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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
31
Nicky Romero
6
Remaining in the poll for a seventh consecutive year, Protocol Recordings boss and progressive house superstar, Nicky Romero, has managed to keep the wheels turning in 2020. After a slew of cancelled performances at festivals like Ultra Miami and Tomorrowland due to COVID-19, the DJ and producer contracted the virus himself in August. It didn’t put a stop to his plans, though, and he released a 2020 edit of his iconic track ‘Toulouse’ the same month.
 
Like the rest of the industry, Romero took his performances online this year, and hosted his own immersive, showstopping virtual event: Nicky Romero presents Another World. Taking viewers on a virtual journey through "wildest imaginations and hyper-realistic effects", Romero was joined by thousands of fans during the live stream back in July. 
 
It’s not just been virtual gigs keeping Romero connected to his fans this year, either. Taking to Twitch during downtime, Romero regularly streams games of Warzone, Call Of Duty and FIFA in his native Dutch, and cites gaming as a saviour while festivals and gigs are on pause.

What three things have most helped you through Coronavirus Lockdown?
 
“Family and friends, gaming, music producing.”
 
 
What lessons should the industry learn from this crisis?
 
“Artists shouldn’t put all their eggs in one basket. Diversify your creativity and business so you aren’t left out in the cold when unable to tour suddenly. We also need to be more supportive of our festival and club promoter partners while times aren’t so good.”
 
 
What steps need to be taken to address the racism in the dance music scene?
 
“Racism is the opposite of what this culture is founded on. There is no place for it and no tolerance for bigotry.”
 
 
What’s the greatest dance music track of all time?
 
“David Guetta & Sia ‘Titanium’.”