As he rewrites the rules, Nicky Bender is making a grand entrance in the Texas dance scene. With a sound forged into the gritty heart of Chicago’s underground, Nicky brings a depth of musical history and a fiercely unique style to his craft. Currently residing in Dallas, he blends house, techno, and dubstep elements to captivate audiences and create a lasting impression that leaves them wanting more.
We had the chance to catch up with Nicky Bender to dive into his journey, his approach to genre-blending, and what’s next for one of Texas’s rising talents.
EDM Texas: Chicago has a rich history in the underground music scene. How did growing up there shape your approach to music, and what elements of that scene do you carry into your music today?
Nicky Bender: Most people know that house music originated in Chicago, so it’s natural that I draw to it. With OG guys like Marshall Jefferson and Frankie Knuckles shaping the scene, Green Velvet and Kaskade are the guys I grew up listening to, and I have always wanted to be around them. The guys you don't know about, though - you would see at the underground warehouse raves or could only hear on certain days of the week late at night on 99.9 Electric on the Radio, were the guys that made house music famous within the movement.
EDM Texas: Moving from Chicago to Dallas, how did the shift in location influence your sound and creative energy?
Nicky Bender: People naturally like to adapt when moving into a new environment. However, it only changed my approach a little. I wanted to stay true to my style and continue standing out to listeners. Dallas has a fantastic music scene, and I am thrilled to participate!
EDM Texas: Your music combines intricate melodies with heavy-hitting beats across house, techno, and dubstep! Can you walk us through your creative process when blending these genres, and what do you think sets your sound apart from the electronic music scene?
Nicky Bender: Many artists like being one-dimensional, which works great for them. I like to deliver a performance that keeps people engaged; no matter who is there, I can keep them engaged. I see more DJs play multiple genres during their sets and I love their versatility. I spend countless hours listening and practicing blending these genres to see what sounds great. My years of experience come into play when I mix genres and immerse myself in music for so long, shaping my approach. I want it to be an experience. Something that genuinely makes people happy and creates an unforgettable memory.
EDM Texas: You recently debuted your first single, “Switch,” which has already gained impressive traction with 10K streams! What has the journey been like from producing that track to gearing up for future releases?
Nicky Bender: I’m blown away! I didn't think this track would get over a few hundred streams. It is impressive to see it used on primary EDM pages’ reels and supported by artists. It hasn't been easy, though; I have a bit of imposter syndrome. Whether creating music or preparing a set, it isn’t great until it's out there, and I can see people's reactions. I am a perfectionist and can be hard on myself. Still, thankfully, I have so many amazing people in my life who are constantly encouraging me and give uncondition
al support.
EDM Texas: Malik Mustache has even backed your track. How have these milestones shaped you as a producer?
Nicky Bender: The Malik Mustache boys have been great to work with, and having their support on the track means the world to me. Having a big-name artist like them play my track motivates me to continue staying true to my style and knowing it’s okay to be different and dream big!
EDM Texas: You’ve performed at iconic spots across Dallas, like Jack’s House, and your headline-opening at Tiny Victories! How do you approach each performance, and what do you hope people will take away from each set?
Nicky Bender: My goal each time is for people to leave a venue, talk about my set that night but also the next day, and want to attend again. When they see my name on a lineup, they get excited, and it's something they can look forward to. As long as people are dancing and having a good time, I’ve done what I came to do.
EDM Texas: You’ve mentioned that staying genuine is a big part of who you are as an artist. How does this authenticity shape your music & performances, and how do you think it resonates with your fans and builds a loyal following?
Nicky Bender: With the scene being more significant than ever and the influx of people wanting to be DJs and producers, it is essential to be authentic. I'm not a trend-follower; I want to be a trendsetter. I want people to hear my sets and say, “Damn, that's how I want to play.” I'm not worried about social media followers or becoming famous - it's all about the music for me and being able to perform, whether in front of 15 people or 1500. It's the best natural high you can get. The music scene is a community, not a competition; I want to see everyone succeed and follow their dreams. I always want to help my fellow artists in any way I can!
EDM Texas: What are your future aspirations as you continue to grow in the music scene? How do you envision expanding your reach and creating more unforgettable experiences for your audiences in Texas and beyond?
Nicky Bender: 2024 was a breakout year for me, with two tracks released on record labels, moving to a new city, and being able to play at some of the top venues. I am truly blessed. That's only the start of things. In 2025, I have big goals: to release a multi-genre EP showcasing my versatility, play at a festival, and travel out of the country and play. Seeing how my music streams worldwide is crazy to me, so I know all of these goals are achievable, and I won’t stop until I meet them!
Nicky Bender has emerged as an unstoppable force in Texas’s electronic dance music scene in just a short time. Whether headlining intimate Dallas venues or dropping tracks backed by industry icons, Nicky’s authentic approach and sound leave a resonant impact. As he sets his sights on bigger stages and global reach, there’s no doubt Nicky Bender is one to watch.
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