HNTR Releases New Collaboration with Oscar Winner Juicy J After Viral Remix Success

The Electric Daisy Carnival: A Festival of Dreams and Beats

The Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) in Las Vegas is more than just a music festival; it’s an electrifying experience that draws together over half a million attendees for an exhilarating three days of immersive soundscapes and vibrant visuals. This annual gathering is key for electronic dance music (EDM) lovers and artists alike, serving as a significant milestone that many DJs aspire to reach. For countless EDM artists, performing at EDC symbolizes having made it in the industry.

This year, the spotlight shone on Toronto-native HNTR, who made his EDC debut amidst a whirlwind of anticipation. Although he wasn’t officially on the lineup in 2025, HNTR’s presence lingered in the air, with his remix of Cloonee and InntRaw’s “Stephanie” — which sampled Young M.A’s “OOOUUU” — echoing across all stages.

The Journey of HNTR: From Remixes to Recognition

Fast forward a year, and HNTR has launched his new track, “Holla At A Player,” featuring Academy Award Winner, Juicy J. In an exclusive interview, we delved into how this track materialized, his reflections on the incredible success of his viral remix, and a closer look at the artist behind the name.

Reflecting on the past year, HNTR shared, “It was honestly unreal… To see it go from a bootleg in my sets to a record being played by pretty much everyone was crazy. It changed my career, but more than anything, it gave me confidence.” His remix had been embraced by heavyweights like Tiësto and Alison Wonderland, helping propel him into the limelight.

EDC Debut: A Dream Realized

HNTR’s EDC performance at the Stereo Bloom stage was a culmination of hard work and dreams. “EDC has always been a bucket list festival for me,” he recalls. His meticulous preparation underscored his commitment; he spent the hours leading up to his set crafting new music. “I wanted to play as much of my own (new) music as possible,” he said, expressing the importance of this opportunity.

His emotional reaction upon stepping on stage amid a sea of fans was palpable. “It was one of those times where you realize where all the hard work has taken you,” he noted, summarizing the weight of the moment.

The Man Behind the Music: HNTR’s Background

For those who discovered HNTR through his remix of “Stephanie,” he’s a DJ and producer hailing from Toronto, a city known for its rich hip-hop culture and vibrant dance music scene. HNTR explained how these influences blended naturally in his work. “A lot of people told me that blending hip hop and dance music wouldn’t work. But I always believed there could be an audience for it,” he stated.

With years of crafting his sound through club gigs and experimental releases, HNTR emphasized the importance of resilience and evolution in his artistic journey.

Celebrating Achievements: A Year of Milestones

Reflecting on the past year, HNTR mentioned several pivotal moments, including his EDC debut and international tours. With eight Beatport No. 1s and a position at #46 on the top 101 producers list, as well as winning Remix of the Year at the Beatport awards, his career is flourishing. However, he values continuous growth over fleeting fame, as he elaborated: “The goal has always been to build something bigger than one song.”

Navigating the Ups and Downs of Rapid Success

Describing rapid success often comes with hidden challenges, HNTR was candid about his experiences. “People call it overnight success, but it was an overnight success 15 years in the making,” he laughed. The shifting expectations post-success, according to him, bring added pressure, but he views this as a reward for his years of effort. His focus remains on maintaining the mindset that got him to this point in his career.

The Creation of “Holla At A Player”: Collaborating with Juicy J

“Holla At A Player” encapsulates HNTR’s unique creativity and musical ethos. The song, featuring Juicy J, began from a simple loop and a drop idea. “We have a great creative relationship with Kinetica Records,” HNTR shared. In a twist of fate, Juicy J, the artist he admired, was quick to respond to the collaboration. The impact of Juicy J’s vocals transformed the piece, elevating it to new heights.

A Poignant Live Moment: Juicy J’s Surprise Appearance

HNTR shared an unforgettable moment when Juicy J made a surprise appearance during his set at Billboard’s The Arrival party in the Coachella Valley. The interaction brought a flood of emotions — “It’s one thing hearing a record in the studio, but it’s another seeing people react to it live.” The thrill of collaboration and live feedback underscored the essence of what music means to him.

Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Aspirations

With aspirations for the future, HNTR hinted at a plethora of upcoming projects. “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes,” he mentioned, hinting at new records and exciting collaborations. His collaborations resonate with artists who have carved their own niches, emphasizing the importance of unique contributions to the musical landscape.

HNTR’s fervent passion remains evident as he eyes potential collaborators, including Denzel Curry, Ty Dolla $ign, and beyond. “For me, it’s less about how famous someone is and more about whether they’re bringing something unique to the table,” he articulated, illustrating his commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

As HNTR continues to shape his artistic journey, both fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely. The question remains: what new heights will this dynamic artist reach next?