DJ, producer, label manager, trained architect, talent agency co-founder, and mother—these are some of the roles that have defined the career of French musician Anetha. Celebrated for her up-tempo sound that combines Hi-NRG (high energy) and trance elements, Anetha’s latest album, Mothearth, incorporates a mixture of styles, experimental genres and visual and audiovisual art forms, delving into hyper-pop, hard house, drum and bass, and techno genres. In anticipation of Pitch Music and Arts Festival, Anetha told us about her experience navigating contemporary club culture as a mother, the evolution of dance music, and the importance of taking techno “out of the club.”

AARON WEINBERG What is your first memory of dance?

ANETHA I would watch my parents dance around the house. Music was always present in my life. I remember watching people move and realising how powerful it is to express yourself through dance, especially when it connects you to the music and those around you.

AW What role do you think dance serves today?

A That’s a big question! Dance has always been a powerful form of expression, a way for people to connect with their bodies, with each other, and with something larger than themselves. I think it still serves that purpose today, maybe even more so in a world that can feel increasingly disconnected.

When you’re on the dancefloor, surrounded by music and energy, it’s like stepping outside of everyday life. You can lose yourself in the moment, let go of your inhibitions, and just feel. There’s a freedom and a sense of community in that experience that I think is really valuable.

Dance can also be a form of resistance, a way to challenge norms and express yourself in a way that words can’t always capture. It can be a celebration of both individuality and diversity. I think dance serves many roles today. It’s a source of joy, a form of release, a way to connect, and a way to resist. It’s a vital part of human expression, and I’m grateful to be a part of it

AW What are the conditions you look for in a perfect set?

A For me, a perfect set happens when I can really connect with the crowd. It’s about creating a space where people can lose themselves in the music, feel something deeper, and truly enjoy the moment. I look for the right vibe, where the energy of the room matches the music I’m playing, and we can all get lost together. I love when it feels like a shared experience, like we’re all on the same journey.

AW This year’s Pitch line-up seems to revolve around a harder and faster sound. How do you plan to contribute to the festival this year?

A I love that Pitch is embracing a harder, faster vibe! For my part, I’m going to bring the energy, but with a twist. I like to mix intensity with emotions. So, while it will be fast and powerful, I’ll also bring those moments of deeper, introspective energy that contrast with the harder sounds. It’s about creating a journey through the set.

AW You described your latest album Mothearth as “post-club’. What did you mean by that description and could you expand on this further?

A Mothearth was a big shift for me. At the time, I had just become a mother, and that naturally influenced my approach to music and producing. Clubs and festivals weren’t my only focus anymore, I wanted to create something that could exist beyond those spaces. The idea of post-club is about breaking free from the usual constraints of club music, blending different influences and genres to explore a wider emotional spectrum. It’s introspective but it also carries energy, with a raw and honest quality.

AW You’ve previously mentioned that something your label is striving towards is “to get techno and electronic music out of the club”, pushing for interdisciplinarity between music and the arts, whether that be fashion, design, film, visual arts. Which forms in particular do you think you’ve drawn from most over your own career?

A I’ve always been drawn to visual arts, whether through design or fashion. As a trained architect, visuals have always been essential to me. My work is inspired by the way music interacts with other forms of expression. I love creating cover art for my labels because visuals can transform the way we experience music. They tell a story alongside the sound. Right now, I’m collaborating with the talented visual artist FEMUR on my own visual show, EXHIBIT. This will be the ultimate Anetha experience, blending music and visuals in a unique performance. I can’t wait to share it with everyone!

AW How do your interests in fashion and music influence each other?

A Fashion and music have always been connected for me. They’re both ways of expressing identity and emotions without words. My music often reflects my personal style, my fashion choices can influence the atmosphere I want to create with my music. I like playing with contrasts, something a little raw, a little rebellious, or even futuristic, just like the musical landscape I create.

AW I wanted to ask about your online following. Do your followers effect your self-esteem and has it changed your perception of privacy?

A It’s a balance. I’m grateful for the support and the chance to share my music, but the constant attention, especially online, can be overwhelming. There’s pressure to always be ‘on’ and meet expectations. I’ve learned to protect my privacy, take breaks, and focus on what truly matters, but it took time. Motherhood was what finally helped me find that balance.

AW With all the ways in which you’ve spread your wings across the music industry, from producer to DJ and founding your own record label and sublabel, how have you found navigating techno music?

A It’s been a journey. The scene is constantly evolving, and there’s a lot of pressure to stay on top of trends while still maintaining your unique voice. What I love about techno is that it’s rooted in experimentation. Both my labels Mama Told Ya and Fané.e have allowed me to explore new ideas and support others doing the same. I’ve found that the key to navigating the scene is staying true to my vision while being open to new experiences. It’s also about collaboration and connecting with other artists who share the same mindset.