Nemo (Singer) – Biography, Gender, and Eurovision 2024 Win

Nemo Mettler, known professionally as Nemo, is a Swiss musician who captivated a global audience by winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with their song “The Code.” As the first openly non-binary performer to win the competition, Nemo has become a significant figure in contemporary pop music, celebrated for both their artistic versatility and their advocacy for gender diversity. Their journey from a multi-instrumentalist upbringing in Biel, Switzerland, to the Eurovision stage marks a defining moment in the contest’s history.

Nemo’s musical foundation is unusually broad. They play violin, piano, drums, and rap, blending classical training with hip-hop production. This fusion of genres became their signature long before the Eurovision spotlight arrived. Their early independent releases in Swiss German built a regional following, but it was the international reach of “The Code” that propelled them onto the world stage.

Beyond the music, Nemo’s public coming out as non-binary in 2023 and their subsequent Eurovision win sparked conversations about legal recognition for non-binary people in Switzerland and beyond. Their story is one of artistic risk, personal authenticity, and a historic win that shattered expectations.

Who Is Nemo (Singer) – Biography and Background

• Nemo Mettler was born on 3 August 1999 in Biel, Switzerland, and began playing violin as a child.
• They are a multi-instrumentalist who also plays piano, drums, and performs as a rapper and singer.
• Nemo is the first openly non-binary artist to win the Eurovision Song Contest, achieving this in 2024.
• Their Eurovision entry “The Code” earned the fourth-highest points total in contest history with 591 points.
• Nemo performs in German, English, and French, often switching between languages within a single song.
• Their debut album “Arthouse” was released in early 2025, following their Eurovision victory.
• Nemo publicly came out as non-binary in November 2023 in the Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung.

What Is Nemo’s Gender Identity and Pronouns?

Nemo publicly came out as non-binary in November 2023 in an interview with the Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung, after having been closeted since around 2021. They have stated that the process of coming out began with their partner and was made easier by a supportive community that encouraged self-acceptance. In English, Nemo uses they/them pronouns, while in German they prefer simply being referred to by their name rather than gendered pronouns.

The visibility Nemo gained after Eurovision brought attention to the legal status of non-binary people in Switzerland. Swiss Green Party politician Sibel Arslan publicly noted that non-binary individuals “officially don’t exist” under Swiss law and urged the Federal Council to address the issue. Justice Minister Beat Jans reportedly agreed to meet with Nemo to discuss legal recognition for non-binary people in the country.

How Does Nemo Describe Their Gender?

In interviews, Nemo has described their non-binary identity as a core part of who they are, not a performance or a phase. They have emphasized that their supportive upbringing and community made self-acceptance easier than it is for many. The song “The Code” was directly inspired by their journey of understanding and embracing their non-binary identity, using the metaphor of breaking a code to describe the process of self-discovery.

What Are Nemo’s Most Famous Songs and Albums?

The Code – Eurovision 2024 Entry

“The Code” is Nemo’s breakthrough single and the song that won the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. The track blends rap verses with violin passages and electronic production, a combination that reflects Nemo’s musical range. Lyrically, the song explores themes of personal identity and breaking free from societal expectations, directly inspired by Nemo’s non-binary journey.

After the Eurovision win, “The Code” charted highly across Europe, including a Top 20 debut in the United Kingdom. The song’s multilingual elements are primarily in English, with rap verses that showcase Nemo’s linguistic dexterity. The official Eurovision page documents the song’s performance and the record-breaking 591 points it received.

Debut Album – Arthouse (2025)

Nemo’s debut album “Arthouse” was released in early 2025, building on the momentum of their Eurovision success. The album continues to blend pop, hip-hop, and electronic elements, with lyrics in German, English, and French. It represents Nemo’s first full-length studio project and marks a significant expansion of their discography beyond the singles that had defined their earlier career.

