[INTERVIEW] HYPNOZA Dives Into Her New Single 'Heart of Stone', Mental Health Tips, & More

In just over a year, HYPNOZA has emerged as one of melodic techno’s most promising new voices. The Poland-born, NYC-raised producer launched her project in early 2024 and has already made waves at venues like NYC's Marquee and Somewhere Nowhere, with a standout international debut at Amsterdam Dance Event.

Blending a background in classical music, a full-time career in psychiatry, and a talent for crafting immersive soundscapes, HYPNOZA creates tracks that blur the line between introspection and euphoria.

Her latest release, “Heart of Stone,” showcases her most emotionally layered work to date. The collaboration features acclaimed singer-songwriter Jordan Grace, whose vocals bring a raw intensity to the track’s sweeping arrangement.

Built around a luminous lead melody and cinematic synth work, “Heart of Stone” explores themes of resilience, emotional distance, and inner strength through a carefully structured sonic arc.

As HYPNOZA prepares to take the stage at Upperground’s Legia Warszawa showcase and ING Silesia Beats in her home country, “Heart of Stone” marks a pivotal moment in her artistic ascent.

Taking the time to chat with us, she shares insight into the creative process behind the track, her collaborative chemistry with Jordan Grace, and how her dual identity as a psychiatrist and producer continues to shape her work.

Check out our exclusive interview with HYPNOZA below. 

iEDM: “Heart of Stone” feels emotionally intense and cinematic. Can you walk us through the creative process behind this track, from melody to final drop?

HYPNOZA: For “Heart of Stone,” I actually started by creating the main melody and overall emotional structure before bringing in Jordan for the vocals. I had a very specific vision — I wanted the melody to feel uplifting and expansive, almost hopeful.

Still, I also knew I wanted the vocals to introduce a layer of emotional contrast. When I sent it to Jordan, I asked him to write something that carried sadness or emotional weight. The result is a dynamic tension in the track. 

iEDM: You mentioned building the entire track around the melody. What emotions or themes were you channeling when that initial idea came to you?

HYPNOZA: When I first created the melody, I was channeling this mix of sadness and hope. The theme of a “Heart of Stone” naturally brings up feelings of emotional distance and pain, and that definitely influenced the direction of the vocals. But at the same time, the melody itself came out really uplifting and bright – it brought this sense of joy and even hopefulness.

For me, the track resides in that emotional tension. Every time I hear it, I feel a little sad because of what it represents, but the melody reminds me that there is still light and beauty, even in moments of emotional numbness.

iEDM: How did the collaboration with Jordan Grace come about, and what was it like shaping the sound around his vocal performance?

HYPNOZA: Jordan and I became good friends after we collaborated on our first track, “Fantasy.” Through that process, we developed a strong artistic connection — he really understands my vision and what I am trying to express through my music. He knows that melody is everything to me and that I want to be known for creating emotional, melodic journeys. 

When we started working on “Heart of Stone,” he immediately grasped the emotional contrast I was going for. His vocals brought in this raw, vulnerable energy that added an extra layer of depth to the track. It just clicked creatively — we were able to build around each other’s strengths in a really natural way.

iEDM: This track blends vulnerability with strength. What personal meaning does “Heart of Stone” hold for you at this stage in your career?

HYPNOZA: For me, “Heart of Stone” represents exactly that balance — vulnerability and strength. Putting yourself out into the world as an artist is never easy. Every time I release something, there is a part of me that second-guesses whether people will connect with it or if it will be understood. 

That vulnerability is very real. But at the same time, I’m doing what I love most — creating music. And if even one person feels something or finds comfort in what I’ve made, then it’s all worth it. In a way, that vulnerability has become my strength. Despite the self-doubt, I continue to show up, create, and share my art. 

iEDM: Where do you envision this track being played — and what kind of crowd response do you hope it evokes on the dancefloor?

HYPNOZA: My ultimate dream is to play on the big festival stages — and I won’t stop until I make that happen. That’s the vision I hold onto when I create tracks like “Heart of Stone.”

But honestly, it doesn’t matter where the song is played as long as someone listens and feels something that means the world to me. Whether it's in a festival crowd or through someone’s headphones, if it connects with them, that’s the real success.

iEDM: Do you see “Heart of Stone” as a turning point in your sound or a continuation of what you have been building since launching HYPNOZA?

HYPNOZA: Honestly, I create every track, hoping it will be the one that marks a breakthrough — that “make it” moment. But at the same time, every song I produce is part of a larger journey. “Heart of Stone” is both a continuation and a reflection of how I'm evolving as an artist.

