Hyde Out is the musical duo of Omar Merlo (from Lugano) and Jaka Levstek, two seasoned musicians who began their creative partnership in 2014. Rooted in indie alt-pop rock and offering a fresh take on the iconic sounds of 90s British bands, Hyde Out’s music blends diverse influences, ranging from folk and pop to prog-rock and hard rock, resulting in a rich and eclectic soundscape.
In 2018, Hyde Out self-produced their debut demo album, marking the beginning of their musical journey. This was followed by the 2020 release of their EP Chiaraluna, created in collaboration with Italian musicians. That same year, they unveiled their first full-length studio album, Smoke and Mirrors — a 12-track project that garnered 100,000 streams within just a few weeks and received widespread acclaim. The breakout single, Alive, became the band's most popular song, while the title track earned multiple songwriting awards.
Hyde Out’s second album, Tunnel Vision (2022), saw the duo delve deeper into harder rock, characterised by bold guitar riffs and high-energy anthems such as Over This, Armchair Uprise, and When the Winter Comes. Recorded across studios in Ticino, the US, and the UK — including London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios — Tunnel Vision further solidified Hyde Out’s reputation in the rock scene.
In November 2024, Hyde Out released their latest album, Moonfactory, marking a return to the softer, melodic textures reminiscent of Smoke and Mirrors. This new collection showcases their signature genre-blending style, offering a compelling mix of pop-rock songs that explore a range of moods and musical directions.
Looking ahead to 2025, Hyde Out will release a series of new singles leading up to their next album, beginning with the vintage-inspired rock anthem Caught in a Trap. Stay tuned!