In the heart of the Cast Iron & Space at the Nexus Lounge, Nexus Radio caught up with one of trance and EDM’s most enduring talents: Mark Sixma. Known for his powerful melodies, high-energy performances, and genre-defining hits, Mark Sixma has built a global reputation while staying true to his roots in Breda, the Dutch city also home to legends like Tiësto and Hardwell.
Mark Sixma’s deep connection to the Netherlands remains a driving force in his artistry. “Being here makes me proud because I’m Dutch,” he shared, describing how the vibrant electronic scene inspires him. “It’s kind of like a full circle. The whole world is coming here, bringing their own take on the music and bringing it all together.”
A veteran of the dance music world, Mark Sixma reflected on his early career and the moments that shaped him. Growing up in Breda allowed him to witness iconic DJs rise to international fame — moments that pushed him toward his own path behind the decks. One memory stands above the rest: seeing Tiësto perform live. “Before Tiësto, DJs were in the corner… but with Tiësto, everybody was watching him perform,” he said. The experience opened his eyes to the true potential of electronic music performance and inspired him to pursue DJing seriously.
Mark Sixma also opened up about his recent creative endeavors. His ongoing Nilsix project with longtime collaborator Orjan Nielsen has been a source of fresh ideas, innovation, and momentum. “We make so many tracks… it’s exciting,” he shared, even hinting that an album is on the way. His collaborations with other artists are just as thrilling, with more releases already in the pipeline.
When the conversation shifted to the art of storytelling in music, Mark Sixma spoke passionately about how instrumental tracks resonate with listeners. “The beauty of instrumental music is that people make their own stories based on your music,” he explained. Beyond production, Mark structures his DJ sets like a narrative — a journey with rising energy, a clear progression, and a memorable climax that keeps crowds locked in from start to finish.
Of course, the interview had its playful moments too. When asked what a breakfast cereal named after him might taste like, Mark Sixma laughed and replied, “Fruity Loops.” A nostalgic nod to both a classic powdered cereal and a producer’s favorite digital audio workstation.
Through every tale and every laugh, one thing became clear: Mark Sixma’s career is built on passion, curiosity, and an unwavering love for dance music. From performing on massive stages to shaping the next generation of trance, he continues to leave a lasting mark on the global EDM community.
Listen to the complete interview below and dive deeper into his inspirations, projects, and creative journey.
