Indira Paganotto: “Be Yourself. Ignore Jealous People”

By now, you've likely heard of Indira Paganotto. But what really makes her tick? We put her through a quick-fire Q&A to find out.

When we first spoke to Indira Paganotto, it was just after COVID and it felt like the start of something special. Four years on, her career has skyrocketed. With millions of followers (if that's your metric) and streams in the tens of millions, things have moved fast. From her eclectic musical roots in the Canary Islands to commanding stages at Coachella, Tomorrowland and Amnesia Ibiza, she has built a truly global following, all while founding the genre-defining label ARTCORE.

With the release of her new single "Dragon" alongside trance icon Armin van Buuren, we caught up with her for a quick-fire Q&A.

Why music?
Music is art, love, family, nature, creation, and religion. I am all that and more. The best part about being human is being in a constant state of progress, just like music.

If you weren't making music, what would you be doing?
Probably running an animal care centre. I love animals. Or owning a garden shop where people could spend the afternoon surrounded by animals, enjoy some Italian coffee, and buy exotic plants. I also love interior design and painting, so I’d create a space for art there too.

What's the best advice you’ve ever received?
To be yourself. Ignore people who are jealous, lack vibe or goals. They are dangerous and can bring you down.

What inspires you?
Pureness and people with goals who love to work hard.

What's the next big thing?
Personally, it has to be my album, a selection from hundreds of unreleased tracks from the last 14 years. Also, to have an ARTCORE stage Tomorrowland, Dreambeach, and Mysteryland. The family is growing, and we’ll soon release our best line of merchandise yet.

Best club experience?
Time Warp.

What's the worst job you’ve ever had?
Every job is hard; they all come with a learning process.

How do you know when a track's finished?
If I finish it in a day, I’m fully into it, and it gives me goosebumps. When I close my eyes and get that feeling then it’s done.

What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
When I was 20, I worked in a restaurant in Madrid, but the owner was so rude I eventually just walked out...but with a big smile.

Which song do you wish you wrote?
Any kind of metal track. I’m really into metal music and always have been.

What's the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
There is no easy way, unless it’s short-lived.

What's the worst track you've ever released?
Hahaha, good question. But I think each track reflects the moment I was in. There isn’t good or bad, just life emulated in music.

Recommend us a film.
Midsommar.

Recommend us a book.
Art of War.

What or who is underrated?
Your health!

What or who is overrated?
Being busy. Sometimes I just need sleep.

What are you addicted to?
Frozen rosé aka Frozé! I tried it for the first time at Coachella. And schnitzel!

What do you lust over?
Food! Always good food, alongside deep, meaningful conversations.

What is your greatest regret?
Being too nice and friendly to everyone, and then getting hurt. But that’s also part of who I am. Some people take advantage, but I’d rather stay true to myself.

What one thing would most improve your life?
Thinking less.

What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
One time in Lebanon there were gunshots in the crowd. It was terrifying.

Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
100% a rich creative experience. You learn so much and get inspired.

What’s the secret to a great mix?
A journey. Take your listeners on an adventure with highs and lows.

If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Q Lazzarus – "Goodbye Horses"

How do you relax?
Spending time at home with my dog and family, going for hikes, and cooking.

What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
My Roland V-Synth GT. It’s a part of every one of my productions.

Art or money?
Art. Every single time!

Ronaldo or Messi?
Messi.

Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
On the road in India.

Must-visit record store?
Ater Cosmo in Madrid.

What's your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
Comparison.

What’s your favourite label? Why?
ARTCORE, of course! I’m biased, but I believe we release music that stands alone in its own genre. No one else is like us.

What's the worst thing about making music?
Time! It’s my biggest enemy. I’d love to spend my whole life in the studio—but I can’t.

What’s your motto?
Heaven is for warriors.

Name something timeless.
Art. It’s subjective, it comes in many forms, and it never dies. To be immortal is to be creative—to leave something behind for future generations.

Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Go with your flow. No one can give you rules.

Complete this sentence: At heart I'm just a frustrated …
Gypsy!

Can music change the world?
Of course. It’s deeply emotional. It can take you back to moments in life, help you heal, and create connection.

What are you listening to right now?
Cèsare Cremonini, Elisa – "Nonostante Tutto" (Indira Paganotto Remix)

What should you do before you die?
Get married again, have kids, visit the Himalayas, start a farm full of animals, create art in every way, and keep smiling through it all.

Find Indira Paganotto on Instagram. "Dragon" is out now on Armada Music / ARTCORE Records.

Photographer @michele___perna
Stylist @PalmiraDelVecchio