The global pandemic has been devastating for the music industry as a whole, though there have been a select few that have locked themselves in the studio and made the most of isolation.
One of those names is Mha Iri, a UK-based techno producer who has released music with 1605, AnalyticTrail, and Orange Recordings since the beginning of 2020.
Her most recent catalogue addition finds her return to UMEK’s renowned 1605, this time for the release of her “A Million Lightyears” EP, which includes two brand new originals.
We spoke to Mha Iri to ask her about her recent move from Australia to Scotland, how she’s found working with UMEK and his team, and the best advice she’s received so far in her career. Get the full discussion below.
Hey Mha, we saw the news that you recently relocated from Melbourne to Scotland, what inspired that move?
I made the decision to move for a number of reasons, but mainly that Melbourne has been the most locked down city in the world. I also missed being with my family, and spending time in Europe, so it felt right to leave and go back home.
And your release schedule has been quite busy recently, with multiple releases on UMEK’s 1605 this year, how have you found working with those guys?
I love working with 1605. UMEK always gives me great feedback and is very supportive of my music. Everyone who works at the label is very professional, and releasing with them is a pleasure.
You’ve also released music on Respekt and AnalyticTrail, which other labels might we see added to the list in the coming months?
I’ve been sending my tracks exclusively to 1605, and that will be the plan for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, I’ll manage to get one last EP out before the end of this year.
You’re amongst the next generation of producers that’s currently coming through and building a name for themselves, who are some of today’s elite that inspired you to produce techno in the first place?
One of my main inspirations is Metodi Hristov, because his sound is unique, and his tracks combine a lot of elements yet sound so clean. A few others who I admire and who inspired me are UMEK, Julian Jeweil, and Sam Paganini. I just love artists that explore something different in techno.
And do you have a specific label that you’ve wanted to release on since the beginning of your career?
Honestly, 1605 was a dream for me for a very long time, and I’m really thankful that I’ve been able to release with them.
Lastly, what is the best piece of advice that you’ve received from one of your peers, whether it’s related to production, DJing, or just life in general?
No matter what you do in life, people will criticise and judge you. Don’t buy into the noise, focus on yourself, and do what makes you happy. It’s important to enjoy this precious life as much as possible.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you would like to mention before we go?
Thank you for your time. My most recent EP on 1605 is called A Million Lightyears, and came out on October 15th, and I’m really proud of it, so would love everyone to take a listen. For everyone reading this, thanks for your time and I hope you have a wonderful day.
Mha Iri – A Million Lightyears EP is out now on 1605.