Hermetik releases “When I Sleep,” a track built around a female vocal sample that became difficult to ignore once it surfaced in the writing process. Initially set aside, the sample returned to the forefront when Hermetik decided to focus on material that leaned more clearly into vocals than his recent work. That choice shaped the direction of the track, placing the vocal at the center rather than treating it as a secondary texture.
The song addresses the idea of being “haunted,” though the theme is handled with restraint rather than intensity. While the word itself often carries a negative association, the delivery in “When I Sleep” feels calm and reflective. The production supports that tone, using measured melodic elements and controlled atmosphere to create space around the vocal. Instead of pushing toward dramatic peaks, the track maintains steady momentum, allowing its emotional weight to develop naturally.
Personal experience plays an important role in the meaning behind the song. Hermetik cites inspiration drawn from his oldest daughter, particularly her appreciation for deeper and darker themes. For him, the concept of being haunted connects closely to recurring ideas that appear in dreams, often looping over time. He points to repeated dreams of his daughters during periods of travel for work as an example, while acknowledging that listeners may relate the theme to entirely different experiences, such as memories of people from their past.
“When I Sleep” reflects a broader creative direction that Hermetik plans to continue exploring. Future releases will further develop this melodic, vocal-forward approach, while a separate side project under the name ATEN (A 10) will focus on classic house, tech house, and minimal techno. Together, these paths suggest a clear and practical expansion of his work, guided by consistency rather than abrupt change.
