Indie Artist NIKO Defines New Music Biz Model

Forgoes Traditional Label Route, Gives Music Away for Free Online

(Nashville, TN – April 16, 2009)  Indie recording artist Niko Papasideris has chosen to forego the traditional music business model, rejecting a major label deal and opting instead to give away his music online for free.

Known simply as “Niko,” the Greek artist and Nashville resident has posted 20 of the most popular tracks from his four releases at www.NikoOnline.com for free download.

“My vision has always been to make a positive difference in the world through music,” says Niko.  “I decided to remove the biggest obstacle that was keeping the world from hearing my songs – money.”

The international singer has developed an impressive following, particularly overseas in Europe and Asia.  His Myspace page averages nearly 5,000 plays a day www.myspace.com/nikoonline, largely as a result of viral marketing and word of mouth exposure.  The response to his online initiatives has been so encouraging that he recently rejected a major label record deal from Warner Bros. in Greece.

“We were honored to receive an offer from such a prestigious label, but ultimately we felt that the old music business model doesn’t lend itself to a new-millennium artist like Niko,” says Niko’s manager, John Walker.  “So much of his vision revolves around breaking down barriers between artists and fans, and working to develop a new paradigm.”

The prolific artist is currently recording his fifth album, an as-yet-untitled collection of “Newgrass” remixes of new and previously released Niko material.  The project features an array of veteran Nashville musicians: Andy Leftwich and Cody Kilby (Ricky Skaggs), Rob Ickes (Blue Highway, Alison Krauss) and Byron House (Sam Bush), among others.  A number of the new tracks are slated for an early summer release, followed by a European tour.

Niko is currently focusing his marketing efforts overseas in countries like France, Greece, the United Kingdom and China, although he has landed a number of songs in local and national television ads.  His indie hit “The Sun the Moon the Stars” was featured in the national “Star 129” diamond ad campaign, and local Nashville residents will recognize him from the infectious Rivergate Dental “Joy, Joy, Joy” television ad, which has now expanded to a co-op of sedation dentists.

For more information and to download 20 free Niko songs, visit www.NikoOnline.com. 

My heart goes out to Australia and the devastation she has endured as a result of the fires. In honor of all those who have died and lost loved ones, I would like to share a free download of a special song titled Love. 

Share this page with others: http://nikoonline.com/2009/02/28/australia
If you wish, embed the youtube video on your page and forward the mp3 to your friends. One woman from Australia wrote to tell me she plans to share these things at her church, spread the word in whatever ways you feel inspired to do so. Together we can touch many hearts! My hope is that it will bring comfort, hope and peace.

With much sincerity,

Niko

Those who know me, know that my musical expressions are very diverse, ranging from pop and alternative to new age and chill out. What you may not know is that I grew up on country music! Hank, Willie, Dolly, George, The Judds, Reba, Travis, Garth, all of ‘em! In Texas, country music is EVERYWHERE! As a child, I often went to this place called the “Blue Barn” where bluegrass pickers would gather and play live! Those sounds have always been close to my heart.

Early in 2008, my team and I began discussing a newgrass project. For those who may not know, “newgrass” is basically bluegrass with a fresh twist. After much planning, we rounded up some of the best players in Nashville and on August 12th, we went into the studio to record the first set of songs for the new album (not yet titled).

Two of the guys are part of the band of the infamous bluegrass artist, Ricky Skaggs. Andy Leftwich, who plays fiddle for Ricky, and Cody Kilby who plays guitar. Also joining us in the studio was Rob Ickes on dobro, Byron House on bass and my step brother Gabriel Cantrell on percussion. A studio filled with fine players was sure to lead to an amazing day of music and boy oh boy did it ever!

We tracked the first 3 songs of the album and part of a 4th. I’m excited to tell you that my management company has allowed me the freedom to share our progress with all of you so I’ve posted three tracks in the streaming player at my homepage http://nikoonline.com/media-player and also at my myspace page www.myspace.com/nikoonline

The tracks are “The Sun The Moon The Stars” and two version of “The Special One” (slow and fast). If you are one of the many people around the world who fell in love with the pop version of The Sun The Moon The Stars then you are in for a pleasant surprise! If you’ve never heard The Sun The Moon The Stars then you are still in for a pleasant surprise! : )

We documented the day in the studio so all of you could see these songs coming to life! Above is a glimpse at what the day was like while we worked on The Sun The Moon The Stars. Enjoy!

