“GIANTKILLERZ”, the largest next-generation DJ/artist scouting and training program in the Japanese dance music scene, has been launched by Avex and Nicky Romero’s label Protocol Recording! Nicky himself will also be holding a master class and demo drop for the first time in Japan!

It has been announced that “GIANTKILLERZ”, the largest program in the Japanese dance music scene to discover and develop the next generation of DJs and artists, will be launched under the leadership of Avex.

“GIANTKILLERZ” is a project that aims to find new producers/DJs who can compete on the world stage and introduce them to the global market. The project has teamed up with “Protocol Recordings”, the label run by Nicky Romero, a world-renowned top artist from the Netherlands, to discover and nurture new talent and creators living in Japan.

The songs submitted through this project will be reviewed and feedback will be provided by label staff from Protocol Recordings and Avex. In addition, an educational program based on the Dutch training system, which has produced many top artists in the past, will also be provided.

The creators who won this year’s selection will receive the following awards:
“Protocol Recordings / avex EDM release”
“Appearance at “Protocol Label Night” hosted by Protocol Recordings overseas”
“Appearance on Protocol Radio”
“Appearances at domestic nightclubs”
Prizes such as the above will be awarded. The winners will be announced in early September of this year.

In addition, Nicky Romero, who has been announced to appear at “Protocol Label Night” to be held at ZEROTOKYO in Shinjuku on Friday, July 12th, will be holding a “Master Class” lecture on dance music production techniques and a “Demo Drop” where feedback will be given to the applicants’ songs as special events for this project for the first time in Japan. This is a rare, one-night-only opportunity to receive a lecture directly from Nicky, a world-class creator. GIANTKILLERZ applicants can participate, so why not create an original sound source and enter?

The teaser video released to coincide with the release of this information shows Nicky Romero touring the world and wowing audiences with his hit songs at major festivals. In the world’s major dance music scene, DJs do not simply mix music, but also release original songs as producers. And the sight of DJs traveling around the world with their hit songs is an object of admiration for children.
The job of DJ is still not fully recognized in Japan, but if this program produces hit songs and produces stars who are active on the world stage, it may be possible to establish an image of a socially and economically successful DJ. This may in turn help establish dance music culture in the Japanese market, forming a sustainable ecosystem where all the staff involved in DJing can seize opportunities. We hope that this project will play a part in bringing about such positive change.

To apply, please visit the GIANTKILLERZ website. In addition, video media such as YouTube and TikTok will feature interviews with overseas artists and various content related to this program, while SNS such as X and Instagram will be updated with the latest information, so please be sure to check out each of the GIANTKILLERZ official accounts.

We hope that the undiscovered talents honing their skills in bedrooms and deep underground all over Japan will literally make a giant-killing move with this project and achieve their dreams.



[“GIANTKILLERZ” Application Guidelines]
・Eligibility to enter: Any age, gender, nationality, or career background. DJ/producer living in Japan. Must have completed original music (2 or more songs, one of which must be unreleased. Both songs can be unreleased).
・ Entry URL (apply via the form on the official website):https://giantkillerz.jp/
・Entry deadline: Saturday, August 31, 2024, 23:59

＜GIANTKILLERZ Official＞
・Official site:https://giantkillerz.jp/
・YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@GIANTKILLERZ_JP
・X:https://x.com/GIANTKILLERZ_JP
・Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/giantkillerz_jp/
・TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@giantkillerz_jp


[GIANTKILLERZ presents Nicky Romero’s MASTER CLASS & DEMO DROP in Tokyo]
Date and time: Friday, July 12, 2024 19:30 OPEN / 20:00 START
・ Venue: JAM17 SPACE WEST, 1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, 17th floor


[July 12th (Friday) “Protocol Label Night – Nicky Romero & Friends -” Overview]
Date and time: Friday, July 12, 2024 23:00 OPEN/START
・Venue: ZERO TOKYO, 1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Tokyu Kabukicho Tower B1-B4F
・Actor: Nicky Romero, TBA
・Advance ticket sales URL:https://zerotokyo.zaiko.io/e/protocol-nicky-romero-0712
・Price: DOOR ¥7,000-
EARLY FASTPASS TICKET ¥5,500 (priority entry and admission fee included)
FASTPASS TICKET ¥6,000 (priority entry and admission fee included)
EXCITE TICKET ¥12,000- (Front row area, admission benefits, priority admission, admission fee included)
PREMIUM TICKET ¥35,000 (includes meet and greet, front row area, admission benefits, priority admission, and admission fee)

*People under the age of 20 are not allowed to enter (photo ID required)


[Nicky Romero Profile]
A DJ/producer representing the dance music powerhouse that is the Netherlands.

He has grown from a young musical prodigy to one of the most influential artists of our time.
Needless to say, he is a DJ, producer and label boss who is at the forefront of contemporary electronic dance music.
Nicki’s career boasts an impressive and lengthy discography of originals, remixes, edits, and collaborations, including her signature hits “Toulouse” and “I could be the one,” as well as her work with her other project “Monocule,” which she launched in 2020.
His keen talent and foresight are no more evident than the success and influence of his own label, Protocol Recordings, which is now ten years old: with a steady stream of new music, expanding labels and exploring technological trends, there’s always something new to do.