Hovland is the solo project of Herman Hovland, a Norwegian electronic music producer and DJ based in Oslo. His sound blends progressive house and melodic techno with a focus on mood, texture, and emotional detail — music that builds gradually, often balancing warmth with introspection.
Active since the mid-2010s, Hovland refined his sound through projects like Von Dahl and the duo Violand, where he explored different shades of melodic techno and progressive house. Tracks such as “Antarctica”, “Sweven”, and “Elude” played a key role in shaping his current artistic direction — marked by strong melodic themes, detailed production, and a focus on emotional pacing.In 2024, he co-founded COMMA.records, a label built to support his own creative output and that of close collaborators. The label serves as a curated space for forward-thinking electronic music, with an emphasis on artistic control, clean design, and a shared ethos among its core contributors.
The Iris EP, created with longtime collaborator Marensius, marked the first release on COMMA.records and set the tone for what followed: a series of focused, melodic works shaped by careful arrangement and emotional restraint. The label has since become a home for Hovland’s evolving sound and a small circle of artists aligned in vision and process.
Hovland’s approach, both in the studio and behind the decks, is detail-oriented and restrained. His live sets are built with patience and purpose, often unfolding in long arcs rather than quick peaks. His work reflects a consistent visual and sonic language — minimal, confident, and built around a sense of space.With COMMA., Hovland continues to explore a personal version of melodic electronic music, rooted in craft, community, and a clear sense of direction.
