Certainly no stranger the the electronic dance music scene, the esteemed DJ, music producer, and songwriter, Mia Moretti has been gracing the stages of major festivals, exclusive parties, and renowned venues across the globe for quite some time now. However, 2023 will see the true visionary from the world of music and fashion take that next big step as an artist with the release of her highly anticipated debut dance EP, TAMBOR.
Setting the tone for what’s to come with the EP’s title track featuring Totó La Momposina that was followed by her second single, “Rosa,” which serves as a drum-fueled house hit drenched in an infectious Caribbean flavor, Mia has showcased her undeniable production prowess with each release.
Still buzzing off the release of her captivating new single and with her EP right around corner, we took the time to get to know Mia Moretti a little better!
Mia Moretti – Rosa |
TSS: Who or what introduced you to the world of electronic dance music?
Mia Moretti: It must have been when Ed Banger Records burst onto the scene in Los Angeles from Paris. Every open-format DJ did a 180 and switched to electro. That was the peak of EDM.
TSS: What made you fall in love with dance music as a whole?
Mia Moretti: I think dance music transforms you from being an observer to being an active participant in the groove. That felt good.
TSS: What led you to pursue a path in music?
Mia Moretti: It was a way for me to tell stories.
TSS: DJing or production – which came first?
Mia Moretti: DJing
TSS: You’ve been DJing for quite some time now, what are some changes you’ve noticed over the years?
Mia Moretti: The biggest change is accessibility. There’s no longer a barrier to entry, like needing a vinyl collection, affording equipment, or gaining access to clubs and promoters – it’s all online now. It’s at your fingertips. If you want it, you can have it.
TSS: For anyone who may not be familiar with Mia Moretti, how would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?
Mia Moretti: My taste has always been varied, but I love lyrics and storytelling. In my production, I always look for a narrative that connects. I love strong female voices and have sampled many, from Crystal Waters to Letta Mbulu, and most recently in my upcoming EP, TAMBOR, Toto La Momposina and Petrona Martinez. Sometimes a strong voice is a story in itself. None of the samples on my EP are in English, but it doesn’t matter; you still understand the entire world they’re conveying.
TSS: What does your studio setup look like these days?
Mia Moretti: It’s full of crystals, when they aren’t charging under the moon, of course.
TSS: When you have a rough week or hit a wall creatively, how do you get yourself back on track?
Mia Moretti: I take a break and do something unrelated to get back into my rhythm.
TSS: Tell us a little bit about how your recent single “Tambor” featuring Totó La Momposina came together.
Mia Moretti: I DMed Real World Records, who had released some of her albums, about sampling Toto La Momposina. I didn’t hear back initially, but I kept writing. When I finally got a response, I immediately sent them what I had been working on, along with a letter to Toto about how I had fallen in love with her voice and wanted to share it with the world. The label asked for many things I didn’t have, as I hadn’t released any original music at that time. They still generously connected me with one of her producers, John Hollis, who has become a great pen pal and collaborated with me on my most recent single, ROSA. It has been a beautiful experience getting to know the people behind some of the world’s greatest music.
TSS: Can you share some insights into your single “Rosa”? What inspired the track, and what was the creative process behind it?
Mia Moretti: The track was inspired by a Magin Diaz track, which I unfortunately couldn’t clear. However, during the clearance process, I discovered some of the original recordings of the song, dating back to the early 1900s and originating from Cuba. This surprised me, as I assumed ROSA was a Colombian standard. To make a long story short, with John Hollis’s help, who had previously recorded a version of the song with Toto La Momposina, we created a new rendition. This time, instead of Toto singing, her two granddaughters, Oriana and Maria, along with a longtime band member of Toto, Jorge Aguilar, recorded the chorus.
TSS: Looking ahead to your upcoming EP “TAMBOR”, could you shed some light on the inspiration behind it and what the project means to you personally?
Mia Moretti: This upcoming EP is a celebration of a small but rich area of the world that produces some of the most powerful and moving music I’ve ever heard. It’s music that makes your bones shiver, the earth move, and connects your soul to your body. This music reminded me of modern dance music, and I wanted to find the connection between the two.
TSS: With 2023 quickly coming to a close, what does Mia Moretti have in store for 2024?
Mia Moretti: I’ll be releasing my first full-length album next year – classic house.
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