Belladonna: A New Chapter Beyond Hip-Hop
Before launching Belladonna, Nico Chiara spent years building a strong career in hip-hop and pop production. His early work behind the scenes helped shape the sound of major artists across Germany, Europe, and the U.S. His production skills led to 1.67 billion streams worldwide, along with 45 gold certifications, 12 platinum awards, and two Billboard #1 records—clear signs that he wasn’t just successful in one region, but across multiple markets.
Despite those achievements, Nico always felt a gap between the music he wanted to create and the expectations of the artists, managers, and labels he worked with. Producing for others required constant adjustments, often forcing him to compromise his instincts for the sake of commercial direction. The launch of Belladonna was a way to break away from that, giving him the freedom to build a sound entirely on his own terms.
While Belladonna lives firmly in the world of melodic techno and electronic music, Nico’s background in hip-hop still plays a major role in shaping the project. One of the biggest elements he brings over from his earlier career is the use of vocals. In interviews, Nico explains that while melodic techno often leans heavily on atmosphere and instrumental storytelling, he intentionally weaves vocal-driven narratives into his tracks—a technique he mastered during his years producing hip-hop records.
This connection is subtle but powerful. Belladonna tracks often carry the emotional weight and pacing of hip-hop songs, even while layered inside techno’s hypnotic frameworks. The result is a sound that feels rhythmic, human, and emotionally accessible, without losing the deep, immersive qualities that define the melodic techno space.
Today, Belladonna is steadily gaining momentum within the electronic scene. With tracks like "WHERE I'M FROM" supported by major artists like Anyma, Tale of Us, and CamelPhat, and strong performances at venues across Europe, Nico Chiara has proven he can succeed at the highest level in two very different worlds—and continue building something that feels entirely his own.
