Mark Hickling (DJ M) Perspective on Turbulence

I’m Mark Hickling, known as DJ M — a DJ and music producer originally from Scunthorpe, England and now based in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. I create euphoric, uplifting trance and high-energy EDM inspired by both UK and US dance music culture. As a performer, I bring a dynamic blend of motion, emotion, and club-level energy to every set, using my Denon Prime Go to craft seamless, story-driven mixes. As a producer, I’ve released multiple tracks on labels like Kazal Records, Mojoheadz, and Regroup, and I’m constantly pushing myself to create music that connects deeply with people on and off the dancefloor.

“Turbulence” is a direct reflection of my journey as both a DJ and producer. Growing up in England, I was surrounded by the classic UK dance and club scene, and that influence shows in the track’s rhythm, layering, and drive. After moving to the U.S., I absorbed the big emotional energy of American trance and EDM, which pushed me to create sounds that feel cinematic, powerful, and uplifting.

Years of DJing in clubs, radio shows, and live performances helped shape how I build tension, movement, and atmosphere — all things that “Turbulence” is built on. I’ve always been inspired by legends like Shep Pettibone and Armin van Buuren, and those influences guide how I approach melody, transitions, and emotional impact.

So in a way, “Turbulence” is my full background in one track — UK roots, U.S. energy, and my own instinct for blending motion and emotion into a high-intensity, euphoric experience.

My earliest memory of listening to music goes back to being a kid in England, hearing dance and pop records playing around the house and on the radio. I didn’t understand production or DJing yet, but I remember being fascinated by the energy — the way certain beats or melodies made me feel alive. Those early moments, especially hearing classic UK dance tracks, really stuck with me and planted the seed for everything I do now. Even today, when I’m producing or DJing, I chase that same feeling I had as a kid: music that grabs you, lifts you, and stays with you long after it stops playing.

The moment I knew I wanted to become an artist and performer was the first time I stepped into a club in England and felt the energy of the crowd reacting to the music. It was this rush — seeing how sound could bring people together, shift their mood, and create a moment they’d never forget. That feeling stayed with me, and I knew I wanted to be the one behind the decks creating those moments.

As I started experimenting with mixing and producing, everything clicked. I realized this wasn’t just something I enjoyed — it was something I needed to do. From that point on, I committed myself to DJing, creating my own tracks, and building a sound that reflects who I am. That decision set the path that brought me from the UK to the U.S., from small gigs to bigger stages, and into the artist and producer I am today.

“Turbulence” blends several electronic styles, but at its core it sits firmly in uplifting melodic trance and high-energy EDM. The track carries the driving rhythm and emotional build-ups of classic trance, mixed with modern EDM power, cinematic textures, and a club-ready intensity.

It also touches on elements of progressive trance with its atmosphere and layering, while the drops bring in a harder, more energetic edge that fits well within today’s festival-style electronic sound.

Overall, “Turbulence” is a fusion of motion, emotion, and high-impact dance energy — perfect for both club floors and big-room festival moments.

Over the last three years, my sound has become more refined, more emotional, and a lot more intentional. I’ve always loved uplifting trance and high-energy EDM, but now I approach production with a deeper sense of storytelling — building tracks that take listeners somewhere, not just hit hard on the drop.

I’ve also blended more of my UK dance roots with the influence of the U.S. scene, creating a sound that’s bigger, brighter, and more melodic. My layering, transitions, and sound design have grown a lot too, thanks to spending more time crafting atmosphere, tension, and clean, powerful mixes.

On the DJ side, performing live has shaped my style even more. I have a stronger sense of what moves crowds, when to lift the energy, and how to create those euphoric moments that people remember.

Overall, my sound has evolved into something more polished, more expressive, and more “me” — a mix of motion, emotion, and uplifting trance energy that keeps growing with every release.

Across my music, I’m always exploring themes of motion, emotion, and transformation. I love creating tracks that feel like a journey — something that lifts people up, pushes them forward, and gives them a sense of escape or clarity.

My sound leans heavily into euphoria, connection, and resilience. Whether it’s a high-energy track like “Turbulence” or a melodic, uplifting trance piece, I try to capture moments of intensity, release, and emotional elevation.

I also draw a lot from personal experience — the feeling of starting over in a new country, the energy of club culture in both the UK and the U.S., and the power of music to bring people together. Those influences run through everything I make.

At the core, the theme is simple: music that makes you feel alive — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

If I could go on tour with any artist, it would definitely be Armin van Buuren. He’s been one of my biggest inspirations from the very beginning — not just for his sound, but for the way he connects with people, builds energy, and keeps trance evolving. Sharing a stage with someone who brings that level of passion and emotion to every performance would be an incredible experience.

