IN CONVERSATION WITH MHA IRI
interview by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI
Numéro Netherlands Digital presents Mha Iri, celebrating the upcoming release of her Four Elements LP. Born in Edinburgh and creatively forged in Melbourne, Mha Iri brings both elegance and intensity to her music and visual world. Her Four Elements concept — Fire, Earth, Water, and Air — channels transformation and emotion through sound, blending her skills as a vocalist, producer, and performer. With a style that merges natural freedom and industrial strength, she represents a new generation of multidisciplinary artists who push the boundaries of techno while staying deeply connected to nature’s rhythm.
Growing up in Scotland, what first sparked your love for electronic music?
My older brother John played vinyl and would show me records he had bought when I was growing up. I attended my first illegal rave when I was 15, and that’s when my love of techno really soared. I fell in love with the inclusivity and non-judgmental attitude of the raving community.
How did living between Edinburgh and Melbourne shape your sound and outlook as an artist?
When I moved to Melbourne, there wasn’t much of a scene for techno at the time — most events were house or tech-house influenced. Back then, I was really into minimal and peak-time techno, so I made it my mission to introduce that sound to Melbourne. I would always play the last set of the night at Eat The Beat, which was a weekly event mainly focused on tech house, so I got the chance to push a harder sound to people who didn’t usually listen to it.
What inspired the concept behind your Four Elements series?
The idea first struck me during a brainstorming session with my management as we began outlining the project. I wanted to design something structured in chapters or sections that would bring together my passion for nature, striking visuals, and music. As I explored the concept further, I realised there was incredible creative potential in interpreting what each element symbolises and expressing that through my music.
How did you capture the essence of “Air” in your new Fury EP?
For the “Air” element, I wanted to channel its intensity and unpredictability — like the raw, forceful energy of a storm. That meant crafting fast, driving rhythms, using sharp synths and shifting atmospheric layers to mimic the turbulence of wind.
Your sound has become harder and faster. What drives this evolution?
Over the past few years, I’ve released several heavier tracks on Filth On Acid, but recently I’ve felt myself naturally moving away from the peak-time techno sound. I realised I wasn’t feeling the same excitement about the new music coming out in that space, and my sets had started evolving toward a harder, more intense energy on their own. That shift reignited my inspiration, and I decided to embrace it fully — that’s how Fury came to life.
How do you balance emotional depth with the physical power of your tracks?
Usually, the break in my tracks is where I explore emotional depth with more intricate melodies and ethereal pads. I love to play with the contrast between dark and light, so I enjoy combining that with a really gnarly, hard-hitting drop.
You’ve played major stages worldwide. Which moment has stayed with you most?
Playing at Tomorrowland was definitely up there as a real pinch-me moment — and the stage was just beautiful.
How do the Four Elements tie into your identity, both on and off stage?
The Four Elements resonate with me because they represent the balance I strive for in both my music and my life. As someone who spends a lot of time in nature, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Each one mirrors a different part of who I am and how I create.
On stage, that energy comes out through intensity and movement — like fire and air. Off stage, I connect more with the grounding and reflective sides — like earth and water. The elements remind me that everything is connected, and that balance fuels both my music and my mindset.
Do you get involved in the visual and aesthetic side of your releases?
Yes, it was really special for me because I’ve been deeply involved with the aesthetic side of the project from the beginning. I had full creative control when it came to the imagery — planning what I wanted from each photoshoot with detailed mood boards.
What do you hope listeners feel when they hear Fury EP (Air)?
I hope they become swept up by it and feel whatever they need to feel in that moment.
