Born in Tokyo in 1969, Cornelius took his name from the cult film 'Planet of the Apes' his real name is Keigo Oyamada. Originally Oyamada was in a Japanese teen band before entering into production and remix work where he worked with compatriots Pizzicato Five.

After forming his own record label 'Trattoria' Cornelius developed his skills into becoming a full flung artist. Incredibly popular in Japan where his romantic / work involvement with female vocalist Kahimi Khiri only helped his cause, Cornelius turned his attention to the west with the release of the Fantasma album in 1998.

Critically lauded by respected fellow musicians such as Money Mark, Damon Albarn and Justine Frishmann, Fantasma was a creation of bleeps, tunes and samples inevitably drawing comparisons with fellow-eclectic artist Beck.

The self-appreciation society of Cornelius (Damon, Money Mark, High Llamas etc) contributed to a remix album of the artist. Cornelius repaid the favour by remixing tunes from the remixers.

T.J Hart