Memento was an Australian Hard Rock Band based out of the USA. Formed in 2001, Memento was comprised of Australian natives in vocalist/keyboardist Justin Stewart Cotta, guitarist Space, bassist Leighton Kearns and American drummer Steve Clark.

Memento is definitely one of the most compelling new bands of 2003, the album has heartfelt lyrics layered with thoughtful music that if promoted heavily to radio should tear up the currently humdrum alternative charts. The band Memento is made of people who were trained in a variety of genres from classical piano to jazz throughout thier development and you can hear the difference in this album. It clearly shows. One listen does not do it justice, it grows on you like a fungus. Now, straight from Ozzfest, Music Frisk brings you our interview with the band Memento... Formed in 2001, Memento was comprised of Australian natives in vocalist/keyboardist Justin Stewart Cotta, guitarist Space, bassist Leighton Kearns and American drummer Steve Clark. The band released their debut album Beginnings on February 25, 2003. Two singles were released from the album in "Nothing Sacred" and "Savior". Both tracks made a moderate impact on the US mainstream rock charts. Memento was also part of the 2003 Ozzfest tour, as a rotating second stage act.

Due to personal conflicts amongst band members, as well as record label issues, the band was dissolved in late 2004. Cotta and Kearns re-emerged as "Man Vs Clock" in 2005. The project never achieved any notable success, and is no longer in existence. In early 2006, Memento reformed with a new drummer, Jeff Bowders, under the name "Tower", which was later changed to "Ether". The band had been playing shows in the Los Angeles area, frequenting venues such as The Dragonfly.

It's unwritten rock law that every up-and-coming band must kick, scratch and claw its way to a record contract. But few groups have taken that mandate as literally as Los Angeles quartet Memento, who landed a major label deal after taking the stage at an L.A. club and refusing to give it back. Recalls singer Justin Stewart Cotta, "We were five songs into our set at the Dragonfly, when a heckler foolishly decided to climb on stage and stake a claim to the space that was rightfully ours at the time. So I threw one fairly solid punch to his chest, which sent him flying off the stage-which is fairly high-and flat on his ass." "Unfortunately, it didn't end there," muses drummer Steve Clark. "Within seconds, the guy's friends pounced on Justin, the set stopped and a full-out brawl ensued. It got pretty gnarly." But by bleeding for their art, the band unknowingly attracted the attention of a few record company execs, who were sitting ringside and taking in the action. "It turned out there were some important people in the crowd," laughs Justin, "and they loved the drama and the fact that we were willing to defend our territory without backing down. We signed with Columbia shortly afterward." Justin and Steve's first show of strength came months earlier, when the pair left the comfort and security of an already signed band-Elektra recording artists Vast-to start the process anew.