Niko

Nicole Vergel De Dios signed to Grand Central Records under the mantel of Niko in 2002. Based in Brooklyn, New York but hailing originally from Seattle to Japanese and Spanish parentage, Nicole has been engaged in music her whole life. Just months before signing to GC she graduated with top honors from her Jazz and Contemporary Music Degree, receiving Honours in Jazz Performance from the New School University in New York. When she graduated she was also working as the musical supervisor and featured artist on the film “Take It From Me” for PBS in the States. Her work on this film earned her a feature in Vibe Magazine’s “Top 100 people, places, and things”

As a child, Nicole became absorbed by all kinds of music, studying the classical piano for eight years, and singing in Gospel and school choirs. In 1993 she was accepted in the prestigious jazz program at Roosevelt High School. She won numerous awards including the most Outstanding Vocalist at the Lionel Hampton Jazz festival in 1997 and the most Outstanding Soloist at the Reno International Jazz Festival in both 1996 and 1997. In 1998 Nicole received a performance scholarship to study at the New School University in New York, following in the footsteps of such jazz greats as Reggie Workman, George Garzone and Buster Williams.

Niko has already collaborated with Mr. Scruff on his forthcoming album ‘Trouser Jazz’. The track, ‘Come Alive’, came about as “a happy accident’ according to Scruff, where Niko’s take on his beats was the last thing he expected. Niko’s first release on Grand Central, the 12” ‘Sound Off’, encapsulates this clash of cultures, this time with Riton’s beats and Niko providing an army style marching song.
Niko also appears on Only Child's second album 'Solitaire' out June 16th. As well as providing vocal samples she appears on two tracks 'Show Me Love' and 'Loves Reprise'.

Niko has brought her stage ability to the Aim Live band, which performed at numerous festivals last year, most notably The Big Chill and Essential Festival, and various dates across the UK in 2003. She has performed at New York venues such as Birdland and The Knitting Factory, bringing to Grand Central her unique stage ability and energy. Niko has achieved a new twist on her jazz sensibilities by working with second generation producers like Riton, J-Walk and Aim.

Niko’s solo album on Grand Central Records is due out in late summer of 2003. Her album will be preceded by a 12" the infectious 'You're My Favourute Music' with an Only Child and Nudge remix.

Niko Lazarakopoulos