On July 12th, we performed at The Theatro of Vrahon (The Theater Of Rocks) in Athens, Greece. It was an amazing and unforgettable night! There were nearly 2,000 people in attendance. It was my first concert performance in the land of my roots! We were honored to be there and humbled to be so genuinely celebrated. Thanks to the help of radio DJ Nikos Garavelas and his nationally syndicated nightly show, most everyone there knew the songs! The evening was filmed and I’m excited to be able to share it with you! Enjoy! ~ Niko

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China has a very special place in my heart. I have grieved over the injuries, deaths and great loss caused by the earthquake in the Sichuan province of China. Over 65,000 people have died and 5 million people are homeless. It’s hard to even comprehend.

I have made a donation to help with sending food to those in need and I am giving away a special song to China in honor of all those who have died and lost loved ones. I would like to ask that you consider giving whatever you can give in whatever way you can give it. Some people do not have money to give, that’s ok, many great gifts do not even have a price tag on them. Follow your own heart and do whatever you feel led to do. The key is to do something. Thank you so much for your consideration!

Some people have asked me which organizations I suggest they use for making donations, there are so many, here are two TRUSTWORTHY ones I have given to in times past, here are the direct links to specifically make a donation toward relief efforts in China:

https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=264115335&df_id=3198&3198.donation=form1

http://www.feedthechildren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=usw_20080523_china&s_src=TR5

To read more and for a free download the song I have dedicated to China, “You’re In Heaven”, go here…

www.nikoonline.com/china

For more info, write to Tasha at

Thanks!

Niko

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SheUnlimited.com / Daily Confection recently had the chance to talk with Niko:

Q. Hi Niko. It is an honor to speak with you. Tell us a little about the beginning, when the soul of Niko started to take flight.

It was when I was 18. I fell madly in love, she was my first girlfriend. Suddenly, the lover in me was awakened and unleashed! I began discovering many things in myself such as my gift for writing, photography, a deeper part of my musical gift, an artistic side I had never expressed, a romantic side… I wrote poetry, beautiful (mostly melancholic) love songs, starting thinking for myself and moving toward the path of being true to who I was.

At the age of 22, while alone at my apartment one evening, I had a spiritual experience that changed me forever. I realized my destiny was to touch the world! And that it would occur through my artistic expressions. From that moment, I have never been the same.

I am driven, determined and relentless in the pursuit of my dream. I have been on a search for truth and on a journey of self discovery that has taken me around the world. I am a warrior on a mission with every intention of fulfilling my purpose for being here – to bring a message of hope and love to mankind. At all costs. And the fact that I am having this interview is proof that it is coming to pass. Not nearly as soon as I might have thought, but it is happening. Blood sweat and tears, concurred fears, the changing of my site, countless sleepless nights. I do stand before you now, I take a humble bow, I give my all in hopes to see, that we will all rise up and simply BE!

Q. How do you think your music can change the world?

Very simply, through its sprit and message. My music speaks for itself. It is spreading across the world at an exponential rate not because I am personally spreading it, it is alive. I am both honored and humbled by this. But it is EXACTLY what I saw would happen that evening in my apartment. Here are two invaluable things I learned from one of my greatest mentors: "Say what you see and you will see what you have said." "You will be what you see."

Q. The heartfelt, passionate strains of your songs are inspiring and soothing; more like poetry. What comes first, the words or the melody?

My lyrics are often inspired by the sound of a musical progression, I’ll do something on the piano or guitar and within myself I will hear words or a certain phrase. This is the most common way that I write all of my songs.

Now this leads me to share with you what it is that actually inspires me to play a progression in the first place…I would summarize this answer by saying "Life!" It might be the laughter of a child, a friend in need, pleasant or painful memories, dreams, happiness, frustrations. Nature. I write little songs for our animals here at "Freetown" (the property where most of the team lives). Traveling and being in other places far away stirs things up in me – the sights, the smells, the sounds of another culture and land. Sound inspires me. I will hear something like a car engine cranking up or the horn of a train or the wind blowing through the trees and it will actually inspire a melody or lyric or chord progression in me. Also, just sitting down at my piano inspires me. Most every time I sit to play, something fresh and new comes out. Sometimes it’s a song while other times it’s an idea or a melody that later becomes a song. And the hope of my music touching the world, that inspires me deeply. It is important that we always have hope in our hearts for through hope we find inspiration to fulfill our dreams. The content of my lyrics tend to focus on positive things, I like knowing that my songs are helping people and helping to bring light into this world. If I can do this, then when I breathe my last breath I will have peace in knowing I fulfilled my purpose on this earth.

