Mariam Nihal Saudi Gazette As young as 23, Producer Nicky Romero has surfaced as one of the one of the most magnanimous and illuminated stars on the electronic dance music sphere. The young prodigy has been churning out hits and party anthems in every household across the globe. Enchanting as his sets and living a rock star's dream, Romero has performed in music festivals across the globe: Paris, Ibiza, Sweden, Los Angeles, Denver and has even owned the night at Pacha in New York. Romero has worked alongside the industry's biggest bigwigs, such as Avicii, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Calvin Harris, Erick Morillo and many others. Artistes like Tiesto, Fedde Le Grand, David Guetta and Sander Van Doorn often play his tracks on their sets. In an exclusive interview with Saudi Gazette, Romero for the first time shares his dreams and passion for music with his fans in the Middle East. SG: How did you know this was your calling? Romero: Well, music has always been part of my life. While growing up I was hooked on to the percussion and had my own drumkit which gradually took other forms when I sat behind a computer to make music for the first time. It was a done deal. SG: You have played at some of the biggest events all over the world. How does it feel? Does it satisfy you as an artist or are you still searching for more? Romero: It is such a rush to perform before thousands of crazy people I will never get enough of it. I will always be wanting more and more and this part of being an artist is never satisfied. SG: Where do you like playing most: at a venue, medium, clubs, radios or in your studio? Romero: As long as there is a good connection with the crowd I don't really mind where I am playing. For me it is all about the crowd and the ability to entertain them with my music. If I pull this off it does not matter how many people I am playing for, to say it quite bluntly. SG: What are the new songs you are working on? Which is the track closest to your heart? Romero: I am working on tons of stuff at the moment: A track with Fedde le Grand which is will be out soon, a track with the Nervo Girls, a track with Rhianna and David Guetta and many more. I can't really say that there is one specific track which is close to my heart. All my tracks are my children! SG: Tell us about your upcoming tours and plans. Romero: This summer is very busy for me. I will be all over Europe and will do a small US tour in in August. I hold a residency in the Pacha at David Guetta's FMIF party, so you can see me there quite often this season. SG: What is your party anthem for 2012? Romero: For 2012 there have been and will be many more party anthems I assure you. I do feel the track I did with ZROQ called WTF did a lot for me. It was the first release on my label Protocol Recordings. SG: What are your dream destinations? Where would you like to perform live? Nicky: I love going to the United States and Canada. I have not yet put together a live show but I am sure we will do this in the near future. SG: Toulouse is a worldwide party anthem. How did that feel? Romero: Great! In fact it still rocks the house where ever I play it. I also have to hand it to Tommy Trash and Chocolate Puma who gave us some great remixes SG: Your guiding light, beyond music? Romero: That is a hard question. I'd say riding my motor bike as that is what I am quite fond off. It is an outlet for me when I need to take some time off from the studio. SG: What sets Nicky Romero apart? Your secret? Romero: That is a question I get asked quite often. I just work really hard and am not easily satisfied I guess that is my secret. SG: What advice do you have for aspiring producers? Is having a dream enough? Romero: No, it is not. You need to be dedicated and work really, really hard to get noticed. SG: Are you living the moment? Do you get a chance to look back and delve deeper into your success and its origin? Romero: I travel so much and I am so busy that I have to live in the moment. I go from gigging to studio work to interviews to photoshoots and back, so I dont really have the time to look back at the moment. It is one big rush for now, when I am older I hope to be able to look back at this. SG: Any plans for the Middle East? How does the feeling of playing to thousands across the world feel? Romero: Well, I think I am coming over soon but I would have to check with my agent on that one. I would love to come over and play in the Middle East!
