cong josie

Cong Josie is the hedonistic alter-ego (and anagram) of Nic Oogjes, also known to many as the bandleader of heat beat icons, NO ZU. Nicolaas says inhabiting the Cong character allows him to plunge the depths of his psyche and drag forth what he finds there - beyond the real and into hyper-reality. Cong Josie is a mirror; on one side 'the singer', an archetype, preening and peacocking masculinity, the other “the artist” questioning what he sees in his reflection, tearing apart his own sense of self.
Nicolaas began his musical life by performing in punk bands in his teens, before falling in with a Parliament-Funkadelic inspired odd-funk, hip-hop band. Who he played out with under age all over Melbourne. Eventually he found his way to the front, sharing the mic and smashing a set of cheap roto toms. These influences and a newly discovered bravissimo led directly to the formation of the band for which he is most well known: NO ZU (Nicolaas Oogjes Zoo Unlimited). Formed in 2007 as a solo project with little ambition other than to create some mutant no-wave inspired rhythmic experiments, the project rapidly expanded to become an 8-10 piece live extravaganza performing what Nicolaas coined ‘heat beat’ music. Several EP’s, 12”s, two critically acclaimed LP’s and incalculable Dyonesian performances followed. NO ZU became a force.

NO ZU became the go-to hi-energy late night act for festivals in Australia, Europe, Mexico, US, Russia and beyond. In 2023, after a hiatus however, Nicolaas decided to end the project. The tragic passing of close friend and band member, Daphne Camf (SaD) was the main catalyst. A final EP, ‘Heat Beat’, featuring her last vocal recordings provided a fitting and emotional finish for his beloved project. Two massive farewell shows in Naarm (Melbourne) proved to be a cathartic, loving and euphoric full stop shared with their close knit music community.

And here Cong was born. While it is ostensibly a solo project, Nicolaas has again enlisted talented friends to contribute both to the recording and production of all his work and as a live band. Now, with the release of the wild-west EBM sophomore album, Moto Zone, Cong Josie is set to build on his growing status as Naarm’s subversive rebel of ‘Speed n Roll’. Equally at home on thrashy punk lineups, EBM/darkwave performances or Strictly Ballroom level-of-camp-ness happenings, Cong knows no bounds. Moto Zone sees a bold and sleazy development on the niche that debut album Cong! (2021) and recent special split 7” single, ‘Nocturne Baby’, have carved out. Moto Zone is a complete statement of sonic speed racing, post-doo-wop romance dreams, self confession and plenty of kicks!

Jump on the back of the bike, hold on and burn the bitumen with Cong Josie.

AGENT
James Ware: james@watartists.com