We can't all be tall, blond, former models from Australia. But twin-sister DJ duo Nervo has proven itself to be much more than that. The two aren't cheesy pop stars -- they're electronic DJs signed to EMI's Astralwerks with collaborations with Steve Aoki and Deadmau5 under their admittedly small designer belts. Plus, Nervo's songwriting credits include tracks for Kylie Minogue and the Pussycat Dolls and co-penning David Guetta's hit "When Love Takes Over," featuring Kelly Rowland.
This familial force will DJ between sets on Britney Spears' Femme Fatale tour this summer -- which also features Nicki Minaj. From Ultra and Winter Music Conference to Lollapalooza, these girls offer diversity.
We spoke with Min Nervo, who is truly grateful to have the opportunity to be doing what she's doing. She mentioned that "music is our drug" and good-naturedly laughed her way through the interview.
New Times: So, have you been on a tour as huge as this Britney Spears "Femme Fatale Tour" yet?
Min Nervo: Never, ever, ever. I don't know if you can get bigger than this when it comes to a pop tour. It's amazing. It's mind-blowing, eye-opening. I think a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's like, I can die now [laughs].
Are you excited to be with all women? Do you think it'll add something different to the tour?
Yeah, absolutely. There's nothing like real girl power. I love it. The lineup is just amazing. Britney and Nicki, you couldn't get two more contrasting yet complementing artists. They're so different, but they complement each other perfectly.
You guys are also songwriters, for yourself and other people...
Yeah, we've always written for other people. It's what, I guess, we've been known for, and now we're stepping out from behind the scenes.
You've done some collaborations. Is there anyone you'd like to work with in the future that you haven't had the chance to work with yet?
Artistwise, I would really like to work with Gwen Stefani and Fergie, and I love Nicki Minaj and, of course, Britney, but I've kind of worked with her team of people before. We want to work with exciting, inspiring people. They don't need to be famous -- they can be famous, but whoever turns us on creatively.
Do you have a favorite songwriter, someone whose lyrics really move you or inspire you?
I always look up to Kathy Dennis (she wrote Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out of My Head"). I love her style of writing; she's always sexy but cheeky.
You're twins; do you feel like you have an advantage...
Mental telepathy?
[laughs] Well, not are you telepathic, but do you have an advantage being twins that other people don't have?
I think we definitely have an advantage in a way that we can be brutally honest when we're working together. I think siblings really work together well. You have your ups and downs. It's always really nice to have your ups with your family. With the songwriting process, the producing process, we find it really quick and effective. I think we cut to the chase a lot faster because we don't really need to worry about hurting each other's feelings. [laughs] She doesn't take it personally, and nor do I.
Do you have any guilty pleasures musically? Anything you'd be ashamed that people knew you listened to?
It's not really a guilty pleasure, 'cause I'm proud of it. The first tape I ever bought was Salt-N-Pepa. Sort of like that girl power. I can jam out to Salt-N-Pepa every now and again.
You've played in South Florida before, Ultra and WMC?
In Miami, you can play more house music, all kind of European electronic music in Miami. The Miami crowd is ahead of it when it comes to pop music. I think America is definitely broadening their ears. Miami, I love it. You can really do the set that you want there, and people will go off on it.
Britney Spears, with Nicki Minaj, Jessie and the Toy Boys, and Nervo. 7 p.m. Friday, July 22, at American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Tickets cost $172 to $347. Click here.
Britney Spears, with Nicki Minaj, Jessie and the Toy Boys, and Nervo. 7 p.m. Friday, July 22, at American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Tickets cost $172 to $347. Click here.
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