Since her breakout EP Ultimate Reward in 2021, Montréal native Maara has established a distinctive presence in dance music, known for her kinetic DJ sets and high-energy sound. Now based in Berlin, she’s released standout tracks on labels like X-Kalay, Kalahari Oyster Cult, and most recently, Drama On with Punctuality, blending global influences into a unique style that’s both playful and relentless.
Drawing inspiration from dance cultures worldwide, Maara’s performances bring a rich palette of sounds and a palpable energy that commands the floor. Last year, Maara released her introspective debut album, The Ancient Truth on Step Ball Chain, followed by the hit Serving Cu*t.
With a hectic touring schedule that’s taken her from underground dens to festival main stages, Maara’s sets are an immersive experience. We were lucky enough to catch up with Maara during her time in Amsterdam and catch her set at nachbar.
Scroll to step into Maara’s world.
My name is: Maara-Louisa Isabella Petito Dundar
I’m also known as: Maara
I was born on: June 25th 1996
My favorite color is: Blue
My favorite animal is: Rn, Lizards
My favorite food is: Potatos (mashed, baked)
My favorite movie is: D.E.B.S.
My favorite song is: Rn, surrender (Jennifer remix)
I don’t like: Slow walkers
I am good at: Appreciating the absurdity of life & lolling
When in Amsterdam, you will find me at: Schiphol airport hotel hiding
A quality of mine I want to strengthen: Pausing before reacting/responding
The best advice I’ve ever received: remove your ego from your work, get out your own way & believe that you have something unique to share with people
A recent compliment that made me happy: Someone told me they really loved my set last night at nachbar 🙂
A moment that changed me: no one thing singular, but accumulation of experiences, relationships with others, failing again & again & learning from mistakes has grown me into a better person
An experience that has taught me a lot: Touring. To let go when playing, to give my all & have fun, not really care what other people think
Who are you? A nerd committed to using my energy to bring sonic ideas into the world & contribute to the musical archives of history, I’m a loller, a chiller
What inspires you? My friends, the world around me, politics, history, time, place, context, how everything is related to each other, how art & music is influenced by historical context, analysing trends & my brain lighting up when I hear FIRE, keeps the wheels turning
What are you passionate about? Obvi Music. HEALTH. Fun with few friends & politics, history. How past informs present, self help, mentally evolving & going deeper places within myself. #1 Growth
What attracted you to your craft? Music is fire. Always been a front row girlie/partyer before a DJ, a “woo” girl & bangers make me go wild. I wanna use my energy to contribute to the archives of dance music. Music, captures the indescribable in sonic form. There is an immediacy to it that’s magic.
How do you find balance? I try not to party, I work out everyday, TV, friends, cooking even tho its hard sometimes to slow down cuz Im obsessed with working
How do you practice self-care? Wash face, cream, supplements, exercise, TV/Podcasts
My message to all of you: YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED, DON’T DOUBT YOURSELF. SOCIETY BENEFITS OFF YOUR SELF HATRED & WANTS PPL TO REMAIN TRAPPED TO MAINTAIN. POWER. FUCK THAT, REWIRE YOUR BRAIN. MENTAL HEALTH ❤️ IS LIKE KEEPING YOUR ROOM CLEAN OR A GARDEN. IT TAKES CONSISTENT WORK & choosing to believe a diff narrative but things get over time. Fuck em’ all & DO YOU 100%
