PRESS RELEASE 16/01/06

NIK CARLSON's debut single I BELIEVE IN A THING CALLED LOVE is available from today via Jayrem Records.

Please let us know if you would like a copy for review or would like an interview, photo or require further information.

Nik Carlson

Was born in Masterton 27 years ago, and for sixteen years performed in

Country Music Awards around New Zealand.

At the age of 21 Nik moved to Auckland to pursue music opportunities and in 2002 appeared in a TV episode of Show Stoppers (hosted by Michael Hurst & Stacey Daniels), where he met NZ Idol winner Rosita Vai, after the pair were chosen to be part of the shows seven-piece singing & dancing extravaganza.

Nik and his brother Shane, then entered their original demo song, called Watching You, and won The Coke Rhythm Nation competition run by Mai FM. As a result, the radio station paid for the re-recording of the single, and Maori Television (MTS) came on board with music video funding.

When New Zealand’s highest rating television music show, NZ Idol went to air, Nik, watched by thousands of viewers throughout the county, shot to Idol stardom.

“I had always been a fan of the Idol program but never saw myself doing it… my how things can change! Idol gave me the opportunity to work in an environment I’ve always dreamed about”.

Long time friend Rosita Vai won NZ Idol but Nik’s second place spot saw him touring the country with the Idolized tour and presented him with the opportunity to work with the shows Musical Directors, Eddie Rayner and Adrian Stuckey, and Vocal Coach Suzanne Lynch once again. With Eddie Rayner (Split Enz fame) as the Producer, Adrian Stuckey (Director of the recording studio and label Big Note Productions) as Co-Producer/Engineer and Suzanne Lynch (The Chicks/Cat Stevens) on Vocal Arrangements/Backing Vocals, Nik recorded a version of his favorite song from the Idol show, I Believe in a Thing Called Love, by UK band The Darkness.

“It’s been a wonderful year. This song summarizes my Idol journey, and is dedicated to my Nan, Sue - Treasure - Paltridge”.