October 10th, 2025 – The enigmatic Los Angeles duo Haddadi Von Engst adds another notable release to their celebrated catalog with the new single, ‘Hypnotized’. Out now on their own Kings Dead Records imprint, the track is a masterclass in genre-fluid production, a significant statement from two artists who have spent two decades behind the scenes before making their mark in the electronic music world. ‘Hypnotized’ is more than just a new release; it’s the sound of a story twenty years in the making, a testament to patience, skill, and the art of a perfectly timed arrival. This reputation for musical precision is no accident, built on a foundation of 35 years of combined classical training that strongly influences their emotionally charged productions.
The Sound of Creative Freedom
‘Hypnotized’ is a compelling slice of Indie Dance, clocking in at a driving 128 BPM. The genre tag is a deliberate choice, reflecting a track that goes beyond the melodic house and techno that initially defined their sound. It’s a fusion of the duo’s famously eclectic influences, which range from the atmospheric depth of Thom Yorke and Portishead to the foundational grit of West Coast hip-hop. This genre-fluid approach is intentional, as the duo views music as a “blend of everything,” allowing them to naturally fuse the styles they personally listen to into a cohesive, innovative sound.
Releasing the track on their own label, Kings Dead Records, is a crucial part of the story. It represents the duo’s hard-won creative autonomy, allowing them to craft a sound that is distinctly their own. Following their previous single ‘Path to Paradise,’ which infused hip-hop elements into an electronic framework, ‘Hypnotized’ continues the label’s mission to build a unique sonic identity rooted in their LA upbringing.
A Chart-Topping Arrival
When HVE finally stepped into the spotlight in 2020, their arrival was met with much excitement. Launching on the Canadian label You Plus One, their debut EP, ‘I Was Blind’, featuring a remix from the legendary Rodriguez Jr., quickly rose to #3 on the Beatport Melodic House & Techno chart. Their follow-up, ‘Run’, did even better, with a remix from German maestro Einmusik reaching #1 on the same chart and #2 on Beatport’s overall Top 100. Their strategy was bolstered by collaborations with a who’s who of electronic music titans, including Super Flu and Oliver Schories. These weren’t just calculated moves; HVE chose remixers they were genuine fans of, ensuring each collaboration was an authentic extension of their sound.
Their immediate success was no fluke, but the result of a two-decade-long incubation period spent honing their craft behind the curtain of the mainstream music industry. This unique fusion of technical mastery and melodic sensibility meant they arrived on the scene as a well-prepared act, possessing a polished vision and technical skill that few debut artists can claim.
‘Bite Your Teeth’ (2022): An inventive “afro-meets-acid” grinder.
‘Weapon X’ (2023): An EP inspired by the rise of AI and technology.
‘The BIG’ (2024): A powerful Afro House banger that showcased their “Hollywood-grade sound design.”
‘Crème Brûlée’ (2024): A major co-sign from Solomun, released on his iconic Diynamic label and featured on Pete Tong’s BBC Radio 1 show.
The Road Ahead
‘Hypnotized’ is the latest chapter in this incredible story. It’s a track that feels both fresh and seems almost inevitable – the product of decades of experience, now channeled through a lens of complete creative control. It’s a mission that aligns with their core belief in music’s power to “heal and uplift,” a sentiment that resonates deeply in their latest work.
Listen to ‘Hypnotized’ on all streaming platforms now https://snd.click/akul
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