His approach to storytelling through music aligns perfectly with what I try to create, and being part of a tour with him would push me creatively while letting me share my own style with a wider audience.

I’d describe it as emotion you can feel in your chest, combined with energy that makes you move. Every track takes you on a journey — building tension, lifting you up, and giving you moments of pure euphoria. It’s melodic, layered, and cinematic, but also made for the dancefloor, so you feel it both physically and emotionally.

It’s the kind of music that makes you want to close your eyes, lose yourself in the sound, and just let go — a mix of heart, energy, and unforgettable moments.

My music is uplifting, high-energy, and cinematic electronic dance music. It blends the emotional melodies and tension-building of trance with the power and drive of modern EDM. Each track is designed to take listeners on a journey — full of motion, emotion, and moments that make you feel alive.

Whether it’s on the dancefloor, at a festival, or listening at home, my goal is for people to lose themselves in the sound, feel the energy, and come away with something memorable. It’s music meant to move both the body and the mind.

I would love to attend a performance by Elton John. His music is timeless, full of emotion, and incredibly powerful live. Watching him perform would be unforgettable — seeing the energy, passion, and connection he brings to every song would be inspiring.

It would also be amazing to witness how he commands a stage and moves a crowd, something that influences me as a DJ and producer when creating music that connects with people on both an emotional and physical level.

My favorite song I’ve made is “From the Shadows.” It’s a track that really captures the emotional depth and cinematic feel I strive for in my music. The melodies, atmosphere, and energy all come together in a way that feels very personal and expressive.

I love it because it tells a story — it moves from tension to release, creating a journey that’s both powerful and immersive. Every time I listen to it or play it live, I feel that connection with the music and the audience, and it reminds me why I create in the first place.

If I had to pick three artists, I’d choose Shep Pettibone, Armin van Buuren, and Elton John.

Shep Pettibone has been a huge influence on my production style — his ability to craft unforgettable grooves and layered sounds is timeless. Armin van Buuren inspires me with his energy, emotion, and mastery of trance — his music always takes you on a journey. And Elton John is just a legend in storytelling and melody; his songs are full of heart and emotion, and they stand the test of time.

Together, these three cover everything I love in music: technical mastery, emotional depth, and unforgettable energy. Listening to them constantly would keep me inspired, creative, and connected to the power of music.

My dream performance would be on a massive festival stage at sunset, with thousands of people feeling every beat and melody together. The crowd would be fully immersed — hands in the air, moving with the music, sharing that energy and connection that only live music can create.

I’d be performing a set that blends my high-energy trance and melodic tracks with cinematic builds, drops, and moments of pure euphoria, using my Denon Prime Go to craft seamless transitions. Visuals, lights, and the music would all come together to create an unforgettable journey — one that leaves everyone, including me, feeling completely alive and connected through sound.

My dream artist to collaborate with would be Armin van Buuren. His mastery of trance, emotion, and energy aligns perfectly with the style I aim for in my own music. Working with him would be an incredible opportunity to learn from one of the best, push my creative boundaries, and create a track that combines our styles into something truly euphoric and memorable for listeners.

The idea of blending my melodic, high-energy sound with his iconic production and sense of storytelling is something I’ve always dreamed of achieving in a collaboration.

Honestly, I don’t think I have one. I’ve discovered music in so many different ways, but nothing really stands out as “strange” — most of my inspiration comes from regular listening, DJing, and exploring new sounds wherever I can.

I want people to feel alive, uplifted, and connected when they listen to my music. Whether it’s a high-energy track like “Turbulence” or a melodic, cinematic piece, my goal is to create moments that make listeners move, feel emotion, and escape from the everyday.

I want them to experience a sense of motion and euphoria, to lose themselves in the sound, and to walk away feeling energized, inspired, and emotionally connected — the kind of feeling you get on a dancefloor or at a festival when everything just clicks.

Energetic, humble, and melodic.

These reflect not only the energy and emotion in my music, but also the grounded, genuine approach I take as an artist and performer.

My favorite way of sharing music is live — through DJ sets and performances. There’s nothing like seeing people react in real time, feeling the energy of the crowd, and creating a shared experience that connects everyone through sound.

That said, I also love releasing music digitally on platforms like Beatport, SoundCloud, and Spotify, because it lets my music reach people all over the world and gives them a chance to experience it on their own terms. But the energy of a live performance will always be my favorite way to connect with listeners.

Yes, absolutely — I practice all the time. In the early years, practice for me was mainly about learning the basics: beatmatching, transitions, and getting comfortable behind the decks. I spent hours experimenting, figuring things out by trial and error, and building my confidence as both a DJ and producer.

