Nicky Romero fans, bring out the glow sticks. The Dutch DJ is coming to town on November 18 for the latest edition of dance concert series DXBeach at Zero Gravity.
The 27-year-old has travelled the world and worked with some of its biggest pop stars. But ahead of his Dubai stop — which he shares with Felix Jaehn, Kungs, Claptone and more — he tells us why life on the road isn’t all it’s cracked up to be …
What do you planned for us at DXBeach?
We are going to party.
As a producer, you’ve worked with people like Rihanna, Britney Spears and Sia. Is it a fun experience for you, to collaborate with pop stars?
Of course! As a musician, it’s always fun to get the chance to be experimental in the studio and work with loads of different genres and these are such icons it was an honour to remix their work.
Who’s someone you’d still like to work with?
I’d love to work with Chris Martin from Coldplay.
As a DJ, what attracts you to a song and makes you want to remix it?
For me, the most important thing is how I feel about the song. I go off my instinct so if I really like it and it makes me feel something then I know I can take that and use that to create a remix.
Where did you get the idea to go by Nicky Romero? Did you ever have other stage names floating around in your head?
Well, I think people would have struggled with my real name [Nick Rotteveel] so I was just thinking of variants, and I came up with Nicky Romero.
What has been the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn in your career?
That you can’t do everything or please everyone. Sometimes you try so hard to make every commitment and not let any of your fans down that you run the risk of burning out.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about DJs?
That our life is one big party. It’s an amazing opportunity and we get to see some incredible places but touring can take its toll. I try to combat this by eating healthy, getting plenty of rest and working out — it’s not always as glamorous as it sounds.
Personally, what’s your biggest pet peeve as a DJ?
Delayed or cancelled flights! The space between shows can be so tight that when your plane is delayed, or worse cancelled, it means you miss the next gig and that’s the worst as you feel you are letting your fans down but it’s completely out of your control.
If you hadn’t gone down this path, career-wise, what do you think you’d be doing right now?
It would still be something creative — I’d actually love to be a photographer. I’ve just bought myself a professional camera and I’ve started a separate Instagram account for my photography.
You’re 27 now. You were a teenager when you started out. Do you reckon you’ll be doing this for another 10, 20, 30 years?
That’s so hard to call. Music is my passion so it’s hard right now to imagine my life without it.
*Tickets to DXBeach on November 18 are Dh225-Dh400 from platinumlist.net.
