Incompatable type error when trying to create a new object

I have a class called Artist where I have created a constructor:

public Artist(String artistName)
{
    artistName = artist;
    setupGigs();
    setupBookings();
} 

In the IO class, I am trying to create a new artist to begin with using the constructor in the Artist class:

public GameIO(String nme)
{
    artist = new Artist(nme);
}

Each time I compile, I get the error message I am using incompatible types. Should I be doing something different and if so, could someone advise on the best path possible.