NEO a4 were a new wave rock band from Edmonton, Alberta. The principle members were Ric Johnston, John Tidswell and Joel Anderson. They formed in 1981 after years of playing in cover bands both in Calgary and Edmonton. They were heavily influenced by the new technology emerging in music as well as alternative methods of approaching the craft of songwriting. Robert Fripp, former guitarist from King Crimson, was a major influence for them at the time.