Sitting down just hours before taking the stage for her sold-out album release show, Nenerchy radiated excitement with a touch of nerves. Although she admitted to feeling the pressure of the occasion, the significance of the evening was clearly not lost on her.

“I’m doing great. I’m a little nervous, but I’m more excited than nervous. This is my first sold-out show and it’s my album release party. So I’m excited. It’s going to be a huge deal for me.”

Speaking about ‘Prima Bailarina’, Nenerchy explained that the album’s title intentionally plays with contrasts. While the image of a prima ballerina immediately evokes elegance and beauty, she never saw those things as being incompatible with chaos, partying and a bit of madness. In fact, bringing seemingly opposite worlds together is something she naturally gravitates towards, both musically and visually. Even the album cover carried a personal touch, as years of ballet lessons meant she was able to pose properly on pointe shoes herself.

“Prima Bailarina is about the elegance and the pretty things and the cute things and then the party things and the wild things and the crazy shit. So it’s all that in a mix.”

More importantly, the album represents what she considers the most complete expression of herself so far. Having worked alongside the same producer throughout the record, everything finally came together into what she described as a complete package. While previous releases often consisted of singles or shorter projects, this album feels like the clearest picture of who she is as an artist.

“This feels most me that I’ve ever done.”

Trying to put that identity into a single genre, however, proves nearly impossible. Metal, rap, EDM and punk have all shaped her tastes, and she has never felt particularly tied to one specific scene. Ironically, despite becoming one of Finland’s more recognizable drum and bass artists, she revealed that she didn’t even listen to the genre all that much before accidentally stumbling upon it and discovering that it simply felt right. That openness has had an interesting effect on audiences as well. Over the years, she has encountered listeners from wildly different backgrounds who all somehow find common ground through her music. Metal fans, rap fans and electronic music enthusiasts may disagree on almost everything else, but Nenerchy seems to be one of the rare artists capable of bringing them together.

“Metalheads come to me and say, ‘I hate rap, but I like you.’ And same the other way. Rap people come to me and they’re like, ‘I hate metal, but this is great.’ I don’t like drum and bass, but this is great. So it’s like… I connect people.”

While her sound has evolved far beyond traditional punk, she still sees punk less as a genre and more as a philosophy. The freedom to follow her own instincts and refuse outside expectations remains deeply ingrained in everything she does.

“I have a mindset that I’m free to do anything I want. It’s the kind of anarchy that I have in my heart. That’s the punk in my thing.”

Another milestone awaits this summer when she takes the stage at Tuska Festival. Looking back, she vividly remembered attending the festival in 2024 and witnessing Pendulum‘s performance. Inspired by what she saw, she promised herself that one day she would play the festival as well. What she envisioned taking five or six years ended up becoming reality in only two.

“That’s when I decided I’m going to be there in a span of five to six years. It took two years and now I’m there.”

Rather than worrying about whether everyone in the crowd will understand what she does, Nenerchy plans to approach the show exactly the same way she approaches everything else: unapologetically as herself. Backed by a live band featuring screamed vocals and heavier elements, she believes there will be something for everyone, regardless of which corner of the alternative world they come from. And for those old-school metalheads still scratching their heads at seeing her name on the Tuska poster, she had a message ready.

“Maybe open your horizons and see what I’m made of. I’ll rock your world.”

Away from music, anime and horror remain important sources of joy and inspiration. References to geek culture have occasionally found their way into her work, particularly on previous releases, while eagle-eyed fans may also spot some familiar influences during her live performances. When asked what their special attack would be if Nenerchy was an anime character, she immediately pointed to the powers of Nico Robin from One Piece, adding with a laugh that she would also be an exceptional sword master.

With a sold-out release show, a summer packed with festivals and several other exciting developments still on the horizon, one thing became abundantly clear throughout the conversation: Nenerchy is enjoying every second of the ride.

“There are a lot of things going on and I’m very excited about everything, mostly about summer and the festivals.”

Judging by the enthusiasm, confidence and refusal to fit neatly into anyone else’s expectations, it feels like the story of Nenerchy is only just beginning.

Links