Nakia

Band Members:
Pronounced: 'nuh-kee-ah'

Raised in the foothills of the Appalachain Mountains in the Alabama town of Fort Payne, Nakia knew at an early age that his name was unique. "My parents got the name from a TV show called, "Nakia" that followed the life of a deputy on a reservation name, Nakia." The show ran on ABC in 1974 for only about three months. The name itself is Navajo Indian and is translated, "not going to tell you."

Growing up, Nakia always knew he wanted to sing and perform. "My mom says I was stopping cars in the front yard to sing KISS songs to them when I was five!"

KISS was just one of the many bands that Nakia connected with at an early age. His sister turned him onto Duran Duran and Culture Club, while his Mom was getting him into bluegrass, country and southern gospel. But it was Dad's Neil Young and Freddy Fender records that really hit him in the gut. "I remember hearing 'Wasted Days And Wasted Nights' thinking that I wanted to be the one coming out the speaker."

Once Nakia left Alabama for Atlanta, he landed a job with rock super-producer, Brenden O'Brien's short-lived 57 Records as a marketing intern. Nakia quickly adapted to the hectic lifestyle of record release parties and concerts. In short, he was hooked. "I was getting to sit at a desk making calls to record stores while watching my idols walk in to talk shop with Brenden. I had a piano in the furnished apartment I was living in at the time, and I sat down one day and started writing."

Four years later, Nakia found himself in Chicago working for another label, but this time it was Gregg Latterman's, Aware Records (John Mayer, Train, Five For Fighting) and Nakia was once again a marketing intern. "I was doing anything and everything I was asked to do to learn that end of the business and to network by day, and at night I was going out and playing piano bars."

Nakia quickly picked up a following in Chicago only to move once more. This time, settling in the music mecca of Austin, TX. In a town full of "singer/songwriters" who are competing for the same gigs, Nakia found a need to gain exposure outside of the city, first focusing his attention on a short tour of the south and midwest. That tour garned Nakia some great press, lots of new fans and a prestigous award for songwriting at Atlanta's, Eddie's Attic.

Most recently, Nakia was chosen by SirenSongMagazine.com as Male Artist of the Year and he was selected to organize and participate in the 2004 John Lennon Songwriting Educational Tour Bus stop in Austin. "Look What We've Become," the song that was written and recorded on the bus in collaboration with 3 other Austin Music Foundation members, has since went on to become a favorite of the JLSETB staff.

Nakia can be seen performing all over Texas. Nakia has recently parted ways with the notorious Small Stars, an "Austin all-star" act led by Guy Fantasy (Miles Zuniga of Fastball's alter-ego), and featuring players from Fastball and other bands such as New Bohemians, Jane Bond, Lil' Captain Travis, and El Orbits. Nakia performed in the band as Vic Odin, their nasty British Manager with an even nastier coke habit. After almost two years of lending his character, Vic Odin to the band's outstanding live show and musical, Nakia is ready to once again fully focus his energies and efforts into a new solo project.

Pictures:
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SonicBids Press Kit: Click Here

Nakia's first show at Austin's Carousel Lounge brought out several brand new folks thanks to Jody Denburg and his Daily Demo segment on 107.1 KGSR. That night, they, along with lots of Nakia's growing regulars were treated to Nakia's version of George Michael's "One More Try." The song has quickly become a requested favorite. Head over to the Downloads section to check it out.

And don't say we didn't warn you about the Pink Elephant!
-Team KiaChia

05.11.04 ''Broken Spoke'' Featured On KGSR's 'Daily Demo' Segment With Jody Denburg!

Today at 3:45PM central time, Nakia was featured on 107.1 - KGSR's 'Daily Demo' segment with Program Director, Jody Denburg.

Jody chose, "Broken Spoke" from Nakia's current demo sampler CD to play on the air in relation to Nakia's show tonight at Austin's Carousel Lounge on 52nd Street.

KGSR is one of the nation's most listened to stations and has a long history of spinning only the best music from the best artists. Nakia joins a long list of songwriters and bands that have been featured on Jody's weekday segment and hopes to continue to grace the KGSR airwaves for in the future, for many years to come.

If you were fortunate enough to catch Nakia's debut on Austin radio, please let us know by using our Feedback Form and if you want to hear more of Nakia on KGSR, please call the KGSR request line at 512-390-5477. Tell them you heard it on the KGSR - Daily Demo.

-Team KiaChia

05.06.04 Nakia Launches Sonicbids EPK!~

Nakia has joined Sonicbids, a website that is geared toward allowing musicians to promote their music through EPK's or Electronic Press Kits to music industry professionals. This service has been a proven success for hundreds of musicians worldwide and Nakia is thrilled to join their ranks. The Sonicbids service is also gives Nakia opportunities to submit to festivals, concert promoters, talent agents and much, much, much, more.

If you wanna see Nakia's EPK, then just click here. Since joining yesterday, Nakia has already submitted to over 40 different Sonicbids clients, including NEMO in Boston, as well as several contests, and booking agents. Nakia is already reaping the benefits of the service. Indie Connections added Nakia to their playlist less than 5 hours after receiving his submission.

05.04.04 Siren Song Magazine: Nakia's Voice, ''Emotionally charged and full of energy''

Nakia was recently interviewed by Siren Song Magazine about his music and his web-savvy promotional skills. Editor, Jade Walker has given Nakia a great review and we think you will enjoy the Q&A with Nakia, as it provides a fresh look into the mind of one of Austin's most exciting new talents. Jade also chose Nakia's song, "The Kind That Stays" as her pick for a mp3 download and featured the lyrics. Check out Siren Song Magazine for the full interview.

-Team KiaChia