Lockdown Sounds: an isolation playlist by Nico Morano

Belgian house artist Nico Morano recently unveiled the first release on his newly launched Ontourage Music label, 'Blackout' - a deep and lush track with mesmerising vocals from Nathan Nicholson.

Nico has been busy building the Ontourage brand since last year, with a social media event series performing shows at some of Belgium's most recognisable landmarks, including St Guillemin's Station in Liege, Gaasbeek Castle and Saint Peter’s Abbey, to hundreds of thousands of viewers (you can watch his latest show, shot during isolation at the former Axa Building in Brussels, here).

Having released on the likes of Selador, EIN2, Days Like Nights, Click Records, Recits de Mars and SINCOPAT, and played over 100 gigs in the past year alone - including festivals like Tomorrowland and Paradise City - Nico is gaining more and more international attention.

We asked Nico to put together his own 'Lockdown Sounds' playlist, featuring a bunch of tracks he's been playing most whilst in isolation (you can find the playlist on Spotify here).

Nico Morano - Blackout feat. Nathan Nicholson (original)

"During difficult times, we need a little more emotion in my opinion. A little bit of melancholic singalong music, so say hello to the lovely vocals of Nathan Nicholson!"

Biesmans - Prisoner of Love

"You want happy Italo-Belgo tunes? Search no more. Here is Belgium's best export in the indie/electronica genre with a killer release on TAU records." 

Ost & Kjex - Kaputt (Karmon remix)

"Simple but effective bass line, killer vocals, screaming lead synth - what a combo! Karmon, what a BANGER RMX man!"

Remcord - Follow The Light feat. Donamaria

"Released in March 2019, this is now a year old, but still I love this track! Killer vocals in combo with a hypnotising stab!"

Marlon Hoffstadt - To All Believers

"Serious 90s to 00s touch, an epic happy tune and part of his recently released Planet Love album. Instant happiness. This is exactly what we need in these dark times!"

Lake Avalon - Sunrise

"Close your eyes and let yourself go on a seven-minute-long progressive journey. This is one of my fave tracks and was part of my set for months."

Nandu - Gates To The Galaxy

"Man of the moment, Copenhagen-based Nandu, keeps on surprising me with his diversity and killer tracks. This smasher is deep and happy at the same time. I absolutely LOVE it! Rasmus, keep up the good work my man!"

Tinlicker - When The Lights Fade (Tom Zeta Remix) 

"When Tom lays his hands on something it becomes gold. Just float away on this dreamy melody and leave the world behind..." 

Fideles - Wave Rider

"Dramatic piano chords combined with a killer vocal. Pure love."

Nico Morano - Merci Paris

"I'm still very happy with the end result of my latest EP on Sincopat. So I would say, during these times, put this on repeat and let the music help you forget about the current situation around us."