This piece is part of our KCtoday Q+A series. Do you know someone we should interview? Nominate them here.

Niko Moon is a country music singer/songwriter best known for hit songs “PARADISE TO ME” and “GOOD TIME,” which dominated country radio. He pens songs with “feel good” melodies, shrewd wordplay, and edgy electronic beats — and he’s performing at The Truman tonight at 8 p.m.

We asked Niko 10 questions about what it’s like to be back performing in Kansas City, this time, headlining his own tour. Keep reading to find out what he needs from his barbecue + read the chorus he wrote about KC. Hint: it might make mention of Patrick Mahomes and PBR. (Read time: 4 minutes.

What’s your idea of a “GOOD TIME” in the city?

I like going to the local spots. I want to go where y’all hangout. I think the best way to catch the pulse of a city is to find some locals that you vibe with and let them take you around. No worries, editor Skylar volunteered to put on her tour guide badge for the duration of Niko’s stay. Have any hidden gems Niko should know about? DM him on Instagram @nikomoon.

If you were to write a chorus, specifically about Kansas City, what would your first line be?

The top of the chorus I think would be, “Yeah, we’re shutting down PBR, and we ain’t goin’ home. We gonna light the night up like KC Mahomes.”

What was your first visit in Kansas City like, and what are you looking forward to?

I’ve been before on tour with Ryan Hurd. I opened up for Ryan Hurd a few years ago, but it was real quick. I haven’t had the chance to really dig into the city and really discover it and find all of the beauty in it. So, I’m really excited because I'll be able to do that this time around. We suggested he head to Power & Light for the entertainment scene, then grab a drink on John’s Big Deck for some Kansas City skyline views.

Kansas City and Nashville alike are known for their food scene, especially barbecue here in Kansas City. What ‘musts’ does a barbecue joint need to have to be classified as the best for you?

I think they need to exemplify whatever region they’re in. Memphis, or Texas barbecue, or Carolina barbecue, they’re all so different. You can’t say barbecue has to have a certain taste because it should be dependent on their region and what they’re known for — if they’re doing that, then that’s how they should be rated. I’ve never had Kansas City barbecue, so I’m excited to try it. I think that’s the thing I’m most excited to try. If you see him walking into the barbecue rite of passage Arthur Bryant’s, just know KCtoday sent him.

You’ve had remakes on songs in the past, like “GOOD TIME” featuring Shaggy. Do you have anything in the works with anyone else?

I’m actually working on a country collab right now. I’ve got a song on my upcoming album that I’m going to have a collab on. I’ve been talking all day today with my people on who we think would be the perfect person for it, and I have a very specific kind of idea on who it would be great for. So, I’m crossing my fingers that they come through for me and decide to jump on it.

It’s a really outdoors sort of vibe. It will make you think of something similar to what “GOOD TIME” does. It’s all about getting outside and having fun in a more nature-type setting out in the woods.

What song are you most stoked to perform in Kansas City and why?

I think “PARADISE TO ME” because that’s my new single now, and I think that song’s a lot of fun. I grew up not close to the ocean, so all of my good memories of being out on the water were when I would go to the lake. I think a lot of folks out there in the area have a similar experience. I’m looking forward to seeing how many lake people we have out there in Kansas City.

Looking ahead, what can we expect from you next?

Starting now and going all the way through March is going to be my headline tour. I’m getting ready to announce more dates (see some newly released appearances here) for the second leg of the headline tour that will go from January-March. I’m also working on new music and am excited to get some new songs out there as soon as possible.

Are there any surprises for fans throughout the tour?

My songs are outdoor-based. My music fits naturally in those environments where you get in your backyard, hangout around a campfire, or get out on the water. I wanted to incorporate that vibe into the show. I don’t want to give it away, but in the show, there’s a moment where I’ll bring the outside inside. I’ve never seen this happen at a show before.

Who or what do you look to for artistic inspiration?

Everybody around me inspires me. I like being around people who I look up to and respect. It’s funny — people say the most inspirational things all the time without realizing it. I think one of the differences between a songwriter and someone who isn’t is we notice those little things someone will say. I can’t tell you how many songs I’ve written because someone said something, and I thought to myself, “that could be a song,” and then I just expand on it.

Where did this outdoors aesthetic that has been at the forefront of your music stem from?

I just really love making people happy, and I love country music. I’m just trying to do both of those things together at the same time. I feel like it’s my purpose in life to make music for the good times people have. When I look back on the good moments in my life, there’s usually songs attached to each of those memories. You hear a song, and it takes you to a place and moment in time — I want my music to take people to those good memories.

Bonus: What are you most excited for in headlining your own tour?

I’m ready to do the show my way. When you open up for someone else, you’re in their world. It’s their show ,and they’re letting you in on it + giving you the opportunity to get your music out there to their fans. I have Kylie Morgan out on tour with me, so I'm excited for everyone to get to know her. I think that’s the coolest thing about live music. When you go to see an artist you love, there’s someone there before them that you may have never heard of. I want this concert to feel like a vacation. Hit the pause button when you get here, and let’s go on a 90-minute vacation together.

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