by Eric Borromeo
CHICAGO, IL – There’s a moment in every artist’s career when reinvention becomes less a choice and more a calling. For Nick Vera Perez, that moment arrives again with his sixth studio album, Dancing in the Ocean. Over 12 tracks, Perez invites listeners into a sonic journey that traverses the exhilaration of first love, the complexities of family, the courage to break free from expectation, and the serene discovery of one’s true home in love and self.
The Sound of Growth
From the very first beat of 4AM, an R&B dance-pop track tinged with nostalgia, Perez sets the tone: this is music rooted in human experience. The track recalls sleepless nights of teenage obsession, those first loves that linger long after the moment has passed. But Perez does not linger in memory alone; he moves effortlessly into the maturity of “The Queen,” a club-ready anthem that honors the commitment, devotion, and reverence we owe the people we love most.
There’s a cinematic arc to Dancing in the Ocean, a feeling that each song is a chapter of a story, carefully composed with longtime collaborator Adonis Tabanda. “Love of Family” explores the tensions and rivalries that exist in every household, resolving in an affirmation of unbreakable bonds, while “CHAINS” shatters societal norms with a semi-rock dance beat urging listeners to embrace individuality and reject imposed limitations.
The emotional centerpiece, “True Home,” pairs hypnotic electronica with the comforting truth that love itself is a sanctuary—a place to exhale, reflect, and simply exist.
Roots, Heritage, and Celebration
Perez never forgets where he comes from. “Zamboanga”, a jazzy dance track, is a vibrant love letter to his Philippine hometown, weaving together cultural textures, scenic beauty, and personal memories. It’s nostalgic without being sentimental, celebratory without being performative—a testament to Perez’s ability to translate life into rhythm and melody.
At the same time, he is invested in shaping the next generation. Debuting on “Bagong Simula (New Hope)” is HannahShayne, his protégé, whose electronic-hip-hop fusion feels both contemporary and timeless. Perez’s mentorship is seamless, elevating her voice while maintaining the album’s narrative cohesion.
The Tagalog track “Walang Iba” is another highlight—a versatile, high-energy hustle beat capable of supporting everything from cha-cha to Zumba. It is, in many ways, emblematic of Perez’s artistic philosophy: versatility, accessibility, and respect for both culture and craft.
Amapiano influences permeate “Footprints” and “Spinning Wheel,” tracks that blend gospel-house, reggae, and sensual grooves, reminding listeners that dance can carry both joy and resilience. And the title track, “Dancing in the Ocean,” with its Latin pop rhythms, transports audiences to a Hawaiian paradise, capturing a sense of escapism while remaining grounded in emotion.
Global Reach and Impact
With availability on over 220 streaming platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, Deezer, Amazon Music, and Google Play, Perez’s work is reaching listeners across continents. His music transcends borders, a testament to the universal themes of love, family, and self-discovery threaded through every track.
The Stage Awaits
Perez is set to follow the album release with the UnAfraid gospel album tour, kicking off September 27 at St. Domitila Church in Illinois, before continuing into 2026. The album’s grand launch, a red-carpet matinee theater event, will be held October 18 at Hollywood Theaters in Woodridge, IL, promising celebrity treatment, paparazzi, and a cinematic showcase of all 12 tracks. Reservations are available via text at 312-709-5141.
An Invitation to Experience
Dancing in the Ocean is not just an album—it is an invitation. To dance. To reflect. To embrace vulnerability. To celebrate roots. To rediscover love in all its forms. Nick Vera Perez continues to prove that music, when approached with honesty, creativity, and heart, can be both a mirror and a lighthouse. With this album, he does all of that—and more—inviting the world to join him, one beat at a time.
