Anetha
DJ | Producer
‘Things that keep me alive during endless pandemic: boiler room sets from years ago.’ An exact quote taken from the comments under Anetha’s 2018 Boiler Room in Amsterdan’s Skate Cafe. While BR’s comment section can be a strange place at times, this remark is relatable. Looking back at the stream now, it’s hard to imagine being in such a scenario; bodies squished against each other with speakers stacked in every corner. What makes this set even more memorable though is Anetha’s fun and unquestionably banging track selection while maintaining focus in the pit of the room.
Although she has been DJing and producing for ten years now, Anetha’s profile grew exponentially since that particular set. A native of Bordeaux, her path in music began when she moved to Paris to study architecture and it was here that she explored the underworld of techno via Blocaus, Sonotown and Concrete, all of which offered a more gritty alternative on the Parisian club circuit.
Joining the Blocaus collective in 2012, she continued to learn the craft of mixing vinyl before becoming a resident DJ with the platform. Playing everything from new-wave, EBM, electro to 90s trance, Anetha developed a distinct sound which soon led to bookings outside of Paris at fabric, Soenada festival, Basis, Berghain and of course, that Boiler Room in Amsterdam amongst many others. Her debut release on Blocaus ‘Leftover Love’ in 2017 marked a turning point which later spurred the launch of her own imprint Mama told ya, and more recently, her agency Mama loves ya.
The pause in touring has allowed Anetha to focus on both her label, community and the artists she wants to bring on board. Reflecting on a time when she once played in Paris under the moniker of ‘Anna M’, she also shares her thoughts on dance music and the industry going forward, the new fluffy additions in her life and more…
Photo: 75021 Archives
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it? What was the music vibe at the time?
These photos have been taken from one of the very first raves organised in an abandoned office transformed to an art centre near Paris (6B) called 75021 — and also one of my first real vinyl sets in Paris.
These parties were at the core of the revival of the electronic Parisian music scene almost 10 years ago. It was a 12hour format called ‘Midday-Midnight’. The atmosphere was sweat, people were caring and loving, music was high quality only…so many friendships and love stories started from here.
In a word, it was the perfect cocktail. Ask any music lover what 75021 at 6B represents for him / her, the answer will be forever “aaaaw, 6B 💜”.
Also from the rave that day 💜
How are you right now and what's life currently like in Paris?
Apart from the international Covid crisis that endangers culture and especially the electronic music scene ahahah, I’m honestly doing just fine. I used this break to take a step back and re-think about my career, what I wanted to do, to produce, etc. I’ve been focusing on my label Mama told ya, launching a new project/family called Mama loves ya to help emerging artists, and work on the ecological sides of a DJ career, and preparing — hopefully soon — to come back. Of course, it’s a hard time for everyone, but I’m very confident about the future and I’m really looking forward to party with everyone again.
What's been going on over at Mama told ya recently and what have you got planned for the imprint this year?
Actually, the label is doing super great. Even better than expected! The support from the scene has been amazing. We released 3 collaborative EPs / LPs with artists that I love: ABSL, UFO95, Sugar, Hadone and Niki Istrefi.
I also worked with amazing artists on the graphic part of the label. Great stuff came from collaborating with other artists, so I am really happy about it. We have lots of ongoing stuff planned, starting with a 4 vinyl, 16 track multi-electronic-style compilation that will be announced in the next few days.
November marked the launch of Mama loves ya. How does the label differ to Mama told ya?
Honestly, they aren’t very different because they each have the same goal — to allow the emergence of young artists. I want to pass on what I have learned over the past 10 years, to share my experience and both Mama told ya and Mama loves ya allow me to this.
And also, I like creating a big and beautiful family around me.
As a DJ, producer and record label owner, how do you currently feel about the future?
One thing at a time, I am in the present right now, with lots of projects coming.
But yeah, sometimes, I am afraid when I see repression against culture, youth and also our freedom (in France, but everywhere in the world too). But I trust people above all else. And also I trust the family around me to overcome obstacles together.
Back to the present moment. Tell us how the photo below is something that brings happiness in your day-to-day life right now?
This is my routine now — being blocked at home producing with a new sound system and two Maine Coons we just adopted a few months ago — Bassiani and Trinity. They are so cute, and the best ghost producers I ever had ahahah 😁
Bassiani and Trinity 🐾 Photo: Anetha