Nick Rotteveel, known professionally as Nicky Romero, emerged from the Netherlands to become a significant figure in electronic dance music. Born in 1989 in Amerongen, he established a career that spans record production, disc jockeying, and composition. His work gained global recognition during the 2012–2013 period, marked by chart-topping collaborations and high-profile festival appearances.
Early Career and Breakthroughs
Before his rise to international prominence, Rotteveel spent a year in Kingston, Ontario, before completing his education in France. His early production work included tracks like Privilege and Qwerty on Once Records. His profile grew significantly in 2009 after he remixed Tony Cha Cha's Get on the Floor and produced a bootleg for David Guetta. By 2010, his release My Friend, which sampled Groove Armada, saw success on various DJ charts, including reaching number four on the Beatport overall chart.
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The 2012 track Toulouse served as a breakout success, securing a place on the Beatport Top Ten for an extended period. That same year, he earned a residency with David Guetta in Ibiza. His collaboration with Avicii, I Could Be the One, debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart in February 2013. He continued this momentum with the track Symphonica and his partnership with Krewella on the single Legacy.
Collaborations and Production Portfolio
Beyond his solo work, Rotteveel has served as a co-producer for several major artists. He contributed to Rihanna’s album Unapologetic on the track Right Now and co-wrote It Should Be Easy for Britney Spears’ album Britney Jean. His production credits also include David Guetta’s album Listen, where he worked on tracks featuring Sia, and a contribution to the Sekai no Owari album Tree.
Protocol Recordings and Industry Ventures
In 2012, he founded the label Protocol Recordings. The label has served as a platform for artists such as Don Diablo, R3hab, and Vicetone. Its debut release was the collaborative track WTF!? by Romero and ZROQ. Furthermore, he hosts a weekly radio program titled Protocol Radio, which began airing in 2013. His professional activities have also included charity initiatives, such as the 10.000 Hours project and a partnership with Electric Family.
Fast facts
- Born: 1989, Amerongen, Netherlands
- Professional name: Nicky Romero or Monocule
- Label founded: Protocol Recordings, 8 May 2012
- UK chart-topping single: I Could Be the One (2013)
- DJ Mag Top 100 ranking: 20 (current)
- Significant 2012 recognition: MTV EDM artist to watch
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of Protocol Recordings?
The label was founded by Nicky Romero on 8 May 2012 to release electronic music.
Did Nicky Romero experience health challenges?
Yes, in November 2015 he reported that he had been suffering from anxiety, which led him to reduce his touring and studio work.
Achievements
- Instruments: electronic keyboard
- Genres: house music, big room house and progressive house