With each track, I am learning more about production, refining my sound, and pushing my creative limits. My vision shifts slightly every time, and I never want to stay stagnant. Growth is everything to me — I always want to keep evolving, both in how I create and what I express through my music.

iEDM: Being a full-time board-certified psychiatrist and a rising artist, how do those two identities influence each other, both creatively and emotionally?

HYPNOZA: These two parts of my life influence each other tremendously. As a psychiatrist, I have come to deeply understand how emotions work, how people cope, and the immense power of the human mind. That understanding naturally spills into my music. It’s why I am so drawn to creating strong, emotional melodies — because I know they have the power to shift someone’s mood or bring them a sense of relief.

Psychiatry and music may seem different on the surface, but at their core, they are both about emotional transformation. The difference is that music can reach thousands of people simultaneously, whereas psychiatry is a more personal, one-on-one process. I love both, but music gives me a unique opportunity to connect with and impact people on a much larger scale.

iEDM: Mental resilience plays a huge role in the music industry. What tools or practices from your clinical background help keep you grounded in this space?

HYPNOZA: It might sound unexpected, but I think I’m a bit of a hippie at heart. I rely heavily on meditation and yoga to keep myself grounded — they help me stay connected to the present and manage the emotional highs and lows that come with both music and psychiatry.

Positive energy is essential in both fields, whether you are treating patients or performing on stage. I try to maintain a mindset of gratitude and view challenges as opportunities for growth.

iEDM: What would you say to other artists who struggle with anxiety, burnout, or emotional overwhelm in such a high-pressure creative world?

HYPNOZA: The most important thing I can say is: do not keep your struggles to yourself. So many people feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit when they are having a hard time, but seeking help — whether from a therapist or psychiatrist — does not make you weak. 

In fact, it is one of the strongest things you can do. We all go through tough seasons, especially in creative fields, where the pressure can be intense and constant. I also believe in the power of taking breaks. Rest is not laziness — it is a necessary part of sustaining your creativity and protecting your mental health.

iEDM: Does your understanding of human behavior and emotional depth influence how you craft sets or select tracks for your performances?

HYPNOZA: Totally. My background in understanding human emotions absolutely influences how I approach building a set. In fact, it can be a bit of a double-edged sword — I spend hours crafting sets because I’m so focused on curating an emotional journey for the audience.

I think deeply about the moods I want to create, the energy I want to shift, and the feelings I want people to leave with. Sometimes, that means I am less spontaneous, but for me, it is worth it even if one person walks away feeling moved, uplifted, or changed in some way. That is the ultimate goal.

iEDM: You are now gearing up for two massive shows in Poland — how are you preparing mentally and musically for those moments?

HYPNOZA: I am incredibly excited to be playing at Upperground’s show in Poland on June 14, followed by Silesia Beats on June 21. These two shows are completely different experiences, so I am preparing two entirely separate sets — each designed to take the audience on its own emotional journey.

I am putting a lot of thought into curating unique energy for each one, and I really hope my fans in Poland can make it to both, because they’ll each be special in their own way.

iEDM: What does it mean to return to your home country for Upperground’s stadium show and ING Silesia Beats, especially with the level of momentum now behind you?

HYPNOZA: It feels incredible! I’ve lived in the U.S. for 25 years, but Poland will always be my home. Being able to return and perform at such massive events as Upperground’s stadium show and ING Silesia Beats is incredibly special to me.

I feel really grateful to come back at this moment in my career, with so much momentum building. Honestly, I’m even considering moving to Poland for a while so I can be closer to the European music scene and take advantage of more opportunities to perform across the continent.

iEDM: Your rise in NYC’s underground scene happened fast. What advice would you give to someone trying to break into that circuit right now?

HYPNOZA: My biggest advice is: never give up. There will be so many days when it feels like it’s not worth it or that you’re not getting anywhere—but that’s precisely when it’s most important to stay focused on the bigger vision.

If you are truly passionate and you combine that with consistent hard work, the results will come. It might not be on your timeline, but the universe has a way of rewarding people who stay aligned with their purpose. Keep going, keep creating, and trust that it will eventually pay off.

iEDM: What’s next for HYPNOZA? Are there more releases, collabs, or tour dates we should have on our radar for the second half of 2025?

HYPNOZA: Absolutely! When I am not working as a psychiatrist, I’m in the studio—I try to open my DAW every single day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Creating music is part of my daily routine. I have more releases coming soon with Sirup, and I'm really excited about what’s ahead.

I am also hoping to collaborate with more artists in the near future, and there are definitely more shows on the horizon. The second half of 2025 is shaping up to be busy — and beautiful.

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