Nektarios Karantzis was born in Athens, originates from Ithaki and lives in Thessaloniki. He started studying music at the Modern Conservatory of Thessaloniki. In 1991 he moved to Vienna, where he studied with Ηeinrich Schneikart (Vienna Academy), Wayne Darling, as well as improvisation with Les Wise and electric bass with Bob Harisson. He has also studied philosophy at the University of Thessaloniki.

Returning to Greece he became an active member of the local jazz scene, performing with the majority of Greek musicians. He has performed at festivals in Greece and abroad (Germany, Belgium, Australia, etc,). He is a founding member of many chamber music ensembles and has an extensive discography. Since 2000 he has been a member of the είναι μέλος της Thessaloniki City Symphony Orchestra.

He has recorded three albums with Terra Incognita, his ensemble that fuses jazz with classic music. He also recorded music based on the original text of Odyssey, a recording featuring Savina Yannatou.

He has composed works for orchestra, concerts, instrumental solos, string ensembles, chamber music and music for percussion.