Q. I would include your music in a meditation routine; would that surprise you?

Not at all. As a matter of fact, some of the songs on the Journey Within album were used on a CD that accompanied a book on meditation written by a guy in Maui. Many people write to tell me that my music is peaceful and relaxing. I am glad my music brings a calm energy to a not so calm world. Knowing that people are in their cars and in living rooms unwinding to “Niko” brings a big smile to my face! : )

Q. Living in Nashville, the country music capital of the world, how have you kept from being influenced by the genre?

Well, I think it’s all in there, inside of me. And it comes shining through in strange ways. For example, in the song "Joy!" (which no one would say had an inkling of a country sound), there is a thick "country" sounding vocal, during the chorus of the second part of the song. You cannot hear it so much when it’s mixed in with everything else, but I put it in there because I felt inspired to do so and I loved the way it made the chorus sound. If I was to take it out and you listened to the song, you would suddenly feel like something was missing. Whether or not you knew what that something was is a different story.

I grew up in Texas, predominantly on country music – Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Marty Robins… So, it’s in my blood and culture. It shines through a little on "Together Forever Whenever". I think that in time to come, you will hear more "country" sounds in my music. But like with all my compositions, I compose by inspiration, so if tomorrow I feel "country" comin’ on, then I promise you will get a country Niko song! Maybe I’ll do a duet with Gretchen Wilson, she lives nearby.

Q. You are very in tune with your Greek heritage. Tell us a little about your upbringing.

I was born in Houston Texas, I came out with cowboy boots on and a rope in my hands. Just kidding! Actually, the typical “Texan” stereotype is not so accurate. Not everyone has boots and a cowboy hat. But I will say this, I think there are more pickup trucks in Texas than there are in the whole world combined!!! Texans love their trucks!

I am very in touch with my Greek roots. My father, Kimon, was born and raised on the island of Samos in Greece. My mother, Faye, is from Texas. An interesting match wouldn’t you say? *laughing* It was a strange mix of culture at times while growing up but I wouldn’t trade anything for it! My dad was always eating his yogurt with honey (such a Greek thing to do!) and my mom was always frying chicken and baking things (such a Texan thing to do!). And I was right in the middle of it all just soaking it up like a sponge. It added much richness to my life.

I was raised with a great spiritual awareness, with far more emphasis on spiritual things than earthly things. Faith hope and love were at the foundation of my upbringing and are the solid ground I stand on today.

Q. I know your management company is working hard to take the next step in getting you worldwide recognition. Are there any plans close to fruition? Tours, record deals, etc?

Yes. Yes. And yes. Boy oh boy am I happy to give that answer, finally! Ummm, we are talking every day about touring and we plan to tour in 2008, all of where we are not sure just yet but Asia is definitely a hot topic. Europe too! As far as a record deal goes…there are few options in the air… with all the changes happening in today’s world through the internet, everything has changed! And especially for independent artists! The power is finally back in our hands and in the hands of the people! That opens up a whole new world of possibilities for me and my music and its global distribution. Already, through the internet alone and no radio promotions, I have listeners in over 100 countries! That was unheard of just a few years ago. But it is happening and it is happening fast! Truly an exciting time to be alive!

Q. Your song, “Joy” was used in a local Nashville commercial and garnered an outstanding reply. You’ve stated a plan to take it on a national level? How will this happen, since the commercial was for a local merchant?

It was filmed with a national audience in mind. The only thing "local" about it is the content of the graphics, which can easily be changed for each dental office that wishes to license the commercial. We are still putting together the paperwork and such but there has been interest expressed from several states and we are anticipating it to go national next year.

Q. OK, Niko, I’m sure everyone would like to know: What’s the secret to inner love and worldwide peace?

Becoming childlike again.

Not childISH, but childLIKE – which is all about humility, forgiveness, not judging people (by their gender, skin color or cultural differences), being creative, playful, adventurous and imaginative! Letting go of sarcasm, deception and all the things we hide behind to confuse the truth. As small children, we did not "hate" people, we did not feel worry.

I watch small children and I’m just amazed, I ask myself "When do we lose THAT! And WHY!? For what and for who?!?" Of course, everyone has a different story – some were abused, some where fatherless and the list goes on. The good thing is that we can get it back! We can return to incense and find inner love and peace.

Just today someone wrote to tell me how much the lyrics of my song "My Son" touched them, "Grasp what is truth with all your might, become YOU, again!"

