Memento (band)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Justin Stewart Cotta, Jason "Space" Smith, Leighton "Lats" Kearns, Steve Clark |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | Australia, United States |
Key people | Justin Stewart Cotta, Jason "Space" Smith, Leighton "Lats" Kearns, Steve Clark |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Memento is a hard rock group originating from Australia but currently operating out of the United States, established in 2001. The founding members comprised vocalist and keyboardist Justin Stewart Cotta, guitarist Jason "Space" Smith, bassist Leighton "Lats" Kearns, along with American drummer Steve Clark. Their first album, Beginnings, was released on 25 February 2003 and included the singles "Nothing Sacred" and "Saviour," both of which achieved moderate success on the US mainstream rock charts. In 2003, Memento also took part in the Ozzfest tour, performing as a rotating act on the secondary stage.
Formation
Memento’s initial album helped secure their foothold within the hard rock and alternative metal genres. Their partnership with Columbia Records provided opportunities for broader exposure through single releases and touring, establishing their presence in both American and Australian rock markets.
First break-up and re-emergence
Due to internal disputes and difficulties with their record label, the band disbanded towards the end of 2004. Following this, Cotta and Kearns briefly collaborated under the name Man vs Clock in 2005. In 2006, Memento reassembled under the new moniker Nine Times Bodyweight, introducing drummer Jeff Bowders with intentions to create fresh material. Nevertheless, this formation dissolved by early 2007 without issuing any official releases or public explanations.
Second break-up and solo ventures
After 2007, Kearns joined tours with Sunflower Dead, broadening his involvement within the US rock scene. Meanwhile, Cotta embarked on a solo path signed to EMI, combining his musical pursuits with acting; notably, he contributed to the soundtrack of the acclaimed short film One, demonstrating his artistic range. Guitarist Jason "Space" Smith initiated a solo career under the name Space, releasing his debut album When Clouds Align in 2008 through Captiva Records. This project included collaborations with former bandmates as well as industry figures such as Kevin Martin. Smith also co-wrote and performed on tracks for Candlebox and Seether, including contributions to Seether’s 2007 release Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces. In 2018, Smith reunited with Cotta to release the single "Legacy," marking a renewed collaboration between key band members.
Digital Daggers
Beginning in 2008, Memento’s guitarist Jason "Space" Smith partnered with Canadian vocalist Andrea Wasse to form the modern duo Digital Daggers. Their music has been featured in various television series including The Vampire Diaries, Ringer, Nikita, Teen Wolf, Pretty Little Liars, and CSI: NY. Additionally, their songs appeared in the 2011 movie The Roommate as well as Electronic Arts' video game Crysis 2, which featured their cover of "New York City."
In late 2010, their single "No Easy Way" surpassed 150,000 downloads, supporting their debut digital EP titled Human Emotion. The EP’s title track was utilized in a Ferrero Raffaello television advertisement during 2011.
Their first full-length album Close Your Eyes was launched on 11 June 2013 via Los Angeles-based indie label El Camino Media. The song "The Devil Within" was used in promotional trailers for NBC’s The Blacklist, as well as for Nikita and Pretty Little Liars. In February 2014, they released "Aquarius" from 'Reimaginations: Volume One', which appeared in the CW series "Starcrossed".
Digital Daggers’ sophomore and final album, Mixed Emotions (2014), was released posthumously following the duo’s disbandment. Tracks from this collection featured in the television drama How To Get Away With Murder. The song "Back To The Start" was included on the show’s official soundtrack issued by Hollywood Records in March 2016. Moreover, "Save Us From Ourselves" was showcased in Season 7, Episode 4 of Orange is the New Black.
On 9 November 2017, Digital Daggers announced their comeback alongside a new track titled "Devil's Choir".
Jason "Space" Smith continues to be active within film and television synchronization as an artist, producer, and performer, particularly through his work with Digital Daggers.
Memento roster
- Justin Stewart Cotta – vocals, piano, guitar
- Space (Jason Smith) – guitar
- Leighton "Lats" Kearns – bass
- Steve Clark – drums
Nine Times Bodyweight roster
- Justin Stewart Cotta – lead vocals, keyboard
- Space (Jason Smith) – guitar
- Leighton "Lats" Kearns – bass
- Jeff Bowders – drums
Memento 2016 roster
- Justin Stewart Cotta – vocals, piano, guitar
- Space (Jason Smith) – guitar, vocals, piano, production
- Leighton Kearns – bass
Studio albums
| Album details |
|---|
Beginnings
|
Singles
| Year | Title | US Main |
Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "Nothing Sacred" | 28 | Beginnings |
| "Saviour" | 35 | ||
| 2018 | "Legacy" |