ARTCORE: Not Just a Label, but a Movement
- Tony Allen
- May 22
- 4 min read
Few labels walk their own path like ARTCORE. Led by Indira Paganotto, the imprint has carved out a distinctive sound – raw, high-energy, and unafraid to blur the lines between trance, techno and psy. From underground gems to main-stage weapons, ARTCORE isn’t chasing trends. It’s creating its own universe. And it’s growing fast.
We caught up with the A&R team behind the imprint to dive into their ‘Miami Week’ VA, the new ‘DUO’ series, and the energy pushing ARTCORE beyond just music – full-stage takeovers, eye-catching merch, and a no-compromise approach to curation.
Let’s start with the VA. A clear favourite this season, the ‘Miami Week’ release wasn’t just another compilation. It was a statement.
“The VA is to highlight some of the new talents we’ve discovered through shows, demos and social media,” the team told us. “All tracks on this VA have that Miami Music Week power. It’s a way to introduce new artists without the pressure of a full EP.”
There’s no strict genre box, either. If it bangs, it’s in.
“We’re an electronic music label, open to all kinds of sounds. But there’s always that trance element in there – even if it leans more techno, whether pumping or minimal.”
This kind of openness is what sets ARTCORE apart. It’s rooted in sound, not scenes.
The latest development is the launch of the ‘DUO’ series – a new format pairing two artists on a split release, each with their own track. No forced collabs. Just mutual energy.
“We get so many demos,” the team says. “So we thought – why not pair artists together, especially those who complement each other? They don’t have to collaborate, just sit together on a release that makes sense.”
Sometimes, this leads to actual collaborations being born. Sometimes not. Either way, it works.
The newest pairing? BEC and Giorgia Angiuli – a fierce all-female drop from two artists who’ve both already made waves on the label and at ARTCORE events.
“Their music and personalities vibe. The release is powerful, and the artwork brings it to life with these ninja-style caricatures we’ve been designing for each artist.”
But ARTCORE’s not stopping at the music. There’s a full-blown merch drop landing this May, and it’s got Indira’s fingerprints all over it.
“I’ve had full control over the whole process,” she says. “The pieces are inspired by what I see people wear out and about. I’m a rock and grunge girl with biker attitude, so the merch leans more rock and roll than techno – but the fabrics are silky soft for that bit of luxury.”
Beach gear. Colour. Texture. And not everything in black. Expect it to land loud and proud.
Then there are the festivals – Tomorrowland, Mysteryland, Dreambeach – where ARTCORE curates full-stage experiences under its own name.
“It’s a lot more to work out than a normal club show,” they admit. “But with the support of the festivals, we’ve created something that represents both brands. The line-ups are strong, diverse, and packed with special guests.”
ARTCORE is also expanding behind the scenes. But make no mistake – Indira’s still at the helm.
“Every single release goes through me. Always has, always will. The team helps narrow things down, especially since I’m constantly on the road. But the final call? That’s me.”
It’s a collective effort. Artists are discovered online, at shows, through friends or colleagues. And it all feeds into the same shared vision.
So what’s next? More ‘DUO’ drops. More showcases. More psy-techno.
“We’re not looking for something specific,” the team says. “When the time is right, the music comes. And it always surprises you.”
That openness shows in the roster, too. Artists like Lola Cerise, who shared why ARTCORE hits different:
“Indira chooses releases with her heart – not for popularity. When we met, she told me, ‘You don’t make bangers, you make intellectual music.’ She recognises artists like her – those with something to express. That’s what makes ARTCORE so special. It’s music from the heart.”
For Marhu, the magic lies in connecting the artist and the crowd. One moment stands out:
“The showcase in Belgrade with No Sleep and EXIT Festival – more than 6,000 ninjas packed in a hangar. I played right before Indira, and the energy was insane. When I dropped my tracks’ Bansuri’ and ‘Bhajan’, the crowd recognised the flute melodies and started cheering. Goosebumps moment.”
Interactive Noise discovered ARTCORE through Indira herself, citing her track ‘Gipsy Queen’ as a personal highlight:
“It’s simple, magnificent, powerful and original. I’ve been drawn to her genuine style of music since day one.”
Valentinø, another core part of the ARTCORE family, gave a shout to some of his favourites:
“Funk Tribu’s ‘Viento’ – the flute in that track is stuck in your head for days. Teuton’s ‘Bonkers’ has this mad synth energy. And Marhu’s ‘Feeling Golden’ – those vocals and synths hit hard. Of course, Indira’s ‘Dune’ is genius. That kick and bass combo nails the psy-techno vibe. Mama Indira always delivers.”
There’s a sense of family here. An energy. A belief that something bigger is being built.
And while they’ve already hit major milestones – events, merch, festivals – Indira’s got one big dream still brewing.
“A boutique ARTCORE festival, rooted in nature. More genre-fluid nights. More female residents. More unexpected moments.”
If that’s where this is heading, it’s a ride worth watching.
ARTCORE
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