Utah’s Band of the Year, KING NIKO, punching out a NEW SINGLE to follow success of “INTENTIONS”

 

 By Rachael Alvine

With no apologies, KING NIKO has come a long way since they hit the studio earlier this year, just after winning the 2011 City Weekly Music Awards in February.  Not only did their single, “Intentions” dominate on X96 Xposed with Corey O’Brien for over 20 nights, it secured a spot for Utah’s band of the year at the X96 Big Ass Show (BASH 2011), where they rocked the crowd of over 8,000 radio fans alongside bands like Neon Trees, Switchfoot, Group Love and local opener, The Suicycles.  

Later during the festival, King Niko’s lead vocalist, Ransom Wydner, was invited to sing with nationally touring band, Panic! At the Disco.  Speaking of Wydner, Billboard.com says, “It was a big moment for the local singer, whose band has made waves in Salt Lake City since forming in 2009, with a west coast tour and the release of single "Intentions" coming earlier this year” as part of an article covering the absence of Panic’s lead singer due to illness, and how the guest performers saved their set.

Todd Nuke ‘Em Noker, Program Director for X96 KXRK, SLC, praised King Niko’s first recording with Rockfish Record Company saying:

"Intentions" hooked me immediately…worthy of comparison to any of the top alternative bands on the charts today. Lyrically thoughtful and meshed with music that is downright catchy as hell, "Intentions" is a hit. Listener response has been overwhelming; I've never seen anything like it.

The boys are back in the studio with Utah music producer, Mateo Coletti of Rockfish Records, and after much contemplation, have decided on a song they believe will follow the success of “Intentions”, hopefully giving fans a new look at Utah’s most popular band and their unique sound.

With hand-crafted goodness, the songs of King Niko are always “record arm” ready, but the members of the band joke that producer, Mateo, has earned his badge as the “6^th Niko”, bringing new ideas, musical arrangements and creative solutions to the table.

Rockfish and King Niko are recording the new single in the same studio space Neon Trees used to rehearse for their tour with Duran Duran last month.  METCOM STUDIOS, located in downtown Salt Lake, recently opened their brand new state-of-the-art, fully integrated and thoughtfully designed studio complex this past summer.

With beautifully executed acoustic design, the studio space at Metcom is becoming a favorite for musicians, due to its unique openness and ability for diverse, flexible setups.  King Niko is a powerful band and it will be interesting to see how the new recording space affects the variables in sound that emerge with this new project.

The new single, with working title “Turn It Around”, is a crowd-pleasing, anthem-driven song with a “seize the day” message for fans, with release date to local and online media outlets by early December.

King Niko will be on one of Utah's top news stations, KUTV’s "2News This Morning" - from 5am - 8am this Friday, 11/11/11, with featured appearances and performances during segments each hour.

With a featured appearance on KUTV2 this Friday, a huge concert on Black Friday at Bar Deluxe with Muscle Hawk and Dirty Blonde and a new single in the works….the boys show no signs of stopping in the studio or on stage.  It has been a good year for King Niko, Utah’s rock royalty.

Billbord.com Article on Wydner and Panic! At the Disco

Rockfish Record Company

KING NIKO's New Single, "Intentions"...

Featured with Utah radio X96.3 on Xposed with Corey O'Brien every night last week....listen in weekdays at 8pm!  King Niko was the local champion and stood up against bands like Interpol and Less Than Jake! Support local music and VOTE for your favorite single!

Check out Corey's blog on X96...

Click here to VOTE on Xposed!

An Inside Look at Utah's Band of the Year, KING NIKO + New Single Release

 

By Rachael Alvine

Photos courtesy of Rick Weller

King Niko, winners of the 2011 Salt Lake City Weekly Music Awards (CWMAs), officially formed in 2009, although until the addition of their keys player, Reid, in the late summer of 2010, the band…well, they just weren’t themselves yet. 

