Los Angeles-based artist Erik David Hidde, the creative mastermind behind the project Mohawk Castle, is making waves with his latest single, I Killed The Velvet Underground. Set to release on January 31, 2025, the track stands as a bold statement and a deeply personal exploration. With a musical legacy spanning over a decade, Hidde is best known for his acclaimed work with Prison Escapee, a project that delivered 11 albums, an EP, and a wealth of singles and covers from 2014 to 2024. Mohawk Castle represents a thrilling new chapter in his creative journey.
As the final piece on his debut album Die for Love, I Killed The Velvet Underground feels like a culmination of Hidde’s artistic evolution. The track is steeped in reverence for one of rock music’s most iconic acts, The Velvet Underground, while simultaneously forging its own distinctive sound. It doesn’t merely reference the past; it grapples with it, pulling raw emotion and defiant energy into a sonic landscape that feels timeless yet entirely modern.
The inspiration behind the track came during a turbulent period in Hidde’s life. This context breathes an unmistakable authenticity into the music, with each note and lyric carrying the weight of personal reflection. The song captures the essence of transformation—confronting darkness to find light, acknowledging influence while creating something fiercely original. The title itself, provocative and daring, speaks to Hidde’s bold approach to storytelling through music.
Sonically, I Killed The Velvet Underground delivers a rich tapestry of sounds, blending raw guitars, melancholic melodies, and emotive vocals. There’s an undeniable post-punk grit to the production, paired with a cinematic sense of grandeur that elevates the track beyond traditional genre boundaries. Hidde’s voice carries a raw, almost visceral quality, perfectly suited to the song’s themes of confrontation and catharsis. The instrumentation is layered and dynamic, pulling listeners deeper into its evocative atmosphere with every passing moment.
Fans of Hidde’s previous work with Prison Escapee will undoubtedly recognize his signature ability to craft emotionally resonant music. However, Mohawk Castle feels like an entirely new beast—freer, bolder, and unafraid to push the boundaries of conventional songwriting. I Killed The Velvet Underground is a testament to his growth as an artist, showcasing a fearless approach to both sound and storytelling.
Beyond the music itself, the track reflects Hidde’s ongoing dialogue with love, loss, and the inevitable passage of time. As the closing track of Die for Love, it brings the album’s themes full circle, offering a powerful resolution while leaving listeners with much to contemplate. The title may suggest the end of an era, but in many ways, it signals a new beginning for Mohawk Castle.
As Hidde steps into this new phase of his career, it’s clear that Mohawk Castle is poised to carve out its own place in the music landscape. With I Killed The Velvet Underground, he delivers a bold, emotive anthem that lingers long after the final note fades. It’s a track that dares to challenge, inspire, and connect, embodying everything great music should be.
