by Jason Birchmeier
NX Zero arose from Brazil's alternative rock underground to mainstream success, signing a major-label contract with Universal and enjoying a number one hit with "Raz鮡s e Emo珲es" in 2007. Formed in S鉶 Paulo in 2001, NX Zero are comprised of vocalist Diego José Ferrero (aka Di), guitarists Leandro Franco da Rocha (Gee) and Filipe Duarte Pereira Ricardo (Fi), bassist Conrado Grandino (Caco), and drummer Daniel Weksler (Dani). The band spent several years playing shows in S鉶 Paulo and Rio de Janiero alongside fellow Brazilian rockers such as Forfun, Fresno, and Hateen. Diálogo?, an album released in 2004 by Urubuz Records, helped establish NX Zero as an up-and-coming band, and Universal Music came knocking shortly thereafter, offering a recording contract. NX Zero (2006), the band's major-label debut, spawned a series of hit singles -- "Apenas um Olhar," "Além de Mim," "Raz鮡s e Emo珲es" -- each charting better than the last. "Além de Mim" was the first to break into the Brazilian Hot 100, peaking at number 16, with "Raz鮡s e Emo珲es" subsequently making it all the way to number one in summer 2007.