Mha Iri announces "Leader of the Pack" EP, her [PIAS] Électronique Debut

First of a four-EP series with “Elements” theme

EP single “Leader of the Pack” out now – Get it Here

Full EP available 6th December – Save it Here

Scotland’s techno chart-dominating powerhouse Mha Iri announces her latest project to mark her new signing to [PIAS] Électronique – a series of four EPs themed around the four Elements. First EP, three-tracker Leader of the Pack representing the element of Earth, is heralded by EP single/title track, out now, followed by the full EP on 6th December.

An emerging star, first in Australia, and now returned in triumph to her native Scotland, Mha Iri was 2023 Beatport #1 best-selling Hard Techno female artist + #2 in Peak Time/Driving Techno, while her five Drumcode and Filth On Acid releases all made Top 10, with two at #1. Her extensive touring schedule this year included Awakenings, Terminal V, Tomorrowland, and killer sets at this ADE’s Gashouder for Drumcode X Awakenings and Dockyard X Mystic Garden Festival.

Next month she returns to Australia for a five-date tour including Eat The Beat Festival alongside Carl Cox, Chris Liebing and Lilly Palmer, followed by Gashouder with Awakenings for New Year. Mha Iri’s 2024 releases on Drumcode, FOA and TRICK have made her assertive, hyper-speed brand of techno with melodic elements a key part of the scene in very short time.

First EP single “Leader of the Pack” hits the ground running with racing techno beats, hoover synth chords, and dark, no-prisoners spoken lyrics, while use of doppler FX and multiple stabs keep the vibe dynamic, urgent, relentless. Big breakdowns with siren-sound builds and deep-plunge drops complete the perfect dance fuel. “The bigger you get, the more backlash you get. But remember, your passion makes you unique. All the noise isn’t relevant. You’re the boss, bringing something special to the table. Keep following your dreams and be unapologetically you,” says Mha Iri.

“Give You” feat. Argy (UK) keeps up the punishing pace with arp-y bass, a solid wall of beats, and higher, resonant vocal riffs, with melodic phases competing with ripped metal stabs in the breakdown, while “Go Hard” goes well hard with rampageous percussion, distorted morse code stutters, mighty breakdowns using doppler to twist the sonic knife as the drop approaches, and a funky male vocal riff – all of it full of hooks from sudden changes or omissions.

The Elements theme: Mha Iri is very aware of her Scottish/Gaelic roots, including a ‘deep love for nature. This series of EPs reflects this connection. The four elements – Earth, Air, Fire and Water – provide endless creative interpretation, allowing me to express various aspects of myself as a person and artist’ she says. “I found this beautiful amethyst crystal cave in Scotland for the artwork—it felt perfect.” The first EP, themed around Earth reflects her own grounded and down-to-earth approach in her personal life and career.

Tracklist: