Backstage at ANTS: Manda Moor interview

Manda Moor is a Danish-Filipino DJ and the label boss of Mood Child records. Her blend of house and techno is inspired by the Chicago pioneers of the late ‘80s and the tech house heroes of the 2010s. Her Mood Child imprint has won Beatport’s Hype Label of the year and has put out heaters by Nick Curly, Ninetree and Rsquared. Manda Moor has become a staple at ANTS in recent years, playing the 2026 season already at both Ushuaïa Ibiza and ANTS DAY & NIGHT at [UNVRS]. Her sets from ANTS 2024 and 2025 are online to listen back to and she’s returning on 19 September to Ushuaïa Ibiza. 

We interviewed Manda Moor and discussed her early Ibiza memories, her relationship with ANTS, the latest Mood Child releases, and what we can expect from her upcoming set.

Hi Manda. Where are you from, and how did it shape your sound?

I am Danish and Filipino, and I grew up in a small town in the French Alps. My Filipino mother was a singer, so music was always present in our home. Some of my earliest memories are of her playing Queen, Michael Jackson, and ABBA. As I got older, I discovered old-school hip-hop through artists such as 2pac, Eminem, Dr. Dre, The Notorious B.I.G., and Cypress Hill. I connected deeply with the rawness and honesty of that sound.

 I inherited my passion for music from my mother and my technical curiosity and determination from my father, who is a pilot and captain. Precision and focus were always part of the environment I grew up in. My mixed heritage has also shaped the way I see and hear the world. My sound brings together different cultures, influences, and emotions, which I think gives it its character. Early in my career, I did not see many female DJs playing the kind of music I loved. That pushed me to become the artist I had been searching for.

Can you remember the moment you first fell in love with dance and electronic music?

As a teenager, going out and partying became a big part of my life, and that was how I discovered electronic music. I was briefly introduced to EDM before finding my way to house music, with Daft Punk opening the door for me.

The defining moment came when a friend played “Going to Heaven with the Goodie Goodies” by Amine Edge & DANCE on YouTube. That track sent me down a rabbit hole of digging for music. I became completely obsessed with discovering new sounds, and eventually I taught myself how to DJ so I could share what I was finding and make people dance.

Which artists have you taken inspiration from when forming your sound?

I have always been inspired by pioneers who helped shape Chicago house, such as Paul Johnson, DJ Deeon, and DJ Sneak. I also take a lot of inspiration from Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, Loco Dice, Seth Troxler, and The Martinez Brothers.

 They have bold, timeless sounds that carry the raw groove of the 1990s while still feeling fresh today. They also have an extraordinary instinct for moving a crowd. Every time I watch them perform, it feels like a masterclass.

 When it comes to your own productions, tell us about your approach to making music.

 When I feel inspired, I usually begin by creating lots of loops. If I can listen to one for hours and still love it several days later, I know it is worth developing into a finished track. Sometimes the inspiration is immediate, and I can complete a track in a single day.

 I never force myself to produce. If I am not feeling it, I step away. But I also go through phases where producing is almost all I do for weeks at a time.  I do not like to place limitations on myself. My only rule is to stay free, be as creative as possible, and give my best to every project. I always want each track to have its own identity.

What’s your relationship with Ibiza like?

Ibiza is very special to me. I first came as a raver and began returning several times every summer because I had completely fallen in love with the island.

Now I return as a touring artist, which is something I could never have imagined back then. Playing alongside DJs I have admired for years, in clubs I have always loved, feels like a full-circle moment. I have a deep love for Ibiza, and I think I always will.

 Do you have any stories from your times in Ibiza?

My first trip in 2014 is probably still the craziest. I felt like a child at Disneyland and barely slept for three days. I went from a party to an afterparty, then straight into another party and another afterparty. Also, I discovered the wonderful beaches and nature this island offers. It was intense, chaotic, and completely magical. That trip was when I truly understood why Ibiza has such a unique energy.

You’ve played Ushuaïa Ibiza for years now. What is it like playing the venue?

 Ushuaïa Ibiza is such an iconic venue. The pool, the open-air setting, and the planes flying incredibly low overhead create an atmosphere you cannot find anywhere else.

It is always a fun place to play, right in the heart of Playa d’en Bossa, and the energy is consistently amazing. I also love daytime parties, so it is a perfect setting for me.

What’s your relationship with ANTS like?

ANTS supported me from a very early stage in my career, and since then, the relationship has been nothing but love. I am extremely grateful for their support and always look forward to the next event, whether it is at Ushuaïa Ibiza or somewhere else around the world.

What can people expect from your set on 19 September?

 I will be playing back-to-back with Sirus Hood, so people can expect plenty of bounce, groove, and music with character. We will also be playing a lot of unreleased music from our label, Mood Child, along with plenty of good energy from beginning to end.

 What’s your favourite song to open your set with at the minute, and why?

Pako Ramirez’s “One One,” released on Mood Child. It sets the tone perfectly, with a great buildup and a groove that is not too aggressive for the beginning of a set but still gets people excited and moving.

What’s another song you love playing in your sets at the minute, and why?

Ninetree’s “Bon Dimmy (Ratata)” from our latest release on Mood Child. It is unique and punchy, with an incredible “ratatatatata” vocal that immediately gets stuck in your head. It always creates a strong reaction on the dancefloor.

 If people are new to you and want to check you out online, where is a good place for them to start?

 My Sunwaves and Babaloop mixes are a great introduction to my sound and energy as a DJ. From there, I would also recommend checking out my original productions.

What else is going on for you at the minute?

 I feel very fortunate to have such a busy touring schedule and to be playing at so many of my favourite venues. I also have some exciting collaborations and new projects on the way. I cannot reveal too much just yet, but I am really looking forward to sharing them.

 And finally, why do you DJ?

 I genuinely love making people happy. There is something incredibly powerful about seeing a crowd dance as one, telling a story through sound, and taking people on a sonic journey. It is what I love doing more than anything.

Manda Moor plays B2B with Sirus Hood at ANTS at Ushuaïa Ibiza on 19 September 2026. She's on the lineup alongside Ilario Alicante, Paco Osuna B2B Melanie Ribbe, Bastian Bux and Adez. Ticket and VIP tables are on sale now.