At the Nexus Lounge, creativity and connection took center stage as Dutch artist ILSE sat down with Maxine for an intimate and revealing conversation. Known for blending pop sensibilities with EDM and dance energy, ILSE offered a thoughtful look into her evolving artistry, personal growth, and the moments that continue to shape her sound.
From the start, ILSE spoke openly about timing—both in music and in life. While she joked that she sometimes likes to pretend she has perfect timing, that honesty reflects her grounded approach as an artist. Musically, however, timing is where she thrives. She described her signature style as building soft, emotional progressions that lead into powerful drops, creating contrast that makes each moment hit harder on the dancefloor.
The discussion turned inward when Maxine asked what ILSE wished she had more time for. Her answer resonated deeply: exploring new hobbies without the pressure of perfection. It’s a sentiment familiar to many creatives, revealing her desire to grow beyond expectations and allow space for curiosity and imperfection.
Collaboration plays a major role in ILSE’s creative process, especially through working closely with her boyfriend, a producer. Their shared environment allows ideas to flow naturally, feeding off one another’s creativity. This collaborative foundation has helped ILSE gain confidence as she steps further into her own artistic identity.
That evolution is especially clear in her solo work. ILSE spoke enthusiastically about releasing her first solo track, “10 Minutes,” describing it as pop-driven, dance-leaning, and authentically her. The release marked a milestone—one that expanded her sound and solidified her voice as a solo artist across platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
Her influences stretch far beyond traditional EDM. ILSE highlighted K-pop as a major inspiration, praising its songwriting and infectious structure. These global influences blend seamlessly into her work, giving her music both emotional accessibility and modern polish. Along the way, she’s also had to navigate the business side of the industry—a learning curve she approached with persistence and self-belief.
When the topic of failure arose, ILSE embraced it as a necessary part of growth. Her advice to emerging artists was refreshingly simple and honest: get into the studio, try, feel, and try again. For her, progress comes from showing up, even when things don’t immediately click. Listen to the full interview below.
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