

South Africaโs Mia van Wyk steps deeper into the void, embracing identity, darkness, and fearless self-expression through a haunting new release.
NEW SINGLE OUT NOW โ APRIL 10, 2026 VIA Metropolis Records
Hunter As A Horseโthe cinematic dark pop project of Mia van Wykโreturns with โParadise Lost,โ a pulsing, atmospheric single that marks a defining moment in her artistic evolution.
Based in South Africaโs Western Cape, van Wyk has steadily carved out a unique sonic identity through self-released singles and EPsโblending electronic textures with deeply introspective lyricism and immersive, filmic production.
A DESCENT INTO SELF AND SHADOW โก
With โParadise Lost,โ van Wyk leans fully into transformation. The track captures the emotional rupture of shedding innocence and surrendering to a more authentic, unfiltered self.
โThis song is about accepting the loss of innocence and surrendering in order to become who I was always afraid to beโฆ Itโs about the power in fearless self-expression, celebrating the dark and painful things that formed my foundations.โ
Driven by hypnotic rhythms and a shadow-drenched atmosphere, the song explores a state of internal liberationโwhere external judgment fades, and the โshadow selfโ takes the lead.
BUILDING A DARK POP UNIVERSE ๐
โParadise Lostโ follows a string of compelling releases that continue to expand HAAHโs sonic world:
- โLighthouseโ โ a haunting fusion of mythology and psychology layered over electronic textures
- โHereโs To All The Onesโ โ a shimmering indie-electronic track tinged with melancholic beauty
Together, these releases showcase van Wykโs ability to move seamlessly between alternative, indie, electronic, and dream-popโwhile flirting with nu-goth and alternative dance elements.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM ACROSS THE GLOBE ๐
Hunter As A Horse continues to gain momentum internationally, with critics praising both the emotional depth and sonic craftsmanship of the project:
- โReinforces van Wykโs musical footprint as one of synth and saviour in the darkwave genreโ โ LOUD WOMEN
- โElectronic beats and waves of โ90s sounding synth create a massive grooveโ โ REAL GONE
- โThey prove once again that dark electro-pop can be not only danceable but also intellectually stimulatingโ โ MEDIENKONVERTER
- โOne of her most emotionally resonant statements to dateโ โ EVOL RADIO
Even The Guardian has drawn comparisons to the atmospheric brilliance of Lamb and Zero 7, calling the sound โdark and very lovely indeed.โ
SOUNDTRACKING THE STRANGE ๐ฌ
Van Wykโs music has also found its way into mainstream visual culture, featured in hit shows like American Horror Story, Riverdale, and Elite, as well as the film Wander Darkly and numerous international advertising campaigns.
Her lyrical themes draw from deeply personal and often surreal experiencesโtouching on death, addiction, astral visions, CPTSD, nostalgia, and the strange intersections of fate and imagination.
๐ถ LISTEN NOW
DEEP DIVE INTO THE UNIVERSE OF HUNTER AS A HORSE
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