Touted by industry tastemakers as one of most hyped artists of the past twelve months, and with her releases consistently making their way into Beatport’s Best New Melodic House and Techno Charts, Los Angeles-based Iranian DJ, producer and NXT event founder Mana Nabati – aka MANTi – is fast becoming one of the most exciting rising talents on the underground circuit. Crafting a unique and distinctive sound palette through an immersive education in Music Production and Sound Design at Point Blank Music School in LA, MANTi’s sonic journey is characterised by deep, melodic and atmospheric compositions that champion resonant basslines and vibrant synth work.
Championed by some of the industry’s most respected artists – from Âme and Jimi Jules to Innellea and Mind Against – her discography spans releases on a huge spread of leading labels including Automatik, ATLANT, Elektrons, Kiosk I.D., Marginalia, Zamna and Akumandra (to name a few). Ahead of the release of her huge collaboration with Mira — “Distance” — which drops this Friday on MiZi MuZik, we had the chance to sit down with MANTi to discuss her cultural influences, career defining moments, her NXT event series and more.
MANTi & Mira – Distance is available from April 11 via MiZi MuZik:
https://www.beatport.com/release/mizi-tapes-001/4987289
You were born in Tehran and are now based in LA. How have these two cultures influenced your sound and artistic approach?
Growing up in Tehran exposed me to a deep musical tradition rooted in emotion and storytelling. Persian music has this rich melodic structure and subtle complexity that I think still shows up in my productions today. When I moved to LA, I found myself surrounded by a completely different energy—more experimental, open, and futuristic. The mix of these two worlds gave me a unique perspective.
Your career has been growing rapidly, with releases on major labels and performances at top venues. What have been some of the most defining moments for you so far?
There have been a few moments that really shifted things for me. Getting support from artists I deeply respect—like Âme, Trikk, and Jimi Jules—was a big one. Another was playing at iconic venues like Kater Blau or playing festivals like Dreamfields Mexico and Fusion.
Let’s talk about your upcoming release with Mira on MiZi MuZik—how did this collaboration come about?
Mira and I have been close friends for a while. We have a lot of creative synergy and mutual respect for each other’s sound, so when she and Mila Stern started MiZi MuZik, it felt like the perfect time to come together. The idea was to create something that reflects both of our worlds—deep, hypnotic, melodic—and that would also align with the ethos of the label.
Can you give us some insight into the creative process behind this track? How did you and Mira merge your styles?
It was a really fluid process. We started with a shared mood and some references we both loved—dark, trippy, minimal but still melodic. I laid down the foundation with a groove and some synth layers, and Mira brought in her signature touch: these dreamy textures and a sense of space that added so much depth. We bounced the project back and forth between Berlin and LA, refining it over time.
How does working with MiZi MuZik align with your artistic vision? What excites you most about this label?
MiZi MuZik stands for everything I care about—artistic freedom, thoughtful curation, and emotional depth in music. It’s not about chasing trends or formulas, but rather creating timeless pieces that stay with you. What excites me most is the community they’re building. Mira and Mila Stern are both incredible artists and curators, and they’re bringing in fresh talent with strong creative voices. I’m honored to be part of the early releases and to contribute to the label’s identity.
You’ve released music on an impressive range of labels. How do you decide which label is the right fit for a particular track?
Every track has its own personality, and I want to find the right home for it—whether that’s a label that champions emotional storytelling, or one that’s more experimental or raw. I also value relationships. If a label understands what I’m trying to say artistically and gives me the space to express that, it’s a good match.
Sound design seems to be a crucial part of your work—do you have any signature techniques or favorite gear/software you rely on?
I love layering drums and percussions and using reverb and spatial effects—Valhalla is my go-to. One thing I do often is resample and reprocess my own sounds, so even simple elements start to take on new life.
You’ve played at some of the most renowned venues and festivals. How does your approach to DJing differ from your approach to production?
Production is where I go inward—it’s personal, introspective, sometimes obsessive. DJing is the opposite—it’s about connection, presence, and reading the room. When I’m producing, I’m creating a story from scratch. When I’m DJing, I’m curating an experience in real time, adapting based on energy. I love that balance. One feeds the other. Testing out new ideas live also helps me refine them in the studio.
Your LA-based event series, Koncept (formerly NXT), has brought together some of the biggest names in the scene. What’s the vision behind it, and how has it evolved?
The idea behind Koncept/NXT was to create an intimate but forward-thinking space for underground electronic music in LA. I wanted to build something that was artist-first and experience-driven—where both the sound and the vibe were on point. Over the years, it’s evolved from a local night to a platform that showcases international talent and nurtures the community. We’ve had everyone from scene legends to rising stars, and it’s been beautiful to watch the crowd grow with us.
With releases already lined up for major labels in 2025, what can fans expect from MANTi in the coming year?
2025 is shaping up to be big. I have releases coming on some of my favorite labels which I can’t mention at the moment, and a few collaborations I’m really excited about. Beyond that, I’ll be spending most of the summer in Europe and playing shows there which I’m really excited about.
Are there any dream collaborations or projects you’re hoping to pursue?
Tons! I’d love to one day collaborate with artists like Âme, Trikk, Frankey & Sandrino, and Mind Against. I really admire their work. I’m also curious about exploring cross-disciplinary projects—maybe working with visual artists to create a full sensory experience. But for now, I’m just enjoying the journey and staying open to what flows naturally.
How do you see the underground electronic music scene evolving, and where do you see yourself within it?
I think the underground is evolving in a really interesting direction—there’s more crossover between genres, and a hunger for authenticity. People are craving depth again, and I love that. I see myself continuing to explore the edges of that space—making music that feels timeless, building community through events, and hopefully contributing to a more inclusive, artist-driven culture. The underground has always been about freedom, and I want to honor that while pushing it forward.
If you weren’t a DJ/producer, what do you think you’d be doing?
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, so maybe something in the visual arts. But honestly, music has been the thread through everything for as long as I can remember—so even if I wasn’t doing it professionally, I think I’d still find a way to be immersed in it.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to up-and-coming producers trying to break into the scene?
Be patient and stay consistent. It’s so easy to compare yourself to others, especially in the age of social media, but the only path that matters is your own. Focus on developing your sound, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The artists that stand out are the ones who stay true to their vision.
MANTi & Mira – Distance is available from April 11 via MiZi MuZik: https://www.beatport.com/release/mizi-tapes-001/4987289
