Niko Tsonev


Niko Tsonev is a Bulgarian-born musician, producer, composer, mixing engineer, and arranger living in London, England. At age four, Tsonev played accordion; later he began playing guitar but only in his early teen years Tsonev began formally taking music theory and guitar lessons. Aged seventeen Niko received a scholarship from Berklee College of Music, however, Tsonev moved to London, England to study Music Production at Lewisham College. At that time Niko also joined a musician session agency as a freelance guitarist.

Career

In younger years Niko drew his musical inspiration from artists such as Steve Vai, Jimmy Herring and Scott Henderson. In the following years Tsonev performed and recorded as a solo artist and creative freelancer, and with diverse artists and producers, including Steven Wilson. Stylistically flexible and diverse in urban and world music, Tsonev's guitar instrumentals encompass various musical forms, from instrumental fusion of Jazz and Blues, to Americana, Shred and Progressive Rock. Niko is also a film and TV composer, known for his work on The Mortician directed by Gareth Maxwell Roberts, The Bridge directed by Richard Raymond, and Steven Wilson: Get All You Deserve directed by Lasse Hoile. Tsonev has performed in various countries and venues across the globe, from touring the United States, South America and Europe with Steven Wilson in 2012 to performing gigs with Lifesigns throughout Europe, and recording a DVD album Lifesigns -
Live In London - Under The Bridge
Niko sources various equipment while in studio and onstage, including Suhr Guitars, Elixir Strings, Kemper Amps, TC Electronic, Wampler, Source Audio, Hughes & Kettner.
Niko Tsonev was a member of Lifesigns, a British progressive rock band; with other notable band's members such as John Young on keyboards & vocals, Jon Poole on bass & vocals, Martin "Frosty" Beedle on drums, percussion & vocals. Niko has been performing with Lifesigns between January 2013 and August 2016.

Awards

Tsonev's work includes albums both as a solo artist, and in collaboration with other musicians and bands.

Main Solo Releases

With Lacryma Christi
With The Big Other
With Cuthead / Dominik Rüegg
With Digitonal
With Mr. Fastfinger
With Italee
With Steven Wilson
With Lifesigns
With Asia