Mha Iri is back on UMEK‘s label 1605 with a second EP for the imprint following the chart-topping success of her first one.
One of the most exciting new talents to break out of Australia, Mha Iri has been carving a name for herself with her unique blend of uplifting synth lines, hard-hitting percussions and intense atmosphere to create a twisted euphoria.
Already a popular DJ in Australia and its surrounding regions, her tracks on labels such as Markantonio’s AnalyticTrail and Spektre’s Respekt have exposed her talents to the world.
UMEK is one of the DJs who regularly support her music in DJ sets, so it comes as no surprise she is now a core part of the 1605 family.
The three original tracks on this EP are all fine examples of why Mha Iri is fast becoming one of the most hyped techno artists.
Track two “Hardest Hue” gets dark with its thrashing percussions and brooding atmosphere full of things that go bump in the night. Its sinister aggression and fast-paced rhythms are perfect for delivering maximum impact on the dance floor.
Enjoy our exclusive premiere of Mha Iri “Hardest Hue” below and read on for our exclusive chat with this exciting producer from down under.
Hi Mha, how are you, are you still living in Australia?
Yes, I am still living in Melbourne, Australia. I’m really good thanks, and very excited for my new EP on UMEK’s 1605.
Hi Mha, how are you, are you still living in Australia?
Yes, I am still living in Melbourne, Australia. I’m really good thanks, and very excited for my new EP on UMEK’s 1605.
Who are some the artists who you consider to be main influences, and how would you describe your sound?
I really love Metodi Hristov’s style even though it differs from mine. I appreciate the fact that he has a lot of elements in his tracks but manages to keep such a tight sound. I also admire UMEK as an artist and a human being, which is why I am so happy to have another EP coming out on his incredible label 1605. I would describe my sound as hard-hitting but emotive. For me, I love a song that makes me feel some form of emotion, and I always try to capture that in my work.
Is your part of the world still in Lockdown, and are you still able to play gigs?
We are very fortunate in Melbourne, as we have managed to enjoy the last few months with clubs open, and a few festivals happening around Australia. I’m so thankful that I’ve still been able to play, however we did endure one of the world’s longest lockdowns before this. I definitely had a dark period last year, which right now I know many other artists throughout the world are still experiencing. My heart goes out to those still going through tough times.
What are your thoughts on the Australian scene, and how do you think it compares to the US and Europe?
In all honesty, I don’t know about the scene in the US. Comparing Australia to Europe, I think that there has been a clear techno movement in Australia over the past few years, and that has helped link our scenes, as I know techno has been deeply engrained in Europe a long time. Techno is getting bigger all the time in Australia, and that really excites me.
If someone was visiting Australia, what clubs would you recommend if they are looking for a good techno night?
‘Xe54’, ‘Subclub’ and ‘New Guernica’ are all awesome spaces with a great vibe and a special crowd.
I recently checked out your Angels Cry EP on UMEK’s 1605, and have to say I really enjoyed it. Could you tell me more about the tracks?
“Angels Cry” was a very emotional track for me, and was an expression of my feelings throughout lockdown. It’s uplifting, but in some way, still has a dark feel to it. “Hardest Hue” and “Fearful or Fearless” are much darker in contrast so really smash a dance floor whenever I’ve played them.
How did you first make contact with UMEK?
UMEK played my collab with ABYSSVM called “Phyllotropis” at a music festival in Australia, and a friend of mine sent me a video. I sent him a message on Instagram to thank for supporting the track and from there we struck up a conversation. We discussed me sending him some demos, and after a few submissions, UMEK decided on my track “Time Lapse” for a various artists release. After the success of that track, he has signed another two EPs of mine.
Which other labels have you worked with, and what’s next after the 1605 release?
Spektre’s label Respekt was a big goal for me so I was really happy when I released with them. I’d already released on a bunch of other labels before that, and my next plan is to hopefully get another EP signed by UMEK. My focus is on quality over quantity, so I’m taking my time, and solidifying my sound.
Thanks for talking with us today, is there anything you would like to add before we wrap things up?
I would just like to say that I know it’s a tough time for a lot people around the world, but don’t give up, keep fighting, and I send you all my love. Thanks for talking to me today.
I really love Metodi Hristov’s style even though it differs from mine. I appreciate the fact that he has a lot of elements in his tracks but manages to keep such a tight sound. I also admire UMEK as an artist and a human being, which is why I am so happy to have another EP coming out on his incredible label 1605. I would describe my sound as hard hitting but emotive. For me, I love a song that makes me feel some form of emotion, and I always try to capture that in my work.
Is your part of the world still in Lockdown, and are you still able to play gigs?
We are very fortunate in Melbourne, as we have managed to enjoy the last few months with clubs open, and a few festivals happening around Australia. I’m so thankful that I’ve still been able to play, however we did endure on of the world’s longest lockdowns before this. I definitely had a dark period last year, which right now I know many other artists throughout the world are still experiencing. My heart goes out to those still going through tough times.
What are your thoughts on the Australian scene, and how do you think it compares to the US and Europe?
In all honesty, I don’t know about the scene in the US. Comparing Australia to Europe, I think that there has been a clear techno movement in Australia over the past few years, and that has helped link our scenes, as I know techno has been deeply engrained in Europe a long time. Techno is getting bigger all the time in Australia, and that really excites me.
If someone was visiting Australia, what clubs would you recommend if they are looking for a good techno night?
‘Xe54’, ‘Subclub’ and ‘New Guernica’ are all awesome spaces with a great vibe and a special crowd.
I got an early listen of your Angels Cry EP on UMEK’s 1605, and have to say I really enjoyed it. Could you tell me more about the tracks?
“Angels Cry” was a very emotional track for me, and was an expression of my feelings throughout lockdown. It’s uplifting, but in some way, still has a dark feel to it. “Hardest Hue” and “Fearful or Fearless” are much darker in contrast so really smash a dance floor whenever I’ve played them.
How did you first make contact with UMEK?
UMEK played my collab with ABYSSVM called “Phyllotropis” at a music festival in Australia, and a friend of mine sent me a video. I sent him a message on Instagram to thank for supporting the track and from there we struck up a conversation. We discussed me sending him some demos, and after a few submissions UMEK decided on my track “Time Lapse” for a various artists release. After the success of that track, he has signed another two EPs of mine.
Which other labels have you worked with, and what’s next after the 1605 release?
Spektre’s label Respekt was a big goal for me so I was really happy when I released with them. I’d already released on a bunch of other labels before that, and my next plan is to hopefully get another EP signed by UMEK. My focus is on quality over quantity, so I’m taking my time, and solidifying my sound.
Thanks for talking with us today, is there anything you would like to add before we wrap things up?
I would just like to say that I know it’s a tough time for a lot people around the world, but don’t give up, keep fighting, and I send you all my love. Thanks for talking to me today.
Mha Iri Angels Cry EP is out on 1605 this May 28th
Connect with Mha Iri: Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud
Connect with 1605: Online | Facebook | SoundCloud
