N.E.R.D.

There are enough similarities between Neptunes and N.E.R.D. tracks, and “Everyone Nose” is a good example as any, that occasionally the line delineating the two may seem confusing to the casual listener, so one wonders how they determine which track goes to Neptunes and which to N.E.R.D.

“I don't know what the difference is so much, I mean we look at what we do, and you feel what's appropriate for what,” says Williams. “It's like N.E.R.D. being your living room and everything else goes into the kitchen or dining room, other compartments. It's like when you're buying furniture you know what is right for you and what is appropriate for your room, and you know what goes where. That's how tracks are.”

There aren't many contemporary producers who have covered the ground Neptunes have, and though they're known primarily for their work with R&B and hip-hop artists, they've also produced or remixed groups as disparate as Kings of Leon, the Hives, No Doubt, the Rolling Stones and an upcoming jazz project Williams is keeping under wraps for now. Responding to comments on their eclectic tastes and musical adventurousness, Williams says: “I think that's funny. People say that, and it's like, y'know, when I was in high school all the black kids knew 'Smells Like Teen Spirit‘ and all the white boys knew Tribe Called Quest and NWA, so it's not so… the media makes it out like that, but the average child is very well-rounded and listens to a lot of different things. Only if you're from bumfuck nowhere is when you only listen to one thing. And that's truly a weird kid.”

But the fact remains they've worked with a much broader group of artists than most contemporary producers. And while people may want to talk about the upcoming tour with Kanye, the new work with Madonna or if they'll ever work with Britney again, the guys are far more interested in finding a bigger audience for a project they feel is closer to their hearts.

“We're very proud of the album,” he says. “A lot of work went into it, it's really good. It's simple and to the point, but there's so many great textures to it.”

N.E.R.D. w/ Chester French and DJ Slink
Wed., March 26
The Valarium (1213 Western Ave.) / 8 p.m. / $22.20 advance, $25 door