Over the years, my practice has evolved into something much more focused and intentional. Now it’s about refining my sound, tightening my mixes, exploring new techniques, and pushing myself creatively. I also spend more time on production — working on sound design, layering, building atmosphere, and making sure every track tells a story.

These days, practice isn’t just about skill — it’s about staying inspired, growing as an artist, and constantly improving the energy and experience I bring to my music and performances.

One of the most memorable responses I’ve had was during a live set when I played one of my tracks, and the crowd completely lost themselves in it — everyone was moving, cheering, and fully immersed in the moment. Seeing that energy and connection in real time reminded me why I do what I do.

Another moment that stands out was when a fan told me that one of my tracks, “Unity with Sound,” reminded them of the group Enigma. Hearing that my music can evoke such a strong emotional and nostalgic connection, while also creating joy and escape, is incredibly powerful and something I’ll never forget.

To me, success as an artist isn’t just about fame or numbers — it’s about connection, impact, and growth. A successful track or performance is one that moves people, evokes emotion, and leaves a lasting impression. If my music can make someone feel joy, energy, or inspiration, that’s success in its purest form.

I also measure success by personal growth and creative fulfillment — continuing to evolve my sound, experiment with new ideas, and push myself beyond comfort zones. Naturally, milestones like performing at festivals, reaching a wider audience, or having tracks signed to labels are part of it, but the real measure is knowing that I’m making music that matters, both to me and to the people who listen.

I aim to be a game changer by blending emotional storytelling with high-energy dancefloor moments in a way that feels fresh and dynamic. I take inspiration from classic trance and modern EDM but push it forward with my own style — cinematic layering, melodic depth, and carefully crafted tension and release.

I also experiment with production techniques, live performance methods, and the integration of different influences from both the UK and U.S. dance scenes. My goal is to create tracks and sets that stand out, evoke strong emotion, and give listeners an experience they haven’t felt before, helping to evolve the genre while staying true to its roots.

I believe artists have the power to connect, inspire, and elevate people. Music and art give people a way to feel, reflect, and escape — they can bring communities together, spark emotion, and even create social change.

For me, the song that best represents success is “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. It’s a timeless anthem about perseverance, hope, and reaching for your dreams — qualities that define my journey as an artist.

Success, to me, isn’t just about reaching a goal; it’s about pushing through challenges, staying true to your vision, and celebrating the moments when hard work pays off. That song captures that feeling perfectly, reminding me why passion and persistence matter in both music and life.

One of the scariest experiences for me has been putting my music out into the world and hoping people connect with it. No matter how long you’ve been producing, releasing a track always feels like exposing a piece of yourself — your creativity, your emotions, your ideas. That moment before the release, when you don’t know how people will react, can be nerve‑wracking.

Another scary moment was stepping onto bigger stages for the first time. Even with experience, there’s always that fear of something going wrong — equipment issues, unexpected changes, or just the pressure to deliver a great performance. But those moments also pushed me to grow, trust myself, and become a stronger artist.

My most embarrassing moment happened during a live set when I accidentally hit the wrong button, and stopped the track for a split second, because a woman flashed at me. The crowd looked up, I felt my heart drop — and then I had to recover fast and pretend it was all part of the show.

Moments like that are embarrassing in the moment, but they teach you to stay calm, adapt, and keep the energy going no matter what. In the end, the crowd didn’t care as much as I did, and it became one of those stories you laugh about later as part of the journey.

Before fully focusing on my music career, I’ve held a variety of jobs that helped shape my work ethic and perspective. I’m currently working full-time as a Traffic Management Supervisor, which teaches discipline, organization, and responsibility — skills that carry over into my music career.

Alongside that, I’ve taken on roles that complement my artistry, such as DJing for TV shows, radio performances, and private events, giving me unique experiences and insights that influence my music and performance style. Every job I’ve had, past and present, contributes to my growth as an artist.

Simple. Don't give up on your dreams.

There’s nothing more powerful than creating something from pure emotion and seeing it resonate with someone else — whether it's lifting their mood, giving them an escape, or becoming the soundtrack to a moment in their life. Music has this incredible ability to reach people in ways words sometimes can’t, and knowing I can be a part of that keeps me inspired every single day.

I want to build a sound that brings joy, connection, and uplift to anyone who listens. Whether it’s on a dancefloor, a festival stage, or through someone’s headphones, my mission is to make music that leaves people feeling better than they did before they heard it.

Ultimately, I want my tracks and performances to create moments people remember — moments that inspire, unite, and make life feel a little brighter.