Klaus Nomi, born Klaus Sperber on January 24, 1944, in Immenstadt, Germany, was an enigmatic figure whose brief yet influential career left a permanent mark on the music and performance art scene. With his highly stylized persona, Nomi blended operatic vocals with new wave and electronic music, creating a sound and aesthetic that was both ahead of its time and deeply rooted in classical traditions. Before his rise to cult fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s New York avant-garde scene, Nomi worked as a pastry chef, which was as uniquely contrasting to his later career as his stage appearances were to the music world at large.

Nomi's otherworldly falsetto and theatrical makeup turned heads with performances that were equal parts opera, science fiction, and high fashion. His self-titled debut album, released in 1981, featured a mixture of reworked classical pieces and contemporary covers, laying the groundwork for his distinctive approach to music. Tragically, Klaus Nomi was one of the first prominent musicians to succumb to the AIDS epidemic, passing away on August 6, 1983. Despite his short career, his influence persisted, and Nomi became a symbol of the intersection of music, art, and the new wave movement. Many of his songs have been remixed by later generations of DJs and musicians, ensuring that his unique legacy continues to resonate and inspire.

Genres

Dark Cabaret

Experimental Vocal

Latest Release

Remixes (Volume 2)

Klaus Nomi

Album - 9 Tracks - Released December 15, 2023