By 
Known to many as HourGlass, the artist behind tracks supported by some of electronic music’s biggest names, Metsh returns after 3 years away from the spotlight with a renewed vision and a new creative chapter. In this conversation, he
reflects on his evolution as an artist, the lessons learned during his time away, and the journey that brought him back to where it all began.
1. You’ve been part of the electronic music scene for almost 16 years. Looking back, what are the moments from your journey as HourGlass that you’re most proud of?
I’m proud of everything I achieved during my journey as HourGlass. It allowed me to connect with people though my music and thought me a lot about myself as an artist. Seeing artists like Solomun support my work, having my music played on major stages, collaborating with talented friends, and receiving recognition from artists I respected, were all special moments. HourGlass wasn’t just a project it was a chapter that helped shape me as an artist and laid the foundation for everything I’m building today as Metsh.
2. During your HourGlass years, your music received support from artists like Solomun and other major names. How did those milestones shape your confidence and vision as an artist?
Before my break, I had established a solid journey as HourGlass, releasing tracks that received significant support, including my remix of Umm Kulthum’s “Inta Omri,” which was played by Solomun. I also collaborated with my close friends BASET, and ZHU played my edit of “Faded” during a Cercle Festival. Those moments gave me confidence and reminded me that authentic music will always find its audience, and they also reminded me that success is a process and taught me to keep evolving rather than becoming comfortable.
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3. At one point, you decided to move away from the HourGlass identity and return as Metsh. Was it simply a name change, or does it represent a completely new musical direction?
I see it more as an evolution than a complete shift. Melodic techno will always be a huge part of my journey, and I’m proud of everything I achieved during that chapter. However, I felt it was the right time to return as Metsh and build something that reflects who I am today as an artist, allowing me to express myself with more freedom while staying true to the journey that got me here.
The more music I discovered and the more experiences I had, the more my taste evolved. I still love melodic techno, but today I connect more with the groove, rhythm, and energy of Afro House, Melodic House, and Indie Dance. It’s not a departure from who I was it’s an evolution of who I am.
4. You stepped away from the spotlight for several years. What was happening behind the scenes during that period?
A lot was happening behind the scenes. One of the biggest changes was moving to Dubai for a few years, which gave me a completely different perspective both personally and professionally. Even though I stepped away from the spotlight, I never stepped away from music. I was constantly discovering new artists, following trends, and developing new ideas. What looked like a break from the outside was actually a preparation phase for the next chapter.
5. Was it difficult watching the music scene continue to grow and evolve while you were away?
Absolutely. There were moments when it wasn’t easy watching the scene move forward without being part of it. But that time away also gave me clarity. During that period, I kept a close eye on the industry, discovered new artists, and thought carefully about how I wanted my comeback to unfold. Looking back, that distance gave me the perspective I needed to move forward with confidence.
6. A lot has changed in the industry over the last few years. What surprised you most when you returned?
What surprised me the most was seeing how much the industry now revolves around visibility and audience reach. Things move faster than ever, and social media has become a huge part of an artist’s journey. But despite all those changes, I still believe the foundation remains the same. Great music, consistency, genuine connections, and staying true to your sound are what create a lasting career.
7. Do you think artists today have more freedom to reinvent themselves, or is there more pressure than ever to fit into one sound or image?
I think it’s a bit of both. Artists today have more freedom than ever to share their music and connect directly with the audience, but once you’re known for a certain sound, there’s often an expectation to stay within it. Technology, social media, streaming platforms, and AI have made the industry move faster than ever, creating pressure to constantly evolve. For me, the key is finding the balance between growth andstaying true to yourself.
8. Looking back, what would the version of you who started this journey 16 years ago think about the artist you’ve become today?
I think he’d be proud. Not because of specific achievements, but because I stayed true to myself. The sound evolved, but the passion that started this journey has never changed.
9. How do you introduce Metsh to someone who only knows HourGlass?
I’d tell them that Metsh isn’t replacing HourGlass, it’s the next chapter. The people who followed me during my melodic techno journey know that my music has always reflected where I am creatively at a particular moment in time. This new chapter isn’t about leaving the past behind; it’s about bringing everything I’ve learned and experienced into something new. The emotion, storytelling, and passion are still there. The biggest difference is the sound. Today, Afro House, Melodic
House, and Indie Dance are the soundtrack of my journey. Genres may change, but authenticity and a strong artistic identity are what people remember in the long run.
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10. What should people expect from this new chapter of your career?
People can expect a more mature version of me, both musically and personally. The time away gave me the chance to grow, gain new experiences, and develop a much clearer understanding of who I am as an artist and where I want to go. This isn’t about returning to where I left off as HourGlass. It’s about taking everything I’ve learned throughout my journey and turning it into something new. In many ways, this feels less like a comeback and more like coming home.
“This isn’t a comeback. It’s the next evolution of a journey that started more than 16 years ago.”
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