Niko Moon Bringing His Country Pop to the Paramount

Country singer-songwriter Niko Moon , set to light up the stage at The Paramount on Thursday, wants people to know that there’s a musical cure for these anxious times.

“We’re being inundated 24/7 with anxious, anxiety-inducing imagery and narratives through social media, through the media in general,” Moon said in an interview with HuntingtonNow. “Positive music is one of many tools we can use to push back and balance out those scales.”

Known for hits like “Good Time,” Moon, 42, started off as a songwriter and producer, as well as being a part of the group Sir Roosevelt before becoming a solo artist. Both of his parents were musicians, making music a huge part of his life from an early age. “I’ve always wanted to do music my whole life. I was literally born into this,” Moon said in an interview with HuntingtonNow.

The music Moon creates is a unique blend of genres, pulling from pop, rock, and traditional
country influences. Growing up 30 minutes outside of Atlanta, Moon was exposed to a variety of sounds. Taking inspiration from country icons like Travis Tritt and Alan Jackson as well as hip- hop artists such as OutKast. “I’m just trying to make music that sounds good when it makes me feel good when I hear it,” Moon said. “If I need to utilize trap drums and 808s with a banjo to make that feeling come across, then I’ll do it. It’s about being honest with my music.”

Moon is a big advocate of the importance of mental health and personal well-being. “I’m really
interested in self-betterment and becoming the best version of myself,” he said. Moon’s passion and commitment to promote mental health and achieve a more balanced life due to his own struggles. He actively incorporates this when writing his songs but expressed that these efforts extend beyond music. “Positive music is one of the many things that can help with mental health, but there’s so much more—exercise, proper nutrition, good sleep, meditation.”

Along with this, Moon has entered the realm of environmental advocacy, particularly regarding
water safety. His water brand, Happy Himalayan, is part of a broader project aimed at educating the public about the importance of clean water. He’s currently working on a documentary titled Dirty Water, which seeks to shed light on the issue of water contamination.

“It’s not just about getting a good product out there, but also about educating people so they can ensure they’re consuming safe water,” Moon said.

“The human condition is what I want to make my life about,” he said. “It’s not so much the
music itself but what it’s capable of, bringing people together and reminding us that we’re more similar than we are different.”

Whether it’s through pre-show interactions, meet-and-greets, of social media engagement, Moon cherishes the connections he has built over the years with his fans. “I’m so grateful for this musical family that has formed around this mentality and music. It’s all about nurturing those relationships.”

As he prepares for his performance on Thursday, Moon remains focused on his mission to spread positivity and unity through music. “Life is short, we gotta make sure we make this thing sweet,” he said. “I’m excited to come to Huntington and celebrate music, community, and life together.”

Alexander Noll is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s
School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students andlocal media.

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