We were lucky to catch up with Mao Fonnegra recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mao, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I’ve been drawn to music for as long as I can remember. In high school, I dreamed of creating and singing, but at the time, making music felt distant almost unreachable. I was surrounded by incredible musicians, and while I admired their talent, I struggled to see where I fit in. That all changed when I discovered electronic music. Suddenly, I saw a new world of possibilities one where sound had no boundaries, where creativity wasn’t confined by instruments alone, and where I could carve my own path.
At the same time, I found another passion: fashion design. I pursued it, studied it, and embraced it as another way to bring ideas to life. Fashion, like music, is about storytelling, about shaping emotions through form and movement. But no matter how much I immersed myself in design, music never left me it kept calling me back, intertwining itself into everything I did.
Then came the night that changed everything. I was at a Richie Hawtin party, and I remember him playing Decompression by Mathew Jonson five times in one night. The energy, the tension, the hypnotic pull of that track it was electrifying. In that moment, I realized that being a DJ wasn’t just about playing music. It was about creating moments, shifting atmospheres, and building connections beyond words.
That night, I saw a life beyond the ordinary. A life of movement, of discovery, of pushing boundaries. Music became my purpose, my passport, my way of making sense of the world. And now, everything I do is not just for me, but for my children, Adrian and Damian to show them that passion, when pursued relentlessly, can shape a life without limits.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I make music to make people move, not just their bodies, but something deeper. I live for those moments when sound takes over, when a track shifts the energy of a room, when the right beat at the right time creates something unforgettable. As a DJ, I shape the dancefloor in real time, reading the crowd and creating tension, release, and connection. As a producer, I chase the future of electronic music, always searching for new sounds that push beyond the expected.
But music isn’t just something I play it’s something I build. With Wasted Caviar, I’m creating more than a label; it’s a home for creativity, a space for artists to experiment, take risks, and redefine electronic music. It’s about crafting a legacy through sound, one release at a time. As the owner of Baum Festival and an event organizer, I’ve dedicated my life to creating experiences that bring people together, shaping moments where music becomes something bigger than just sound.
Beyond the music, I take pride in being a single father, raising my children while building a career in a relentless industry. I’m also a creator of opportunities, generating jobs and opening doors for artists, DJs, and the teams behind the scenes who make these moments possible. Music changed my life, and now I’m using it to build something greater not just for myself, but for those around me.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three key qualities have shaped my journey: self-discipline, resilience, and constant self-improvement.
Self-discipline is essential whether it’s mastering an instrument, refining a mix, or staying focused in the studio when inspiration feels distant. It’s the backbone of any long-term success.
Resilience is just as important. The music industry is full of highs and lows, moments of doubt, and challenges that test your passion. The key is to push through, learn from failures, and keep evolving.
Lastly, self-improvement is a lifelong process. Studying music theory, audio engineering, and sound design has helped me refine my craft and push my sound further. But beyond technical skills, it’s about always seeking growth mentally, creatively, and professionally. No one will hand you motivation; you have to create it for yourself.
For anyone starting their journey, my advice is simple: stay committed, embrace challenges, and never stop learning.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My family has been the foundation of my journey, shaping who I am both as an artist and as a person. Their support has been everything. My mother, in particular, has been my rock always encouraging me to push forward, believe in myself, and never settle for less than what I’m capable of. Her strength and guidance have given me the resilience to overcome challenges and keep evolving.
But just as much as I’ve learned from her, my children have also been my greatest teachers. They’ve reminded me how to see the world with fresh eyes, how to embrace creativity without overthinking, and how to live in the moment with pure joy. Through them, I’ve learned to balance ambition with happiness, to work hard but never forget to play.
At the end of the day, success isn’t just about what you achieve it’s about the people who inspire you along the way. And for me, my family is at the heart of it all.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maofonnegra?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaoFonnegraOfficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maofonnegramusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mao-fonnegra?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oJp4zu4Rb2jDgKe8cexvC?si=Q-0ew0zgRVObl3YSRlMk9Q
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