Thank you for this interview! Great questions! ~ Niko

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Direct link to this interview…
http://www.sheunlimited.com/2007/10/01/interview-with-niko-ulysses-papasidaris

She Unlimited (also known as Daily Confection) has 300,000 podcast subscribers and 2.7 million visitors each month. Be sure to check out their page! We thank them for their support!!! www.sheunlimited.com

 "It is humanity (the music) calling out to humanity."
—Niko

Not since John Lennon have I heard an artist so focused on love, hope and peace. Niko has the soul of an angel. Passion flows from every note he plays and every word he sings. The strains of his very unique and mesmerizing compositions leave you wanting more and experiencing an eerie type of contentment.

Inspired by his idol, Vangelis, this Greek songwriter/performer offers himself to the world as a vessel of kindness and hope. He says he’s not interested in the money or fame, but only to change the world with his music.

His albums can be found on his website, where he offers twenty full song downloads for the world to enjoy. www.nikoonline.com

“I might just want to throw (rules) out the window and follow my heart and release a song the night it’s born and not wait until the whole album is complete. How cool would it be to get to hear the song of an artist you enjoy the very night they complete it? I love that idea.”

Born Nicholas Ulysses Papasideris, Niko’s gift for music surfaced when he was fourteen years old at the home of a friend. The friend was playing a popular love song on the piano and Niko was stricken by the beauty of the sound. He asked his friend to show him how to play. His life changed from that moment. Niko spent every waking hour practicing his newly found gift. It sent him on a soul searching excursion for truth and hope that he wants to share with the world.

Niko’s journey can be found in his 2004 Indie release, ‘Love’. The CD/DVD package includes studio tracks, videos, photographs as well as Niko’s own journals that chronicle his search. It is a look into the heart and soul of a young man looking for the meaning of life and love. A coming of age story, if you will. It shows how his songs are created from initial inspiration to finished product.

Working with his long-time friend, manager and co-producer, John Walker, from his home in Nashville, Tennessee, Niko continues to garner worldwide support and respect with his genuine vision for love.

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Direct link to the review…
http://www.sheunlimited.com/2007/09/11/niko-ulysses-papasidaris

She Unlimited (also known as Daily Confection) has 300,000 podcast subscribers and 2.7 million visitors each month. Be sure to check out their page! We thank them for their support!!! www.sheunlimited.com

Now, here’s where we need your help, especially those of you in Greece and Cyprus. As you know, we’ve been giving Niko’s music away for free, but we need your support on this one. If sales and radio response are strong, we will be able to discuss an international Niko album release with the label!

So, for those of you in Greece and Cyprus who are willing, we are asking two things:

1. Please buy the album.  Buy a copy for a friend… or ask a friend to buy a copy! Do your Christmas shopping early! The CD is available at major retail outlets throughout Greece and Cyprus, like Metropolis, Virgin Megastores and PMW.  With your help, we can take it to #1… it debuted this week at #11. Outside of Greece and Cyprus, you can still buy the album, but only by special order. Simply ask about it at your local record store (because of licensing issues, it’s not available online).
2. Call your local radio station in Greece and Cyprus and request Niko, and specifically the song " You’re in Heaven" from the CD " Never the Same" on Minos-EMI Records.

Thanks so much for your support! With your help, we can take Niko’s music to the world!

http://www.veilgr.com

If you (and your friends) would like to send us a flag, we would be more than grateful receive your gift! If you decide to do this, please sign it with your name and a message so that all those who see it will know who it is from.

The address to send to is:
Metamorfu Productions
c/o NIKO " Call of the World"
102 Hartmann Dr. Ste. G-316
Lebanon TN 37087
USA

If you plan to send us your flag, please send an email to let us know:

Again, thanks so much and I hope to hear from you!

Niko

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For those who can put this player on their page, thank you for supporting my dream! I can’t do it without you.

Please write to let us know if you will be adding the player, we would love to know who you are, where you are from, and at what internet address the player is featured!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Niko

NOTE: If you do not know how to copy and paste, read this…

Highlight the code then while holding down the CTRL key hit the C key. Next, log in to your myspace account and go to “edit profile” section then edit your “about me” (or whatever section of your page you want the music player to be featured in). To paste the code, while holding down the CTRL key hit the V key. That’s it! Alternatively, you can copy and paste by highlighting the code then by going to “Edit” in your browser then to “Copy” in the drop down list. To paste, go to “Edit” then to “Paste” in the drop down list. As a third option for pasting, you can highlight the code then RIGHT click on it with your mouse and choose “Copy”, when you are ready to paste it RIGHT click in the place you want to paste the code and then choose “Paste” from the choices that show up on your screen.)