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Clinton Township, MI. Detroit-born synth-pop innovator JH-X9, the artistic alter ego of Justin Horbes, is making waves with his latest single “Heavy Water.”
for fusing moody industrial textures with infectious, danceable rhythms, JH-X9 delivers a hypnotic soundscape of fluid melodies, mechanical beats, and haunting monotone vocals that linger long after the track ends.“Heavy Water started as a cyclical melodic line,” JH-X9 explains. “It carried this fluid, melancholy, slightly ominous vibe. The Roland D-10 keyboard gave it an oceanic, melodic theme, almost like Enya’s new age atmosphere, but twisted into something mechanical and danceable.”The single highlights his signature ability to strike a balance between industrial grit and rhythmic drive. Layered arpeggiated bass lines and pounding mechanical beats create an atmosphere that is both mesmerizing and immersive, designed for any setting from the club floor to late-night drives to quiet moments of reflection.Rooted in Detroit’s rich techno heritage, JH-X9 embraces the city’s industrial DNA. “Detroit techno has this robotic, factory-like sound, which I try to carry into my music,” he says. Vocoder-driven backing vocals add a semi-human, robotic undertone, reinforcing the tension between machine precision and emotional depth.A self-taught producer, JH-X9 has evolved from experimenting with percussive sounds made from pots, pans, and junk metal to mastering hardware synthesizers, crafting tracks with polished percussive textures and deep 808-inspired bass. “Heavy Water” reflects that growth, pairing raw experimentation with refined production.The track has already gained recognition from DJs and mix shows within the darker electronic scene, including features on Communion After Dark, a showcase for Gothic and darkwave music, and Synthentral, a program spotlighting synth-pop and electronic exploration. Fans and critics alike have praised “Heavy Water” for its haunting yet danceable structure and stylistic versatility.“Right now, my focus is on versatility,” JH-X9 notes. “I draw from Eurobeat, J-pop, industrial, and techno. Heavy Water is a reflection of that evolution. It is stylistically unique, but it is also distinctly me.”For new listeners and longtime fans, “Heavy Water” captures JH-X9’s bold approach to electronic music, blending melody, rhythm, and mechanical textures into an experience that feels both futuristic and unforgettable.About JH-X9
JH-X9 is the creative alter ego of Detroit-based musician Justin Horbes (b. 1999). He released his debut album in 2016 while still in high school, earning coverage from international music blogs and radio shows including X-Ray FM’s Songs From Under The Floorboard and Italy’s Whitelight//Whiteheat. In 2019, JH-X9 performed his first live show opening for French coldwave duo Lovataraxx. Today, he continues to push the boundaries of electronic music, merging industrial, techno, and synth-driven elements into a sound that is as moody and mechanical as it is immersive and danceable.
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