go Go and being part of music festivals such as Make Music Pasadena (KCRW’s Fête de la Musique Event), Nou proved that although their record sounded phenomenal, they could easily outdo themselves live. Stateless would end up spawning hits like “So Fast”, “Night Plane”, and the increasingly popular live favorite, “Smitten”.
“Stateless” is a collection of songs that are “laidback and atmospheric”, “simplistic yet intricate”, “lovely”, “refreshing”, “totally in-between genres”, and “innovative”. The chemistry found between the band is unique yet radio-friendly. “All the songs are really about trying to get somewhere or closer to someone, with lots of bittersweet in-between, mixed feelings,” says de Lang. “The point of view on this record is that of someone that’s emotionally stateless and just overwhelmed yet surprised and positive about the things and people that come your way.”
With a few upcoming performances this summer, Nou plan on returning to the studio in the near future to record the follow-up to their first record.
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