World exclusive interview with the Dutch superstar after another huge summer
Interview : Dan Prince
An incredible summer for Romero as he smashes festival season armed with a new collaboration with Dutch rockstar Anouk. Dan Prince gets the world exclusive as he looks back at a crazy summer around the globe and his forthcoming new album…
Hey Nicky welcome back to DMCWORLD, where on the planet are you today?
“Hey Dan, thanks for having me, I’m actually in sunny Ibiza right now getting ready for my FMIF show at Pacha tonight. David’s nights on the island are always great so I’m super excited.”
Well you have done it again – ensured dancefloor mayhem thanks to your music…this time it’s thanks to “Feet On The Ground”. Please talk us through the sound and history of the track…
“Haha, thank you! Okay, so Feet On The Ground is a super high-energy track that was essentially made for the dance floor. It features a top line from the amazing vocalist Anouk – she is a huge star, especially over in Holland, and was really amazing to work with. In terms of musical direction, I wanted to try experimenting with a few new ideas so I actually incorporated some more Rock-influenced sounds into the record. It’s a sound I’ve not played with so much in the past, but I’m super happy with the results. It’s been getting some incredible reactions from festivals and dance floors all over the world, which is always nice.”
It was great to see a superstar DJ getting involved with charity work, so rare these days. Why was it important for you to help with the 10,000 Hours children charity?
“I always want to try and do my bit for those less fortunate than myself, because I know how lucky I am to live the life I do. As soon as I was approached by the 10,000 Hours Charity I jumped at the opportunity.”
Your photos of Dance Valley over the weekend looked amazing. What were some of the highlights from that event?
“It really was an amazing show. The atmosphere was really great and everyone in the crowd was giving it their all. The pyrotechnics were incredible.”
Another monumental festival that you just rocked was of course Tomorrowland – why is this event head and shoulders above its rivals and what was your highpoint this year?
“Tomorrowland is just insane. It’s every DJ’s dream to play there and everyone just wants to party and have a good time. I think the most amazing thing about Tomorrowland is just how international it’s become – when you play the Main Stage, all you can see is a sea of flags from all over the world. It’s pretty overwhelming.”
Which one of your fellow DJ friends is always the most fun at these events when you all get together?
“The whole DJ circuit feels just like a big family so it’s hard to pick just one. It’s always fun to party with the Dutch guys like Martin Garrix, Tiësto and Afrojack; also David Guetta is a really cool guy. Of course the whole Protocol family too.”
What are the big 5 records in your box right now?
Nicky Romero & Anouk – Feet On The Ground
Arno Cost & Norman Doray – Strong
Tommy Trash – Mad Max
Don Diablo – Anytime
Tom Swoon & Stadiumx feat. Rico & Miella – Ghost
Nicky Romero & Vicetone – Let Me Feel
Great to see you taking up the Ice Bucket Challenge at Ushuaia this week…who have you nomiated for a freezing cold shower?
“Ha ha, lot’s of fun. I have nominated Martin Garrix, Jorge Lorenzo and Afrojack!”
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=830820653629337&set=vb.153464388031637&type=2&theater
A quote from Faithless’s Sister Bliss this week…”I think people will become bored with the stock crude generic sounds of EDM and the artists themselves may be somewhat musically bankrupt (David Guetta even admitted as such in a recent interview) as there is only so much touring you can do before it impacts on studio time and having space to think creatively.” Thoughts on that?
“I can’t see the EDM scene just disappearing but it will change and evolve of course. She is right that when touring a lot, you don’t get to spend as much time in the studio as you’d like, but with the power of computers today now we can take the studio with us. Whenever I am on a plane or tour bus on the way to a show I always work on new music. Creativity comes from all over the place, especially from visiting all the amazing counties and people that we get to when touring. The most important thing is to keep trying new ideas – if you keep on making the same music over and over again, it’s eventually going to become stale.”
What is the record that…
…reminds you of your childhood?
“Cygnus X – Superstring.”
…always get you dancing?
“Disclosure – You & Me (Flume Remix).”
…you wish you would have made?
“Daft Punk – Robot Rock.”
In your opinion, is it possible for someone to make it as a DJ in 2014, without any production behind them?
“I think it’s possible, but it’s extremely rare. I can think of only a handful of DJs who have built successful careers without really making their own music – the most obvious example being Pete Tong. He’s largely got to where he is now through decades of groundbreaking work in the radio/broadcasting world, which in turn gave him exposure to a huge global audience. My advice to anybody wanting to break into dance music would definitely be to make your own music, and more importantly – keep it original.”
Who is the last GREAT young DJ/producer you have spotted around the world?
“Martin Garrix. He’s absolutely smashing it at the moment and I can’t think of any young DJ/producer who has come close to his recent success.”
What is the last studio toy you bought yourself?
“A Genelec Subwoofer.”
The last non-dance music album you checked out?
“Coldplay – ‘Ghost Stories’.”
Nice photo of you with footballer Robin Van Persie at the weekend – what did he have to say for himself?
“He actually said he was a big fan of my music, which was a really nice surprise. We just talked about football and of course how everyone says we look like twins…”
The Netherlands were very unlucky in the World Cup, you have a fantastic manager there in Van The Man! Who is the team you follow in the domestic league and what are you like out on the pitch?
“Ajax.”
What is the latest on your debut album? What can you tell us about release dates/collabs/big tunes you CANNOTFUCKINGWAIT to play us?
“In terms of specifics, there’s nothing I can talk about right now I’m afraid. What I can say is there’s a huge amount of music I’ve made that I’m itching for people to hear!”
What is on a Nicky Romero rider these days?
“Nothing fancy, just a few drinks for the team to enjoy. To be honest I don’t drink much on tour and I don’t bother asking for anything I don’t need and won’t use. What’s the point, it’s a waste.”
It’s that time of year again, the annual DJ Top100. I interviewed Arthur Baker today, he remarked…” there are too many DJs and genres for a realistic competition in my opinion”. What are your thoughts on that?
“I like to look at the Top 100 as a good chance for fans to give their opinion and get involved. It’s great to do well in the vote but it’s also not something I’m going to lose much sleep over. For me, touring and making new music for my fans will always come way above winning awards and accolades.”
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
“I’m working on getting my album finished and out there, I’m really excited about that. I have a few new collaboration on the way as well, but I cant give too much information away about that. It will definitely be a busy rest of 2014 though with lots of releases on Protocol Recordings and lots more shows.”
***
‘Feet On The Ground’ with Anouk is out now on Protocol…
Listen here: http://bit.ly/1nuq4i5
Buy here: http://btprt.dj/SspNAN
For further information on the boy wonder…
www.facebook.com/DJNickyRomero
www.soundcloud.com/NickyRomero
www.twitter.com/NickyRomero
www.instagram.com/NickyRomero
