“It Has to Feel Human” — Nico de Andrea on Music and Meaning

Nico de Andrea has spent more than two decades building a catalog that sits at the intersection of club music and songwriting. The French producer has become a steady presence across the global circuit, with over 40 million streams, radio support from Sirius XM to BBC1, and backing from artists like Black Coffee, Keinemusik, Solomun, and MK. His debut album Love Therapy marked a turning point, pairing emotive vocals with afro house and techno influences, while tracks like Ethnica and Disappear continue to find their way into sets worldwide.

Offstage, his perspective is more measured than his résumé might suggest. Now based in Canada, he balances a demanding touring schedule with family life, often stepping away from the noise to reset. That contrast carries into his music, where attention to detail, especially in the low end and vocal presence, shapes how his records translate on a dance floor.

In this conversation, Nico reflects on the milestones that shaped his career, from early club shows in the south of France to playing Pacha Ibiza alongside Bob Sinclar, as well as the habits and mindset that keep him grounded as his profile continues to grow.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’m actually pretty introverted. People see the shows and assume I’m always “on,” but I recharge alone. Long walks, no phone, no music sometimes. Either that or spending time with my son are really the main ways I prefer to spend my time away from music

If you weren’t a DJ/Producer, what would you be?

Probably something with architecture or design. I’m obsessed with space and atmosphere and how a room feels when you walk into it. That’s kind of what I do with music anyway, just with sound instead of walls.

What’s the most memorable moment of your career?

To play at Pacha Ibiza. Bob Sinclar invited to play with him several times and it definitely change my all life as a DJ.

Who’s an artist that inspires you right now?

RÜFÜS DU SOL. They’ve built an identity people really gravitate towards and I admire that. Emotional, cinematic, but still powerful in a club or on the dancefloor. It’s honest and real.

What’s a track you play when you want to get the crowd hyped?

Love Desire by Cassimm. You can’t miss with that one.

What’s your go-to snack or drink before a show?

Water - gotta stay hydrated!

What’s your favorite city to play in, and why?

It’s gotta be Montreal. It’s home now. The crowd is educated but emotional. They’re always really attentive to my sets and always seem to want more.

How would you describe your sound in three words?

Fun, Loose, Groovy

What’s one non-music-related thing that makes you happy?

Spending time with my family is #1.

What’s a track that always brings you back to your roots?

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

Daft Punk. For obvious reasons. They changed everything for electronic music but also for the scene in France in general. I think you would have a hard time finding any French musician who wasn’t affected by them.

What’s a record that never leaves your crate or USB?

What’s your favorite non-music-related hobby?

I’m a huge fan of the NBA. I love to go to the games with my son.

If you could time travel to any era of music history, when would it be and why?

It’s ironic because I grew up in it but the late 90s / early 2000s French house scene. The energy around Paris when artists like Laurent Garnier and Daft Punk were pushing boundaries. It was such an amazing time.

If you weren’t touring or in the studio, where would we find you?

Somewhere near water. Ocean, lake, beach - doesn’t really matter.

What’s a fun fact or hidden talent that has nothing to do with music?

I’m living in a bowling alley.

What is simple that makes you smile?

To see my friends win.

What’s a memory you never want to let go of?

My first small club show in the south of France. Maybe 80 people. But it felt like the world.

When do you feel at most peace?

In my new country - Canada.

What are some things you forget but feel better when you are reminded about?

That the journey is long, you don’t have to rush it :)

What’s something meaningful to you, but not to others?

The smell of the flowers. Jasmine is extraordinary for example especially in Thailand.

What personal prison have you built out of fear?

Perfectionism. Sometimes you hide behind “it’s not ready yet,” but this is a trap a lot of artists and musicians specifically fall into. Have to remind yourself that if you like something, so will someone else.

What’s something normal to you that other people find weird?

I love spending all my time with my wife, we even work and go on tour together.

If you could compliment yourself, what would you say?

Super emphatic and loyal.

From a production perspective, what’s the most expensive mistake you’ve ever made in an effort to put on a kick ass show?

Overbuilding a custom visual setup for a show that didn’t have the proper technical support. It looked amazing in theory… in reality, lesson learned.

As someone who deals with technology and computers to write music, has there been a gut-wrenching story where you lost your music?

Yes. Hard drive failure. No backup and lost months of work. Again, another lesson learned lol!

What makes you cringe when you listen to your early material?

Not sure I cringe at anything honestly, I appreciate all of it because it all contributed to where I am today.

What do you find yourself obsessing about most in the studio?

Low end. Always. The relationship between kick and bass. If that’s wrong, nothing works. Also vocal emotion, it has to feel human, even when it’s a club driven song. The audience needs something to latch onto, whether a full vocal, lead melody, or a catchy hook.

What is your favorite set time and duration?

Late night for 2–3 hours. When people are locked in and you can really take the crowd on a journey.

If you had the power to erase one musical genre for eternity — which one would you abolish?

This is so tough I’m not sure I can actually answer haha. There is something to appreciate in all genres but I guess generally I don’t listen to some of the American.