Musical Style and Range

Nemo’s musical style is defined by its fusion of genres. They began playing violin as a child and later taught themselves production, leading to a sound that incorporates classical instrumentation into contemporary rap and pop structures. Their early work in the Swiss German hip-hop scene laid the groundwork for the more polished, internationally focused sound of “The Code” and “Arthouse.”

How Did Nemo Win the Eurovision Song Contest 2024?

Nemo was selected internally by the Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR on February 29, 2024, to represent Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden. They competed in the second semi-final on May 9, 2024, and advanced to the grand final on May 11, 2024. In the final, Nemo delivered a performance of “The Code” that combined live violin playing with rap vocals and dynamic staging.

The public and jury reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Nemo’s victory was widely covered by international media, including the BBC, which noted the historic nature of the win for LGBTQ+ representation. Nemo described the experience as “crazy” in subsequent interviews, celebrating both the trophy and the platform it provided for discussing non-binary identity on a global stage.

What Are the Key Milestones in Nemo’s Career?

1. 3 August 1999: Nemo Mettler born in Biel, Switzerland.
2. 2015–2017: Began releasing music independently, gaining early recognition in the Swiss rap scene.
3. November 2023: Publicly came out as non-binary in the Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung.
4. 29 February 2024: Selected internally by SRG SSR to represent Switzerland at Eurovision 2024.
5. 11 May 2024: Won the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with “The Code,” scoring 591 points.
6. Early 2025: Released debut album “Arthouse” and announced tour dates.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Nemo?

What Is the Cultural Significance of Nemo’s Eurovision Win?

Nemo Mettler’s rise from a local Swiss artist to a Eurovision champion highlights the evolving representation in pop music. Their win with “The Code” was historic not only for the song’s quality but also because Nemo performed as an openly non-binary person, using anthemic lyrics to reflect their identity. The victory sparked conversations about gender diversity in mainstream music and Eurovision’s role as a platform for queer artists.

The political dimension of Nemo’s win was amplified by the Swiss context. Since non-binary people are not legally recognized under Swiss law, Nemo’s visibility put pressure on the Federal Council to address the gap. Justice Minister Beat Jans reportedly agreed to meet with Nemo to discuss legal recognition, a development that followed directly from the public attention generated by the Eurovision win.

Musically, Nemo’s subsequent album “Arthouse” further solidifies their artistic range, blending pop, rap, and electronic elements in multiple languages. Their success has opened doors for other queer artists in Switzerland and across Europe, demonstrating that mainstream audiences are ready for diverse voices.

Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Nemo?

The most comprehensive and verified source of biographical information about Nemo is the Wikipedia article for Nemo (singer), which covers their early life, career timeline, and personal identity with citations from reputable news outlets. For authoritative updates on music releases, tour dates, and official announcements, Nemo’s official website nemothings.com is the primary destination.

Eurovision-related details, including the full results and performance history, are available on the official Eurovision participant page for Nemo. For discography and streaming data, the Spotify artist profile for Nemo provides an up-to-date catalog of songs and albums. News coverage of Nemo’s Eurovision win and its cultural impact is well-documented by outlets such as the BBC News.

“Nemo Mettler … known mononymously as Nemo, is a Swiss musician and singer-rapper who plays the violin, piano, and drums.”

– Wikipedia, Nemo (singer)

“Born and raised in the small but creatively rich Swiss city Biel, Nemo gained international recognition after winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.”

– Official website, nemothings.com

“Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest with a total of 591 points for ‘The Code’.”

– Eurovision official (via news)

What’s Next for Nemo?

Nemo is currently promoting their debut album “Arthouse” and performing at selected events. Fans can expect further tour announcements, possible international festival appearances, and continued music releases. Given the album’s recent launch, Nemo may also explore collaborations and expand their reach beyond Europe. For the latest updates on concert dates and new music, the official website and social media channels remain the best sources. Those interested in broader music history may also want to read about When Did George Michael Die, another artist who left a lasting impact on pop culture. For fans planning a trip to see live performances, a guide to West End Shows London offers additional entertainment options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nemo