Nemone loves music. She sang and played saxophone alongside Tom Findlay from Groove Armada, Andy Spence producer and guitarist in New Young Pony Club and award winning comedian Dan Antopolski in their sixth form band. She then spent the nineties as a student clubbing in Manchester then DJing in and around the North West.
Her rise to the nation’s favourite radio station was swift. Her love of dance music saw her take a temp job on reception at Kiss FM in Manchester. She left 3 years later as the incumbent morning show host and heading down the M6 to London for a spot on Radio 1. She spent five years at BBC Radio 1 hosting various shows from Breakfast through to Drivetime.
She has now carved out a central role at BBC 6 Music – which she considers her spiritual home musically. She presented the daily lunchtime show for five years, moving to the weekend breakfast slot on the arrival of her children. She is currently super sub for the Breakfast and Morning shows. She lives in Hammersmith with her husband and two children.
Where are you right now?
In the kitchen at our over-sized table. It’s weathered family Christmases, often the homework for my radio shows or parent friendly club night and breakfast with the kids.
What do you do for ‘me-time’?
I always loved pulling on my trainers and running where-ever the mood takes me – we’re spoilt in west London with the River, Ravenscourt Park, Richmond Park. My running playlist is important and I’ve found there are times to run to pumping dance music and times that call for Laura Marling or Elbow. My running is on a bit of a hiatus at the moment as my back recovers from baby number two although he is nearly a toddler now! So I currently love a strong sports massage and a bout of stretching at West London Pilates – somewhat more sedate than previously but I am feeling more and more nimble.
Where is your favourite place to eat in West London?
I’m a recent convert and evangelist for Brick Oven on Chiswick High Road. They’ve a brilliant kids play area manned by nannies and an entertainer – Lucy Sparkles. Although the tables aren’t far from the playroom you can monitor your little one if you want via an ipad from your infinitely calmer oasis in the main restaurant. The food is fab, the waiters totally unfazed by toddlers weaving in and out of their legs and you feel like you’ve had a properly relaxing meal out which isn’t always the case when you’ve little ones to consider.
Career and children – top tip on how do you do it?
I juggle everything manically. Usually labouring mistakenly under the impression I’ve remembered everything when patently another small crisis is about to reveal itself very soon. My current modas operandi is to smile, practice mindfulness and enlist my very supportive husband.
If you had to make a quick escape where would you go?
With the kids, probably to Cambridge to see my folks who are thoroughly enjoying their grandchildren. And if it’s just us then I’d love to return to San Francisco. We went while I was pregnant with Ella – not yet conversant in the term baby moon – and had a ball. It’s one of my favourite cities on earth to hang out, people watch and make plans in.
What is on your bedside table?
My psychotherapy and counselling course homework. I’m currently studying at foundation level. Having done the undergraduate work years ago I’m now picking up from my psychology degree all those years ago. The book pile by my bed is growing but I’ve recently thoroughly enjoyed Love’s Executioner and other tales of Psychotherapy by Irvin D Yalom. Simply fascinating.
Three things you’d take with you to a desert island?
My family! Couldn’t leave them behind.
Music – I would struggle to be without any form of MP3 player. Music has been my life from a very early age and Bon Iver’s debut album For Emma Forever Ago even soundtracked the arrival of our daughter as it played in the delivery suite.
Chocolate I’m a confirmed chocoholic but less so since having my son Bas for which I’m thankful.
Who would you most like to meet for a drink?
Carl Rogers – forefather of modern day psychotherapy as we know it.
Nick Cave – musician, producer, scriptwriter, actor and all round talented chap.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Shoes I’m afraid. Cliche I know but I do love them and am an absolute bargain hunter. I just bought a ridiculous pair of Rick Owens platform wedged boots (I should know better at my age) in Selfridges’ Christmas sale but I LOVE them!
What is your favourite thing to do as a family?
A visit to the gelateria on Hammersmith Grove which appeared a few summers ago. Bertotti’s have simply the best chocolate/hazelnut gelato ever. Is there anything better than a chocolatey grin from your toddler?…
Nemone was talking to Annabelle King.
