NERDIE

Nerdie traces its beginnings to 1995, when a trio of high school girls formed under the name Nerd despite possessing no instrumental skills at the outset. Annu Matilainen, the sole remaining original member, continued on drums as the group gradually expanded its roster to include Emily Handley on vocals, Maria "Nuppu" Stenros handling keyboard, vocals and sax, Jakko Kamarainen on guitar and vocals, Laura Kerminen also on guitar, and Rikka Sipponen on bass. Drawing from the American alternative pop of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam and Skunk Anansie together with the solo work of Tori Amos and Ani Difranco, the band issued its debut single Little Words through Poko Rekords in 1999. Following the name change, the double-sided single "Burning 4 U"/"Gonna Be" appeared later that same year, preceding the full-length album All About You, which arrived in 2000.