HOZHO | LATAM 2024 #07

Hozho, the enigmatic Portuguese DJ and producer, has captured the hearts and minds of electronic music fans worldwide with his unique blend of melodic, emotional, and dark sounds, which he aptly dubs “Melodark.” Known for his signature plague doctor mask, Hozho’s artistic persona is as captivating as his music, creating a deeply immersive experience for his listeners. Over the years, he has become a symbol of introspective exploration, blending haunting melodies with psychological themes that resonate on a profoundly human level. In this interview, Hozho opens up about his soon to be released album, Psychological Issues, and the deeply personal and intentional journey that has shaped its creation.

With the album set to be released progressively, Hozho is embarking on an artistic journey that invites listeners to delve into the complexities of mental health through music. His decision to release the album in stages, beginning with the EP Cherophobia, reflects not just a desire to build anticipation but also a deeper storytelling process. Each track is a chapter in a larger narrative, exploring themes of fear, isolation, and healing. In this interview,

Hozho shares the motivations behind this unique release strategy, offering a glimpse into his mind and the emotions that fuel his music.

Hozho’s candid reflections in this interview provide insight into the challenges he faces as an artist and as a person. From grappling with creative burnout to embracing the psychological underpinnings of his work, Hozho’s music is a reflection of his own mental and emotional battles. This article takes a closer look at his upcoming releases, the evolution of his artistry, and the profound connection he shares with his audience through music, mental health, and personal growth.

In this conversation, Hozho opens up about the inspiration behind Psychological Issues, how he has structured its release, and what fans can expect from his upcoming singles and the full album. He discusses the personal significance of his music, especially tracks like “Cherophobia,” which delve into his own struggles with mental health. Additionally, he shares his thoughts on the broader connection between psychology and music, emphasizing how the two can be intertwined to create powerful emotional experiences. This interview provides a rare insight into the mind of an artist who is not only focused on creating music but also on telling a story – one that resonates with fans on a deeply personal level.

As Hozho continues to push the boundaries of his music and visual identity, he offers reflections on the evolution of his plague doctor persona, the significance of his DJ Mix 04 video, and how he envisions the future of his artistic project. It’s clear that Hozho’s work is about more than just beats and rhythms; it’s about human emotion, mental health, and the universal experience of navigating the complexities of the mind.

When discussing the progressive release of his upcoming album, Psychological Issues, Hozho explains his deliberate choice to release it in parts.

“Releasing singles before the full album serves several key purposes. The most important one is to generate hype. Singles create anticipation for the full album, building excitement among fans. It gives listeners a taste of what’s to come. By releasing in this way, each single can be promoted individually, allowing me to stay in the public eye for a longer period leading up to the album’s release. This also provides an extra opportunity to attract new listeners who may not yet be familiar with my music.”

But beyond marketing strategy, Hozho’s decision to release the album in segments reflects his emotional and creative approach.

“Releasing ‘Psychological Issues’ in separate parts allows me to tell a story, with each song focusing on a distinct theme related to mental health. This is an album I’ve been planning to release since the pandemic era, which not only impacted the world with the illness itself but also with the effect it had on mental health. It’s a conceptual album, meaning that the order of the tracks matters when listening to the full album.”

Reflecting on the response to Cherophobia, the first EP of the album, Hozho shares how it has been received by fans.

“Fans of my music already heard the two tracks from this EP in my DJ Mix 04, released in May of this year. This DJ Mix is much more than just a simple DJ set recorded in a beautiful location. Those who watch it on my YouTube channel will see that it’s more like a movie, where the audio set can be interpreted as the soundtrack. So, those who heard these tracks firsthand in my DJ Mix associate them with some kind of mental issue, as the DJ Mix has a theme related to psychology.”

The anticipation was high, and Hozho acknowledges that he hasn’t been disappointed with the feedback.

“Since then, I’ve been playing these tracks, especially ‘Cherophobia,’ and the feedback has been very positive. So I already knew this was a highly anticipated EP, and so far, I’m not disappointed. My focus now is on the next releases and continuing this journey until the full release of ‘Psychological Issues.’”

Cherophobia tackles a fear of happiness, an emotion Hozho has personally grappled with. He recounts the personal significance of this track:

“For those who don’t know, earlier this year I took a four-month break from touring. This pause was meant to revitalize me, improve my sound, and improve my physical and mental health. And yet, I started feeling stressed, kind of burned out, feeling lost... you know, being a producer is going from ‘I suck, my music is sh*t’ to ‘I’m the best producer in the world’ in 17 minutes. And that’s the story behind ‘Cherophobia.’ After some time when ideas seemed not to develop, I suddenly started a new project, and everything began to fall into the right place.”

