Nicky Romero Sat Down With Us To Share The Craziest Thing He’s Seen At One Of His Shows, Plus More

BroBible sat down with Nicky Romero for an exclusive interview following the release of his “Let Me Feel” music video. A progressive-house anthem, “Let Me Feel” is a collaboration with Vicetone that originally dropped last fall. Featuring the vocals of When We Are Wild, the arrival of “Let Me Feel’s” music video invigorates its emotionally charged production by offering an authentic perspective into real-world themes of humility, love, perseverance, and success.

The song’s heartfelt message hits home for most audiences, including Nicky Romero, whose remarkable ascent out of humble Netherlands beginnings is a true embodiment of the music’s passionate lyrics. Now a label owner and perennial top 100 DJ, “Let Me Feel” may be Nicky Romero’s best single to date. The track sticks to his shimmering style of feel-good house music, reminds fans that their dreams are very much attainable, and most importantly introduces listeners to the talented EDM act knows as Vicetone.

Nicky Romero and Vicetone are both confirmed headliners for Ultra 2015 which means you can expect to hear “Let Me Feel” reverberating throughout downtown Miami. In our interview, Nicky Romero reveals the origins of “Let Me Feel” as well as what he learned from working with Ruben and Victor of Vicetone. After sharing brief sentiment about the relevant tensions between Ukraine and Russia, Nicky Romero gives his thoughts on the current state of EDM, lays down advice to aspiring artists and hints at more huge releases coming this year too. Read our exclusive interview with Nicky Romero and be sure to check out his latest music video for “Let Me Feel,” below!

BroBible: What have you been up to in the New Year?

I have been spending lots of time in the studio and doing appearances here and there. Something really exciting that we did was launch the “Let Me Feel” music video. We wanted to create an emotionally charged and moving piece that would leave viewers thinking about it for a while after. We’ve received really great feedback on it.

How did it all begin? When did you start producing dance music and what factors contributed to the creation of your own record label, Protocol Recordings?

It really all began for me when I was working in a local bar in my hometown in Holland. I loved going there and hearing the resident DJ play. One night he gave me a little time to play during his set, and it all developed from there. I started producing my own music and became super driven to get my sound out there. Protocol Recordings was the next natural step, as I wanted to create a platform to release my music and help aspiring artists to get their sound out there!

Music has taken you all over the world. With world news covering sensitive topics and specifically the Ukrainian / Russian conflicts, is there 1 song, in general, that could best explain political situation over there?

“Where Is The Love” by The Black Eyed Peas.

Give us your thoughts on deep house and trap music permeating within the EDM scene and how dance music has evolved over the years.

I am a fan of all kinds of music. I like the way that artists are incorporating other genres and creating hybrid music.

The other week you gave out your phone number and allowed fans to text you. What were some of the funniest #TextNicky messages that you received?

Haha, I got a couple of marriage proposals… Talk about modern day romance!

“Let Me Feel” is your recent collaboration with Vicetone. How did the project come about and what unlikely learning experiences did you realize after the collaboration happened?

I’ve worked with Ruben & Victor (Vicetone) since 2013 as they released their track “Tremble” on my label. We always got along very well, and we had so many ideas that we wanted to develop. It’s a song that we came up with very naturally, and followed the raw emotion that was created. 

“Let Me Feel” featuring Vicetone would be the soundtrack to what movie?

The music video for “Let Me Feel” itself is like a short movie. It is about people going through an extreme struggle, and pushing themselves to do their very best to help the ones they love.

Tell us what life is like on the road and what your artist rider typically consists of?

I feel very blessed to be able to stay at nice places while I am on the road. At the end of last year we did a Protocol Reboot UK Bus Tour, and our bus was like a cozy home on wheels! I don’t make too many crazy requests with my rider, but I like my coconut water, Redbull, some vodka for the team, and lots of water of course…

Which festival(s) are you looking forward to playing this most this year and why?

I am really excited for Ultra Miami! It’s coming up so soon, and it’s going to be incredible just like every year!

What has been the craziest thing you’ve seen at one of your shows or festivals thus far?

Haha! I have seen some pretty crazy things in my time behind the decks… I am sure you can imagine. It’s all good fun though – I am lucky I haven’t seen anything seriously crazy!

Do you have plans for an album soon? If so, who are the artists most likely to be featured?
 

I am focused on other projects right now, and I am really enjoying working on Protocol Recordings. I am very busy building up the brand, but I will release some huge tracks of my own this year for sure.

What is your favorite hip-hop/rap song at the moment?

Right now I really like Cashmere Cat. His new song with DJ Mustard, ‘Ice Rink’ is really creative!

If you could have a super-power what would it be?

Flight! I would be able to fit in lots more gigs around the world, but I would just have to carry the Protocol team with me, haha!

Besides music what are some of your other hobbies? Do you have any secret talents that you’d like us to know?

I love working out, playing Call Of Duty, spending time with my buddies and family. Well… if I told you, they wouldn’t be secret talents! 😉

Give the names of up and coming DJs that fans should know about.

Listen out for Volt & State. We’ve got a nice collaboration coming up soon! Arno Cost is another one to watch as 2015 is going to be a big year for him… All the guys releasing on Protocol have mad skills though, and you need to check them all out!

In the length of a tweet share advice to aspiring DJ’s.

If you really want it, you’ve got to follow your dream and give it your all! Don’t follow the crowd and do not let someone control what you’re doing as an artist. 

What’s your master plan to win 2015 and where can fans find more of your music?

I plan to keep doing what I’ve been doing, as it seems to be going down well with my fans. I want to keep pushing Protocol Recordings, so keep your ears to the ground for more releases coming up very soon.