In this interview, we sit down with rising melodic techno artist HYPNOZA, who’s just released her mesmerizing new single “Fantasy.” The track, a collaboration with Aldor and Jordan Grace, blends deep basslines, soaring synths, and atmospheric tension to create a captivating emotional journey. We dive into the creative process behind the track, HYPNOZA’s development within the melodic techno genre, and the inspiration that drives her sound. From balancing dark, introspective elements with uplifting energy to reflecting on her unique journey from psychiatry to music production, this conversation offers a glimpse into the mind of an artist deeply committed to crafting music that moves people emotionally, no matter where it’s played.
Congratulations on the release of your new single ‘Fantasy’. What was the inspiration behind it, and how did the collaboration with Aldor and Jordan Grace come about?
Thank you! ‘Fantasy’ was a really special project. Aldor is a good friend of mine, and I’ve always had a lot of respect for his productions. One day, he mentioned that he had vocals from Jordan Grace and asked if I’d be interested in collaborating. As soon as I heard the vocals, I knew we had something powerful in our hands—it felt like the perfect opportunity to create something magical together.
The track blends deep basslines, soaring synths, and atmospheric tension. Can you walk us through your creative process in the studio for ‘Fantasy’?
Absolutely. For every track I produce, I usually begin by crafting the melody and the drop—that’s always my foundation. With “Fantasy,” I wanted the melody to complement the emotional tone of the vocal, so I focused on creating something that would match that atmosphere. Once the melodic idea was in place, I built a powerful melodic techno kick, often layering multiple elements to give it depth and punch. From there, I created the main bassline and added a sub-bass to give it that rich, low-end energy. Once I had the core structure and vibe of the track, I sent it over to Aldor to get his feedback on the concept. He loved the direction I was going in, so I continued developing the full track and sent him the first version. Aldor brought in additional synth layers and added a darker, more immersive atmosphere to the track, which I absolutely loved. We ended up sending the project back and forth about six times, refining every detail until we both felt it was precisely where it needed to be. It was a true collaboration—and one I’m really proud of.
Melodic House & Techno is known for its ability to be both introspective and high-energy. How do you strike that balance when producing a track?
What I love most about melodic techno is its emotional range—it can be driving and high-energy during the drops but also offer moments of stillness and reflection during the breakdowns. For me, finding that balance is all about contrast. I focus on creating atmospheric, emotionally rich breakdowns that allow the listener to breathe and connect with the more profound mood of the track. It’s in those moments that introspection happens. Then, when the drop hits, it re-energizes the listener and brings them back into motion. That emotional journey—rising and falling—is what makes melodic techno so powerful, and it’s something I always aim to capture in my productions. ‘Fantasy’ is released on PinkStar Black, where you’ve had multiple successful releases.
How has working with the label influenced your sound and artistic growth?
Working with the label has been an incredibly supportive and inspiring part of my journey. They’ve never tried to control my creative direction, but they do give thoughtful feedback on the sounds they resonate with, which has subtly helped shape and refine my artistic identity over time. Their input has encouraged me to lean deeper into the melodic side of techno, which genuinely aligns with who I am as an artist. At one point, I experimented with a harder techno track and asked for their thoughts. They suggested I focus on honing my sound within one genre. Looking back, I see that was some of the best advice I’ve received. Melodic techno is what I live and breathe; it’s the only thing I listen to in my free time, and it’s what I want to be known for. I feel really fortunate to have Sirup as a label that not only believes in my vision but also helps guide me through the process with such respect and care.
Every producer has their go-to studio gear or software. What are some of your essential tools when crafting your music?
I use Ableton as my main DAW. As for plugins, there are a few I rely on in almost every track. Diva, Serum, and Nexus are my go-tos for creating rich, layered synths and powerful leads. For effects, I love using Valhalla for its lush reverbs, and FabFilter for precise EQing and mixing. I also use Endless Smile to build tension and energy, especially during transitions and drops. These tools really help me shape the emotional and atmospheric depth that’s so important in melodic techno.
You’ve built a distinctive style that is both dark and uplifting. How did you develop your sound, and who were your biggest influences?
By training, I’m a psychiatrist, so my daily work revolves around understanding and influencing the human mind. That naturally translates into my music—I want to create tracks that move people emotionally, tap into something deeper, and make them feel seen or transformed. For me, if a song can evoke a real emotional response, then I know I’ve done my job as a producer. Music has the power to change people positively on a broad, collective level, and that idea is always at the core of how I develop my sound. I aim to strike a balance between dark, introspective elements and uplifting energy, creating an emotional journey on the dancefloor.
As for influences, I’m inspired by artists like ARTBAT, Tale of Us, Miss Monique, Korolova, and Genesi, just to name a few. Melodic techno is truly all I listen to—it doesn’t matter what time of day it is. There are so many incredible artists shaping the genre, and they’ve all inspired me in different ways as I’ve developed my own sound.
Your music is designed for dancefloors, from intimate clubs to massive festivals. Do you approach production differently depending on where a track might be played?
Honestly, I never start a track with a specific venue in mind. I always begin with a melody and build from there, focusing on creating something that moves people emotionally and makes them feel good—regardless of where they’re listening. My goal is to create music that resonates on a deeper level, whether it’s being played in a small basement gathering or on a massive festival stage. If someone connects with my music in any setting, that’s the most fulfilling part for me. Of course, I’d love to perform at big festivals one day, but that’s not why I started producing. For me, it’s always been about making people feel something real, wherever they are.
How did your journey into electronic music begin? Was there a defining moment that made you want to become a DJ and producer?
My journey into electronic music began in 2019, right around the time I started my residency in psychiatry in New York. I’ve always had a deep love for music—growing up, I was classically trained on the flute, so I already had a solid foundation in music theory. Residency, as many know, is one of the most demanding periods in a doctor’s life—long hours, little sleep, and constant pressure. Producing music became my escape, a way to decompress and reconnect with myself after those intense days.
A couple of years later, I decided to take it more seriously and enrolled in the online program at ICON Collective while still working full-time as a resident. That decision really elevated my skills and gave me the structure I needed. Since then, I’ve worked with several mentors, meeting twice a week to review tracks, refine techniques, and continue growing as a producer. It’s a never-ending journey of learning—and that’s what I love most about it. The defining moment that pushed me to pursue music more seriously came when I saw ARTBAT perform in Brooklyn. I remember standing there, completely inspired, thinking to myself, “Why can’t I do this?” The very next day, I enrolled in DJ school—and I haven’t looked back since.
The electronic music scene is constantly evolving. What excites you most about where the genre is heading, and where do you see your sound going next?
What excites me most is seeing more women stepping into the spotlight—producing, DJing, and shaping the melodic techno scene. It’s incredibly empowering and inspiring to witness the genre becoming more inclusive and diverse, and I’m proud to be part of that movement.
As for my own sound, I’m really interested in exploring remixing—especially taking tracks from outside the melodic techno space and reimagining them in my own style. There’s something so creatively fulfilling about transforming a song into something completely new while still honoring the original.
HYPNOZA, Aldor, Jordan Grace – Fantasy is out now via PinkStar Black: https://pinkstarblack.lnk.to/FantasySC