“Until then, it felt like I was avoiding everything that made me feel good and happy: making music, hitting the gym, walking on the beach, spending time with family and friends... and that mood inspired the name of this track and EP. But the truth is, there was no external reason for me to feel that way. So, I started writing the lyrics for the break in that track: “The world didn’t push me into the depths of darkness I did I rejected my right to be happy And now there’s no turning back”.

“In that moment of despair, I turned to one of my favorite writers – Charles Bukowski – and remembered a quote that inspired me to write the rest of the lyrics. I finished “Cherophobia” and so far, it’s one of the best songs I’ve ever produced in terms of storytelling and composition”.

Through the music, Hozho explores this internal struggle, providing a therapeutic outlet for his own emotions.

“Until then, it felt like I was avoiding everything that made me feel good and happy: making music, hitting the gym, walking on the beach, spending time with family and friends... and that mood inspired the name of this track and EP"

Hozho’s next single, Adderall, is set to release on October 11, and he is excited share this complex piece with his audience. “My next single is ‘Adderall,’ a highly anticipa- ted track that also appears in my DJ Mix 04. I can confidently say it’s one of the best tracks of the album. It’s a very complex song, with a lot of storytelling and details, inspired by ADHD and one of the most famous pills for treating it.”

“The track follows the mental health theme and the concept of “Psychological Issues”. An interesting fact about this song is that in the versionfeature d in DJ Mix 04, there are no vocals in the main break, but the official version, which will be released on October 11, will have a vocal part”.

The release will feature a vocal part that was absent in the original DJ Mix 04 version, adding another layer of emotion to the track.

“Performing ‘Adderall’ has been a highlight in my shows, so I’m very excited about this release.”

Looking ahead, Hozho teases what’s to come in the lead-up to the full album release.

“After Adderall, I’ll be releasing another single on the first week of November” he reveals.

“This will be an entirely new track that’s not part of DJ Mix 04 and hasn’t been played in my shows yet. Needless to say, this track will follow the theme of mental health and psychology and will contain a small easter egg.”

Hozho has also collaborated with Pulse from the UK on a track titled Menace, which features rap – a new venture for him.

“For the first time, I’ve decided to combine rap with electronic music, of course following the mental health theme.”

Psychology, as Hozho explains, is central to his artistry. He sees it as a universal language, one that complements music in profound ways.

“It’s definitely a universal language that everyone can relate to. Just like music. I truly believe the two go hand in hand.”

His background in psychology, which he studied at university, has greatly influenced his work.

“My interest in the human mind goes way back, and being able to apply that to my music is one of the most therapeutic things in the world.”

The plague doctor mask, a visual hallmark ofHozho’s identity, adds an extra layer to his performances. He elaborates on how this mask contrasts with the emotional intensity of his music:

“This mask creates a visual contrast between an emotionless exterior and deeply emotional feelings expressed through my music. So when I step up on stage with my mask and start my musical journey, the crowd can’t see my emotions, but they can feel them, and that’s what matters most to me.”

For Hozho, the mask is symbolic – a way to ward off the negativity and bad vibes that his audience may carry with them.

As the interview draws to a close, it’s evident that Hozho’s artistry goes beyond the surface. His DJ Mix 04, where actors personify different psychological disorders, is a powerful meraphor for mental health struggles.

“By using these characters, I not only highlight the personal challenges of living with mental health issues but also attempt to illustrate the power of community and art in the healing process.”

As I wrap up my conversation with Hozho, I can’t help but reflect on how deeply personal his music is—both for him and for those who connect with it. His ability to translate complex emotions into sound, from the dark and brooding to the uplifting and hopeful, leaves a lasting impression. It’s not just about the beats or melodies; it’s about the vulnerability and openness he shares with his listeners. Speaking with him, it’s clear that Hozho is on a journey not just as an artist, but as a human being navigating the challenges of mental health, and that makes his music resonate on a more profound level.

From the haunting atmosphere of Cherophobia to the strategic way he’s releasing Psychologic Issues, it’s obvious that Hozho’s art is more than just a career—it’s a means of healing, exploration, and connection. He’s not afraid to take risks, push boundaries, and challenge his listeners to engage with their own inner worlds, someothing that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced music scene. That courage, to be both authentic and vulnerable, is what sets Hozho apart.

As I think back on our conversation, I’m reminded that Hozho’s music, at its core, is a reflection of the human condition—the light and the dark, the joy and the pain. His journey is one we can all relate to in some way, and it’s inspiring to see an artist so willing to share his own struggles while guiding others through theirs. Hozho’s story isn’t just about making music; it’s about creating a space for introspection and connection, and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to share in that experience.