Image Courtesy of Mama Told Ya.
Founded in 2019 by French DJ and producer Anetha, Mama Told Ya is an electronic music label and platform devoted to experimentation, research and conversation. An extension of the ecologically conscious creative agency Mama Loves Ya, Mama Told Ya is a vessel for the agency to further explore the relationship between music and environment, while fostering a diverse creative community. From the get-go, Anetha set out to consider the impact of a label on both a social and ecological level by outlining some ground rules or, as she calls them, “Personal Commitments” for the agency and label to work against. From aiming to reduce single-use plastics in clubs to taking trains over planes, Mama Loves Ya is contributing to the discourse around climate change by being transparent about their actions and recognising where they could improve. After all, to borrow the words of Music Declares, there’s no music on a dead planet.
Since the agency emerged, Mama Loves Ya has worked with a number of organisations such as Greenly and Music Declares, to further understand and eventually reduce their carbon footprint while financially supporting programmes that are working to create positive ecological change, like the Delhi Science Integrated Waste Management Scheme. But alongside their commitment to the environment, Mama Told Ya are also dedicated to uplifting their community of artists by encouraging them to experiment and challenge their boundaries, embracing sounds that provoke and intrigue.
One of the first releases I listened to from Mama Told Ya was “Popularity is overrated” by UFO95 in collaboration with Anetha. Combining fast 90s techno with entrancing UK jungle beats and subtle hedonistic melodies, UFO95’s sound is a unique take on IDM that is both hypnotic and alienating, energising and dynamic. As one of the first artists to have been welcomed into the arms of Mama, I was curious to know UFO95’s thoughts on why this label differs from others, the importance of music being involved in the climate conversation and how we can reconnect with one another on the dance floor.
SLEEK: You have released a number of tracks with Mama Told Ya, your very first being the EP “Popularity is overrated”. What was it about this label that differed from others? Why did you want to work with them?
UFO95: When I discovered Mama Told Ya a few years ago, I immediately felt attracted by what they were proposing. Their visual language was the first thing that stood out to me, as it contrasted the conventional, dark aesthetic of so many other techno labels. But it wasn’t just the visuals, even their music and understanding of sound was different. I sent over a demo of mine to Anetha and pretty soon after we became close friends. Working with Mama Loves Ya and Mama Told Ya has always felt very natural, like it was always meant to be.
S: Through their “Personal Commitments”, Mama Told Ya are recognising their role within the climate crisis and being actively transparent about it. How do you think music can aid change when it comes to sustainability?
UFO95: Music is rarely placed in the context of the climate crisis. But with the Mama Told Ya and Mama Loves Ya initiatives, the word is spreading across the electronic music scene about the importance of recognising the role music plays in sustainability. By being so honest and open about their actions, Mama is promoting accessible solutions for people and other music labels to adopt.
Image Courtesy of Mama Told Ya. Portrait by Anaïs Lalitte.
S: Another one of Mama’s Personal Commitments is “We will love all kinds of music and people, unconditionally.” There is a real community and family feel with Mama Told Ya. Why is a feeling of community important when it comes to music?
UFO95: The music industry can be very isolating sometimes, so to be a part of such a community driven collective feelings very special. Mama Told Ya is very much like a family. You can ask for help and advice. You can share and exchange. You can inspire and be inspired. You can be vulnerable and you can uplift. Having a community around you, especially in the music industry, is an opportunity to learn.
S: We can also speak about the feeling of community when it comes to being on the dance floor. How can the dance floor allow us to reconnect with one another?
UFO95: Music has always been a means for people to connect with one another – whether that’s on the dance floor or through the airwaves. I actually watched an interview a few days ago where a scientist explained that dancing was not just bodies moving, but rather a language between peoples. In this way, people can become part of a singular “body” through this universal language of dance.
S: You’ve played internationally at a number of different venues; from Berlin’s Berghain to London’s Village Underground. You recently played at Munich’s BLITZ as part of the Mama Told Ya Showcase with Anetha, Mac Declos and Vel. Is the energy different when you’re playing with artists from the same label?
UFO95: When we do the Mama Told Ya showcases, it’s the best. We always stay around the one playing, dancing, smiling, laughing, supporting. The energy is incredible and I think it flows onto the dance floor. That’s why every Mama Told Ya showcase is so special. It’s not just a party with different artists; it’s a real family meeting and the crowd are an integral part of that too.
S: With each release comes a new piece of advice from Mama. For example, your most recent release back in April 2022 was named “Use your difference to make the difference”. What is the best advice you’ve received?
UFO95: Always believe in your dreams. I know it sounds a little cliché but it means so much to me, especially now that I am literally living out my dreams. It was a long process and a lot of work to be where I am now, but I’m so happy I didn’t give up.
S: And if you were to give advice, what would it be?
UFO95: The same I received: believe in your dreams. Nothing is impossible if you work for it!