Hessian is one of the most compelling artists in the melodic space right now, with his recently released EP One Last Touch perfectly showcasing this. The EP, which dropped via Colorize, spans 7 incredible tracks and features collaborations with the likes of Afnan Prince, Yellowitz, LAR and Keepa. The EP highlights Hessian’s ability to hold space for each artist’s unique voice and energy, while firmly holding his own.
His forward-thinking, yet emotionally-resonant approach has crafted an EP which echoes his awe-inspiring technical ability, while simultaneously wearing his heart on his sleeve. With each track shining as a heartfelt exploration of melody, texture and connection, One Last Touch serves as a poignant milestone in Hessian’s career. In the interview, Hessian discusses what draws him to a particular collaborator, balancing emotion with technical polish and he shares an exclusive 1 hour mix below.
Congratulations on the upcoming release of your EP One Last Touch! The EP feels and sounds like a fully-realised statement of your sonic blueprint. How do you personally define this blueprint, and how has it evolved from your earlier releases?
Thank you, this EP really does feel like a milestone for me. My blueprint has always been built on emotional melodies and grooves that feel like they’re giving you a gentle nudge towards the dance floor. I love that sweet spot where a track can make you think but still keeping you moving at the same time. A big part of my evolution has come from collaboration with other artists and producers. Working with different minds is so important as every session teaches me something new.
Stream One Last Touch below:
Your music has been described as “emotional but precise.” How do you find the balance between authentic emotion and technical polish?
For me, the emotion always comes first. That’s what usually drives the track. If I’m not feeling anything at the beginning, no amount of polish is going to bring it back. Once the emotion is there, that’s when I start honing in on the finer details. The track usually comes together a lot easier when an emotion foundation is there
The EP weaves a poignant narrative through sound. Do you see yourself as a storyteller? If so, what story does One Last Touch tell?
I do yes, but in a broad sense. I’m more of a scene director. I’ve never been one for writing lyrics but looove making the music. Most of the time I’ll start writing a track (a story) with no real direction, just a feeling. Then a vocalist would get involved and the story would immediately take shape into something brand new. I wouldn’t say the EP tells a story as a whole. Its more of a collection of short stories
You’ve worked with a diverse range of collaborators on the EP such as LAR, Keepa, mölly, and Afnan Prince. What draws you to a collaborator, and what do you look for in that creative chemistry?
Collaboration I feel is all about the energy between people. If someone’s creativity makes me sit up a little straighter, I know we’re on to something. Honestly I don’t really look for anything when it comes to actually collaborating. If the vibe is good and there is a willingness to get shit done then I’m all for it! Lets collab
Have any of your collaborators changed the way you approach your craft? Perhaps they challenged or surprised you in the process?
Definitely! Every collaborator on the EP has changed my workflow in the best way possible. I distinctly remember a moment when me and Farves were finishing off ‘Just Can’t Stop’ and we couldn’t get it right for ages. Then, Farves suggested dropping the whole track down 2 semitones and it blew my mind at how much better the track sounded. I would have never thought of doing that. Also… writing with mölly and Afnan in the studio was an absolute dream. Mölly’s chord progressions are so inspiring and Afnan’s vocal writing is always so spot on. He would literally step into the room and have a full song written within 5 minutes. I’ll definitely be taking a leaf out of their book for the next project
With releases on Anjunadeep and This Never Happened and Colorize, how has working with these different labels shaped your sound or artistic confidence?
Working with labels like Anjuna, TNH and Colorize has been huge for my confidence. Each of them have there own family and its so nice to be welcomed by each one. Working with these different communities has forced me to grow in directions I would have never normally done so. Although, at the early staging of the writing. I actually try as much as possible to not let a label shape my sound. I’ve always found that once I start producing for a specific label, the music never ends up being a full reflection of myself. Make the music first and then find a home for it
Many of your tracks evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection. What emotions do you hope the EP evokes in listeners?
If there’s one thing I hope this EP does, it would be to make people feel something. Even if they cant quite put it into words. A lot of music leans into nostalgia but I never want it to feel too heavy. I try and aim for that gentle reflective feeling when a track reminds you of something but you’re not sure what. Like you’re looking back just long enough to appreciate where you’ve been, but you’re already stepping into whatever comes next. If the EP can make someone close their eyes for a moment or smile at a memory they didn’t expect to think about then I’ve done my job
What’s next for Hessian?
What is next….. The rest of 2025 will be mainly riding the wave of this EP. I’ve been in the studio for months so it will be a nice to give my ears a short break. Iv already got a few big singles and remixes sorted for early 2026 so super excited for those. Following that, I have an even bigger project lined up so lots and lots of new music on its way. Bring on 2026 I say! More shows, more music
Stream Hessian’s exclusive mix below:
Tracklist:
Oling (SE) – Sizo
Massane, LeyeT – Tug of War
Romain Garcia – Used To
Hessian, Courtney Storm – Heartbeat
Hessian, Yellowitz – Forever
Modera, Hessian, Tailor – Never Enough
MANQO – Tough
Mölly, Elliot Vast – Fragile Hope
Hessian – Inertia
Lipless, TMPST, Jordan Grace, Maynørr – Incomplete
Hessian – Acacia
Hessian, LAR, Keepa – One Last Touch
Hessian, Farves, flick – Just Can’t Stop
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