When asked about the origin of their name, Ransom Wydner, lead vocalist and front man for King Niko, recalls that the band came together without having a solid name in mind. 

In a hungry state of creative frustration, Wydner visited a nearby taco stand (Try one today!) and during a confusing moment of asking for “pico” heard the word “niko”, his band mates liked the name…and the rest is local music history.

King Niko is Zach “Attack” Sloan on drums, Tim “The Face” Rawcliffe on bass, Benny “Moustache” Moffat on guitar, Reid “Lightning” Laitinen on keys and of course, Ransom “Is that your real name?” Wydner on lead vocals.

King Niko has released two successful, beautifully packaged EP’s and is looking to do a full-length project in the very near future.  Several songs off of their earlier EP’s have gotten widespread attention in Utah, with the vibes of bands like Spoon under Muse-tone anthem melodies…new sounding electronic key work over hard-hitting “hooky” choruses that make you want to move.

When asked to describe the band’s genre, no conclusion was reached.  As many bands have been expressing lately, being placed into a particular genre seems very limiting, however, not knowing exactly where you “fit” in the music industry has its downsides too. 

King Niko’s sound is new and edgy, with hints of retro British rock in what you might call “electro pop rock”, however, Wydner likes to call the band’s music “glam rock” and admits that popular band, The Killers are among their main influences.  City Weekly describes them as “pop-rock” and Utah Band Review calls them a “high energy dance rock” band.  TU just knows them as “badass” musicians.

 

King Niko has opened up for national tours like 30 Second to Mars, and was invited to open up for Tame Impala, amazing psych “chill” rock band from Aussie.  

This band not only talks the talk, but walks the walk, with the band members practicing three times a week in addition to attending many local shows and music events every week.  King Niko is friends with some of the best local musicians in the state.  Ransom loves local music and “the scene” here in SLC, and is excited to see the progression of music in Utah, as it seems to be getting more and more national attention.

The Unlimited (TU): Who are some of your favorite bands in Utah?

Ransom Wydner (RW):  Spell Talk for sure.  For 
       me, they are what I call “modern psych rock"

…those guys like to play drunk and party, and that “good times” feeling comes across in their live show…

TU: Anyone else?

RW:              Definitely Holy Water Buffalo. They 
       are great guys and a solid band that reminds

me of The Strokes.  Also The Bloops, former band mates of mine, who play with a Zappa-esque feel…

When I moved to Salt Lake almost 6 years ago, I didn't know anyone.  Literally zero Salt Lake friends. Now I'm hanging out with the top echelon of Salt Lakers on a regular basis, including the coolest girlfriend I could ever imagine...the best people and the best friends a guy could ask for. I realize how lucky I am and I'm very grateful for it.

When asked where the band likes to promote their music online, Wydner explained that he feels Grooveshark, open to all musicians and their music, may be the next best thing.  King Niko is already on Grooveshark, as well as many other popular bands like, Owl City, currently featured.  As far as music goes, Ransom believes, “Shitty and weird, doesn’t always mean good”…

Wydner also gives props to local music producers, Mateo Coletti and Matt Winegar, who he has had the pleasure of collaborating with in the studio and explains both have been creatively impressive to work with on recordings. 

King Niko has the sound, the look, the fans and the talent, but most importantly, they have the right attitude… the type of attitude that can take a band right to the top...  

On the City Weekly Music Finals, the band says that their “win” was totally unexpected.   While buzz about the “finals” show began to grow, King Niko wasn’t sure what the outcome would be.  What happened was an incredible rush of support at the live show, with fans that the band "hadn't seen since middle school" including friends, family… pretty much everyone they knew coming out to show support that night.  

WATCH THE VIDEO OF KING NIKO'S 2011 CWMA WIN

King Niko’s brand new single, “Intentions”, recorded at Rockfish Studios, will be bounced to X96 sometime this weekend.  Catch it on air for its debut on X96 at the beginning of the week.  The highly anticipated single will also be aired on Utah Musicians radio network as well as many other radio stations and media outlets throughout the region.

The summer is looking very bright for King Niko.  With a full southwest US and Cali tour in affect next week, hear their new single on the radio with X96 and also live at the Utah Arts Festival, with King Niko’s homecoming performance on the evening of Saturday, June 25^th in downtown SLC. 

UTAH ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: The Codi Jordan Band (The CJB)

 

(The Codi Jordan Band plays THE COMPLEX in SLC with CWMA winners, King Niko - 3/18/11)  Photo by Mateo Coletti

By Rian Frost

I have had the pleasure of seeing The Codi Jordan Band (The CJB) perform on several occasions, being a local Ogdenite and faithful to my local watering holes. Each and every time this band graces the stage, I am left more and more pleasantly surprised, and left to anxiously await their next showing.

Codi Jordan brings together on stage a collaboration of reggae with a "new school" 311 feel. Always serving up a dance party and a good time, his vocals are smooth and the lyrics are simple but the grooves make it impossible not to move.

The CJB's new album "Positivity" provides you with just that. Positive vibes and good tunes, envoking the desire to down a beer and bob your head.

The Codi Jordan Band has recently toured the Western United States rocking stages in Idaho, Utah, Washington, California and Colorado. They have been featured on several radio stations and with each show, their fan base grows. I don’t see things stopping or slowing down for this band anytime soon.

The CJB also opened up for Neon Trees at the House of Blues Park City during Sundance 2011.

If ever The Codi Jordan Band is in your neck of the woods, I highly recommend putting on your flip flops, a tie-dye T-shirt and money to throw down on a few brews and head to the show. It is an experience I think all would enjoy!

FOR MORE INFO ON THE CJB...CLICK HERE!

The Wayne Hoskins Band opens the House of Blues Park City - 1/18/2011

By Rian Frost

As the first band ever to grace the stage at the Sundance Film Festival’s House of Blues, The Wayne Hoskins Band kicks off the celebration with a bang. Bringing in an impressive number of fans and passers-by off the streets of Park City for a Tuesday night, on the eve of this prestigious film fest.


Dustin Wayne’s smooth, sultry vocals seduce the crowd almost immediately as the show gets underway. As he belts out the ballads, the crowd slowly makes its way towards the stage, and with each song more and more patrons inch closer to the stage to get a better look and better listen of these euphorically, catchy melodies.


It’s easy to lose yourself in the emotion of the lyrics, as Dustin pours his heart out with every note. Some songs are about love gone wrong, where it almost feels wrong not to grab your lighter and sway along to the music. Some are about love gone right, which invokes you to smile and move along to the mesmerizing beats.  Some songs are about going out, grabbing a drink and having a good time. I think this is what is so great about The Wayne; it’s easily relatable as the lyrics are written about the human condition, things we all have gone through, go through or will go through. The Wayne will win your heart over every time.

As you take in this refreshing new talent, it’s hard not to spend time eyeing each band member’s individual talent and “the bacon” they bring home to the band. Dave Lund accompanies Dustin’s vocals nicely with his soft, clean voice and provides classic and powerful tones with his guitar to The Wayne’s songs.


Carl Santoro adds the vital pulse to The Wayne on the bass, and Michael Higgins provides harmonic and sympathetic tones to the music on the keys, and jazz’s up the beat with the rhythm of the tambourine.


Eric Santoro provides the heartbeat behind the band, with his unique fusion of beats that progressively and steadily grow stronger throughout each song with remarkable precision.


As you take in the talent that The Wayne has to offer with its enchanting and refreshingly classic sound, it’s apparent that behind this tight, meticulous sounding band stands not only remarkable talent in its musicians, but also in a highly devoted and brilliant production team.


