Zerb – Mwaki ft. Sofiya Nzau (Mia Moretti Remix) + Interview
Los Angeles based DJ and producer Mia Moretti has put her own spin on Brazilian artist Zerb’s highly streamed track “Mwaki” featuring Kenyan vocalist Sofiya Nzau. Using elements of UK garage and Mexican cumbia rebajad, she has created a version that is chock full out bounce and crisp percussion. The remix was put out on Los Angeles based record label TH3RD BRAIN.
Read on for an interview with Mia Moretti as she talks about her creative vision for the remix, her upcoming performance at Goldenvoice Surf Club at the Palm Springs Surf Club, artists she’d like to work with, and more!
Hey Mia! Appreciate your time here today. How have the first few months of 2024 been for you?
Are the first months already gone?
How would you describe your sound in three animals, and why those animals?
A horse for a beat , a parrot on vocals and a fish to make a splash.
Your latest song in a remix of “Mwaki” by Zerb featuring Sofiya Nzau was recently released on TH3RD BRAIN. How did the opportunity come about?
I knew they wanted a pretty fat remix package, so I made this remix on spec and luckily, it got picked up.
In the five months since the original was released, it has been remixed by the likes of Tiesto, Major Lazer, Franky Wah, Timmy Trumpet, and more. What was your thought process in creating your version to stand out?
I knew they had the remix they needed, so I wanted to make something they didn’t know they needed. I decided to make something unexpected — and because the song is so recognizable I thought there was plenty of room to get funky with it. I fused a few different styles that I’ve been inspired by lately, something I probably wouldn’t do for one of my own records, but I think remixes are good opportunities to get a little loose and play around.
You’ll be playing at Goldenvoice Surf Club at the Palm Springs Surf Club during Coachella weekend on Saturday April 13, presented by Desert Air. What can fans expect to hear in your set?
I am so excited for this gig because it’s the quintessential Coachella party – the type of Coachella party I used to go to when I couldn’t afford tickets to the actual festival. I don’t know yet what to expect from my set, I think parties are best when you feel them and play what feels right in the moment.
Not even a year ago you released your debut track “You & Me” after DJing for over two decades. What does the rest of the year have in store for you?
It’s true, I really took my time there didn’t I? Luckily, after releasing “You & Me” I took a lot more time off to work on new production, so I have so much new music ready to roll out — starting Coachella weekend.
Favorite song of 2023:
Best track to play at peak time:
Mia Moretti – Piano de la Selva (KILIMANJARO Remix)
Producer(s) and/or vocalist(s) you’d most like to work with:
Vocalists: Nomi Ruiz, Lykke Li, Aluna, Empress Of, Beth Ditto
Upcoming artist(s) to watch for in 2024:
Return of the classics: Kerri Chandler, Oscar G, Louie Vega, Kenny Dope, Moody Man, etc.
Take a listen to Mia Morretti’s remix of “Mwaki” below and give her a follow!
Mia Moretti – Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / SoundCloud