Two decades into his ever-evolving career, today Mark Sixma opens a new chapter for it. Through the launch of Karakter Recordings, the Dutch producer’s new imprint arrives with its mission statement already hardcoded in its tag.
And that goes twice for its debut release – the bass-rich, tech pressured and flawlessly vocalled “Like You Do.” As Karakter’s introducer, it telegraphs a platform unconstrained by genre boundaries – dialled solely into identity, instinct and its artists’ individual signatures.
For Sixma, the label’s launch represents far more than simply adding another musical string to his bow. Karakter has been conceived as a reflection of his wider artistic development — one shaped by years of his own studio explorations and an increasing desire to operate without stylistic restriction.
Mark goes on to explain his thinking behind the imprint, which comes through a newly-inked deal with Netherlands powerhouse Black Hole Recordings. “Karakter Recordings was born from a very simple realization,” he says. “After 20 years of making music, I no longer fit into one box, one genre, or one vision. My sound has constantly evolved throughout my career, and I reached a point where I wanted a home that could truly represent all sides of who I am creatively, without limitations or boundaries.
For me, Karakter Recordings is not about chasing trends or fitting a formula. It’s a platform built around individuality, artistic freedom, and music with identity. When people ask me what genre the label focuses on, my answer is simple: good music.”
Speaking to that, “Like You Do” combines first-second-to-last energy with a sleek, club-contemporary production. Mark engages his signature floor drive from the off, with bouncing kicks, charged by a propulsive LFO and a jaggedly-bleeping and thoroughly irresistible mainline. It also sees him re-team (after ‘Cyanide’) with singer Noubya, and the pair split the atom between expressive vocalism and mainstage clout. For her part, Noubya’s vocal brings “Like You Do” a surprising level of soulful warmth — think Cassandra on Rui da Silva’s classic “Touch Me” and you’re not far off!
With its 001, Karakter shows its character from the start. “Like You Do” from Mark Sixma & Noubya is on streaming and sales platforms now. [karakter.lnk.to/LikeYouDo]
01. “Like You Do” (Original Mix)
02. “Like You Do” (Extended Mix)
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