The Wayne’s highly-regarded EP album, “Breaking Here” has yet to leave my CD player.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WAYNE...HERE


READ AN OFFICIAL REVIEW OF TWHB "BREAKING HERE" EP

WATCH THE WAYNE'S SUNDANCE 2011 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT BY PCTV

LISTEN TO "BREAKING HERE" ON ITUNES

In the Studio with King Niko

  

By Rachael Alvine

It’s Saturday morning and the members of King Niko arrive at the studio calm, cool, confidant.  Local fan favorites and Winners of the 2011 City Weekly Music Awards, the band is currently in production at Rockfish Studios on their new single, “Intentions.”

Despite their recent local fame and recognition, these guys are down to earth, real musicians.  Constantly creating new sounds in the studio, every member of the band takes a vested interest in each part of the song’s production.  The band has been known to get down around town, but in the studio, they are the perfect mix of seriously creative and truly easy-going.

“Intentions” is a song inspired by transitory times, not knowing what will happen next, but still knowing that the best is yet to come.  Ransom Wydner, lead vocalist for King Niko, explains that the song was inspired by days spent in a hotel, in between homes, feeling the chaos and rush of change.  

When asked about their recording experience at Rockfish, the band agrees that engineer and music producer, Mateo Coletti, “knows his (stuff)” and has helped to craft a solid musical foundation for “Intentions” through collaboration with each individual member of the band. Ransom on Rockfish relates, “We love those guys.  They’re our kind of people….professional and easy to work with creatively.”

King Niko’s bass player, Tim Rawcliffe, describes the tracking room at Rockfish Studios as a “fortress of solitude” that allows for intimate, creative expression during takes. Wydner is a long-time vocal performer, and it shows in the studio.  His vocal takes are impressively strong, melodic and always “in the pocket.”

The band is discussing original artwork and possibly a new music video in connection with the release of the “Intentions” single, which is due out by the end of the month.

King Niko’s next gig is a CD release event for Long Distance Operator (LDO), whose new album is getting a lot of attention from Utah’s music community.  Wydner, a friend and fan of LDO, describes them as "Queen meets Queens of the Stone Age” and only has good things to say about the recordings on their new album.  Ransom performs vocals on one of the tracks.

King Niko and LDO will be joined by The Bloop, a modern Zappa-esque band, that includes former band mates of Wydner, on Saturday, May 7^th at The Canyon Inn for the much-anticipated live music event. 

“Intentions”, the new single from Utah fan favorites, King Niko, out this month.

WATCH THE BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO HERE

Senior Writer and Editor for THE UNLIMITED...

 

Rachael Alvine

Rachael Alvine is a Utah-based freelance writer, editor and music and entertainment blogger, who covers live concerts, music festivals and indie/industry album releases from artists throughout the US and parts of Mexico. Rachael dedicates much of her time and energy to the indie record label where she is the director of publicity and advertising, content editor for the label’s website, press writer and senior A&R rep.  

Always analyzing trends in the music industry and seeking out those paradigm shifting bands that will lead the next wave of popular music, Rachael writes her music industry blog, THE UNLIMITED, with real passion for music, artists and the individual messages they are sharing with the world, through their songs.   

Rachael also coordinates major music events (such as during the Sundance Film Festival) and works closely with artists in helping them find their niche in the music and entertainment industry. 

A lifelong music fan, Rachael spends many nights exploring the local music scene in Salt Lake City and the surrounding urban areas in the region, and is always contemplating new ways of bringing relevant, reliable, creative information to music fans who truly appreciate learning about new artists and passionately search for new music.  

Genres: Alternative, Americana (Roots), Blues, Classic Rock, Club, Electric Rock, Folk, Folk Rock, Hard Rock, Indie, Reggae, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Underground Hip Hop

let's start at the very beginning....a very good place to start....

THE UNLIMITED Indie Music News and Review was conceived in June of 2010 as a creative outlet for  our passionate feelings about music and our many amazing experiences with music artists, songs, producers and music industry heroes.  To have a place to share music (what we live for) with our friends and music fans everywhere is a wonderful thing. Hope you enjoy.  We are always looking for passionate musicians and music writers.

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