Real Name: Nick Rotteveel van Gotum
Date of Birth: January 6, 1989
Place of Birth: Amersfoort, Netherlands
Genres: Progressive House, Electro House, Big Room House, Future House
Occupation: DJ, Music Producer, Founder of Protocol Recordings
Years Active: 2008 — present
Early Life
Nicky Romero grew up in a musical family in the small Dutch city of Amersfoort. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in music, learning to play the drums and taking part in school music projects. During his teenage years, Nick began experimenting with electronic sounds, inspired by artists such as Tiësto, David Guetta, Eric Prydz, and Fedde Le Grand.
His first DJing experiences took place at local parties in the nearby town of Ede, where he built confidence as a performer. His fascination with remixing and sampling became the foundation for developing his own signature sound.
Career Beginnings
Nicky Romero’s first releases appeared in 2008–2009. Tracks like “Privilege” and “Qwerty” were not commercial hits but earned him attention within the professional community. His real breakthrough came with a remix of Green Velvet – “Flash” (2010), released on Spinnin' Records.
The remix received strong support from David Guetta, Tiësto, and Hardwell, becoming a club anthem and giving Nick a powerful entry point into the international EDM scene.
Breakthrough and Global Fame
In 2011, Nicky Romero released the legendary track “Toulouse”, which became a generational festival anthem. Its dark yet melodic energy and iconic video quickly gained millions of views and secured its place in EDM history as one of the most influential big room tracks of the decade.
In 2012, he teamed up with David Guetta to create “Metropolis” — a track that dominated Ultra Music Festival and Tomorrowland sets. This collaboration opened doors to new partnerships and international tours.
Protocol Recordings
In 2012, Nicky Romero founded his own label, Protocol Recordings — one of the most respected imprints in progressive and electro house. The label became a launching pad for rising talents, including Stadiumx, Volt & State, Deniz Koyu, Raiden, and NIVIRO.
Under the Protocol brand, annual compilations like “Miami Reboot” and “ADE Sampler” highlight trends on the festival scene. The label also hosts its own showcases at the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) and Miami Music Week.
Key Hits and Collaborations
- “Toulouse” (2011) — a cult classic that defined the big room house era.
- “I Could Be The One” (feat. Avicii, 2012) — #1 in the UK Singles Chart, platinum-certified in 8 countries.
- “Like Home” (feat. NERVO, 2012) — a melodic progressive house festival anthem.
- “Legacy” (feat. Krewella, 2013) — a powerful vocal track with emotional energy.
- “Symphonica” (2013) — an experimental project blending orchestral elements.
- “Harmony” (2020) — a return to melodic, uplifting sound.
- “All You Need Is Love” (2023) — with Afrojack, the anthem of Tomorrowland 2023.
- “Mahoya” (2024, with DubVision) — a fresh progressive track with ethnic motifs.
In addition to his original work, Romero has created remixes for Rihanna, Martin Garrix, Zedd, Kygo, Calvin Harris, and Armin van Buuren.
Protocol Radio
Since 2013, Nicky has hosted his weekly show Protocol Radio, broadcast in over 80 countries and available across all streaming platforms. The show serves as a hub for premieres and emerging talent.
In 2024, the 600th episode was released, featuring exclusive tracks by Tiësto, Afrojack, Armin van Buuren, and Nicky himself.
Festivals and Residencies
Nicky Romero is a regular headliner at the world’s top festivals:
- Tomorrowland (Belgium)
- Ultra Music Festival (Miami)
- EDC Las Vegas
- Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)
- Creamfields (UK)
Since 2022, he’s been a resident at Hï Ibiza, performing under his signature Protocol Nights series.
Recent Work (2023–2025)
In recent years, Romero has evolved his sound, blending classic progressive house with elements of melodic techno and future house. Tracks like “Mahoya”, “All You Need Is Love”, and “Turn Off The Lights” showcase his mature and melodic style.
In 2024, he launched the Protocol Mentorship program for young producers, offering masterclasses and collaborative releases. He is also an active speaker at ADE and IMS Ibiza, promoting sustainability in the music industry.
Personal Life
Nicky Romero is known for his commitment to a healthy lifestyle. After facing burnout in 2017, he became an advocate for mental health awareness in the music industry, openly discussing the importance of balance between touring and rest.
He lives in the Netherlands, practices sports, enjoys drone piloting, and supports educational charities for children.
Awards and Achievements
- DJ Mag Top 100 DJs — consistently in the Top 50 since 2012
- Platinum certification: “I Could Be The One” (8 countries)
- Over 2 billion Spotify streams
- Resident at Hï Ibiza and Tomorrowland (2023–2025)
- Founder of the Protocol Mentorship educational program
Style and Influence
Nicky Romero’s sound is a fusion of powerful festival drops and melodic progressive structures. He helped shape the EDM sound of the 2010s, inspiring artists like Martin Garrix, Stadiumx, and DubVision.
His label and radio show have become catalysts for a new wave of European progressive house, while his production innovations — including custom presets and sound packs — are widely used by emerging producers.
Conclusion
Nicky Romero is more than just a DJ — he’s a visionary, mentor, and thought leader in electronic music. His journey is an example of artistry built on quality, authenticity, and evolution. Combining commercial success with genuine passion, he remains one of the key figures of the global progressive house scene.
