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, 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, visit www.NikoOnline.com
All country music artists have to start somewhere, and most often that's amongst family, friends or their local community. The best country music isn't necessarily found in the world of the existing popular or famous stars, but often in the small clubs, venues and organisations that provide country performers of any "level" the chance to share their music. That's the true nature of country music, it comes from the heart and real lives of real people.
Giving all artists the opportunity to air their music to a wider audience is an important aim of Country Music Broadcasting. CMB is keen to hear from show presenters, artists and country music organisations to see what assistance, support, promotion and broadcast opportunities CMB can help provide. Remember everyone has a beginning, and this offer via CMB to be heard on-air is an excellent chance to achieve exposure. So don't hesitate to contact CMB with your ideas and suggestions or to let CMB Radio know about any existing country radio shows you believe could benefit from the backing or support of CMB.
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