An Interview with Belladonna: Connecting Two Worlds Through Music

Before Belladonna became a name to watch in the electronic scene, Nico Chiara was already quietly shaping the sound of a generation. Starting his music career at the age of 12, Chiara built his foundation in the studio—producing records for artists across Germany, wider Europe, and eventually breaking into the U.S. market. Over the years, he developed a reputation for clean, impactful sound design and technical precision. That work led to over 1.67 billion total streams across platforms, 45 gold records, 12 platinum certifications, two #1 Billboard hits, and six #1 albums in Germany.

But despite these numbers, Nico found himself at a creative crossroads. Producing for others came with limitations—always adapting to another artist’s voice, meeting label expectations, or aligning with commercial formulas. The need to strip all of that away led to the creation of Belladonna, a project built on full autonomy, where nothing is filtered through outside opinion or market demands.

The name itself, Belladonna, holds meaning beyond its sonic identity. It references Atropa Belladonna, the deadly nightshade plant used historically as both poison and elixir. In the Middle Ages, it was mixed into enemy water supplies, used for hallucinations by mystics, and applied by nobility in small doses to dilate pupils—a symbol of beauty. This tension between allure and danger mirrors the aesthetic and musical identity of the project. Belladonna isn’t designed to conform to existing categories. It operates more like a reaction—one that is immersive, layered, and unpredictable.

While many know Nico Chiara as a hip-hop producer first, the shift to melodic techno wasn't a rebranding move—it was a natural evolution. Belladonna doesn’t reject his hip-hop background. Instead, it draws from it, especially when it comes to vocal work. In interviews, Chiara has emphasized that vocals are the key element he brings from hip-hop into the techno realm. While many melodic techno tracks lean entirely on instrumental atmosphere, Belladonna’s sound integrates storytelling through vocal layers, adding structure and emotional depth.

Sonically, Belladonna exists in the orbit of labels like Afterlife and artists like Anyma and Tale of Us, but it doesn’t rely on imitation. Tracks are long, slow-building, and composed with a deliberate sense of tension and release. Percussion patterns often swing with the looseness of hip-hop, while the synth work focuses on mood and scale. It's a combination that gives the music both weight and motion. Belladonna’s production setup includes FL Studio, Ableton, and Pro Tools, with analog synths like the Moog XL Voyager and the Korg Minilogue XD used alongside digital tools such as Serum and Dive.

In August 2024, Nico made his live debut as Belladonna at Void Club in Mykonos, playing a B2B set immediately after Korolova. From there, his performance schedule expanded quickly—La Guérite in Cannes, Sky Club in Malta, and Railway Park in Budapest (alongside headliners like ARTBAT and Rebūke) are just a few of the stages he’s since played. These shows marked a turning point—not just as performances, but as visual experiences.

One of Belladonna’s most significant breakthroughs came in early 2025 at Zamna Festival in Tulum. His collaboration “WHERE I’M FROM” with Cassian and Script, even before its official release, became the most-played track at the festival. The song received early support from major acts including Anyma, Tale of Us, Chris Avantgarde, Massano, Tiësto, and CamelPhat. The official release in March 2025 landed it at #1 on Beatport’s Melodic House & Techno chart. It was a concrete moment of validation—proof that Belladonna’s sound could resonate not just creatively, but commercially.

Beyond the music and performances, Belladonna’s presence on social media reflects the same level of intentionality. The feed avoids trend-chasing and oversharing. Instead, it’s curated to feel like an extension of the music—minimal, high contrast, moody, and cinematic. Each post is part of a visual narrative, echoing the identity of the live show and sonic universe.

In an industry that often rewards volume and visibility over vision, Belladonna stands out by choosing quality control, tight storytelling, and a long-term strategy. It’s a project with depth, but more importantly, direction—rooted in a past that shaped it, but looking forward to a space that Nico Chiara is actively helping define.