In the underground scene, where techno pulses against cold warehouse walls, Mariana BO emerges with her debut ‘Memento Mori’ EP on Filth On Acid—a powerful showcase of her sonic talent. With a unique blend of hard techno and classical violin, she shapes sounds that transcend typical techno formulas, oscillating between exhilarating highs and intense lows. Her tracks transcend mere beats, offering visceral experiences that light up dancefloors and evoke deep emotions.
‘Memento Mori’ serves as a bold declaration from an artist unafraid to defy techno norms, taking listeners on a daring sonic journey that uncovers the genre’s raw potential. Each track leaves a lasting impact, poised to echo through the underground for years. Mariana BO’s technical brilliance is matched by her magnetic stage presence. From Tomorrowland to Ultra Miami and EDC, she cements her influence, evolving into a cultural force shaping techno’s future. We had the opportunity to speak with her about ‘Memento Mori’ and what’s coming up next.
What emotions come to mind as you release your debut EP ‘Memento Mori’ on Filth On Acid, especially with the attention it’s already received?
I think it represents one of the best moments of my career as an artist. I am finally producing what I like and that makes me very happy. I think that 2025 will be a very good year with fresh sounds.
Can you walk us through your creative process when producing tracks for this EP? How do your classical roots shape your sound?
My sound is characterized by a dark, energetic vibe, which reflects my personal style. I blend Gregorian chants, rooted in my classical music background, with acid sounds to create something unique. This shift in my music feels really fulfilling, as I’m finally creating what I love, and it’s rewarding to see that people are responding positively to this change
The title track, ‘Memento Mori,’ has a powerful message. What inspired the concept behind this track and its title?
The title Memento Mori serves as a reminder that death is always present. As a Mexican, I’m inspired by our tradition of celebrating death during the Day of the Dead. At the same time, it’s a reminder that, like music, we are eternal.
Your sound blends hard techno with intricate musical elements. How have your musical influences evolved over the years, and how do they manifest in your work?
Previously, I was an EDM artist and had the opportunity to produce in various genres, which gave me valuable experience as a producer. Now, I focus solely on techno, as it’s what I truly enjoy, but all the diverse influences I’ve explored over the years continue to shape my sound and manifest in my current work
You mentioned that your tracks are visceral experiences. What emotions do you hope to evoke in listeners when they hear your music?
Rather than being purely experiential, I would describe my tracks as fresh yet dark, with a sound that’s more mature and intense. I want to share this evolution with my fans and evoke a deeper emotional connection through these powerful, evolving sounds.
In tracks like ‘Aura,’ you incorporate vocal snippets. How do you decide the elements to include, and what do you think they add to the overall auditory experience?
Through different Plug Ins, one of them being Kontakt, I like to experiment until I create something that speaks to me. ‘Aura’ is the quieter and more melodic track in the EP.
‘Cristo’ presents a more spiritual and surreal sound. How important is it for you to mix beauty and darkness in your music, and what does that balance mean to you?
In music, there are rules, but they don’t limit creativity. As a classical musician, I’ve learned the importance of balancing darkness with light. For this EP, the darker tones reflect my personality completely, and I believe that contrast adds depth. I think fans have connected with this balance of beauty and darkness.
What do you want audiences to take away from listening to ‘Memento Mori’? Is there a particular message or feeling you hope resonates with them?
As the title Memento Mori suggests, ‘remember that we will die,’ but also remember that music is eternal. With this EP, and especially this title track, I want to convey that message — that while life is fleeting, music has the power to transcend time.
You are described as a cultural force within the techno scene. How do you define your role as an artist in shaping culture through your music?
This first EP on Filth On Acid marks the beginning of a new direction of sound for me. As an artist there are no rules, it is a means of expression and I hope fans ultimately like the sound that has me in love.
Can you share any insights on what you’re working on next? Are there collaborations or new sounds on the horizon that you’re excited about?
I have a lot of new music ready to be shared soon. I previewed some of it at Tomorrowland Brazil last month, and the response was amazing. I’m also working on new collaborations with artists from the techno scene that I’m really excited about.
What specific aspects of techno do you think are underexplored and ripe for innovation?
Techno has always existed and lately, it has experienced a very rapid evolution and become more mainstream around the world. I feel that the essence of this beautiful genre should be preserved while continuing to evolve.
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Memento Mori is out now: https://lnk.to/MarianaBO!share