Nicky Romero is a Dutch DJ, producer and label head from Amerongen, Netherlands. Born in 1989, he is also known by his real name, Nick Rotteveel. His work sits in the areas of Dutch house, EDM, electro house, house and progressive house, with a sound described in the provided text as combining progressive house with electro and acid influences.

Career beginnings and breakthrough

Romero starts out playing drums and DJing house and R&B before moving into music production. Early releases on Once Records bring him attention from labels including Spinnin’, Fly Eye, Toolroom and Flamingo Recordings. His profile rises sharply after a bootleg of David Guetta’s “When Love Takes Over” gains attention online and leads to a working relationship with Guetta.

Collaborations and releases

He works with David Guetta on several projects, including “Metropolis” and “Wild One Two”, and later produces “Right Now” with Guetta and Rihanna. Other studio work includes two tracks for Britney Spears. His own releases include “S.O.T.U.” on Size Records, “Legacy” with Krewella, “Symphonica”, and “I Could Be the One” with Avicii, which reaches number one in the UK. He also makes remixes for artists including Zedd and Calvin Harris.

Protocol Recordings and radio work

Romero runs Protocol Recordings, a label and wider brand that includes club nights and a radio show. The label champions newer artists such as Don Diablo, John Dahlback, Vicetone, Kryder, Michael Calfan and Merk & Kremont, while also supporting established acts such as Calvin Harris, R3hab, Nervo, Krewella and Bassjackers. Its releases regularly appear in Beatport’s top 10. Protocol Radio is syndicated to more than 60 FM stations and reaches over 40 million listeners each week.

DJ career and festival appearances

As a DJ, Romero tours internationally and appears at events including Coachella, Sensation White, Ultra Music Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas and Tomorrowland. He also holds a residency at The Light Las Vegas and previously takes a residency at David Guetta’s FMIF club night at Pacha/Ushuaia Ibiza. One performance at TomorrowWorld sees him play using Google Glass. He also presents Protocol Recordings label nights in Miami and Amsterdam.

Recognition

Romero enters the DJ Mag Top 100 at number 17 in 2012 as the highest new entry that year, then rises to number 7 in 2013. He also receives an MTV EMA nomination for Best Dutch Act.