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Techno queen Indira Paganotto has done what few other producers are capable of: successfully fuse techno and psytrance. This distinct sound, dubbed psy-techno, has captivated audiences worldwide, with her performing at famed festivals and superclubs, such as Tomorrowland, Circoloco, Amnesia Ibiza, Pacha Barcelona, Fabric London, EDC Las Vegas and DC-10.

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 22, the Artcore label boss is slated to take over New York City's Brooklyn Storehouse. The event, presented with Teksupport, is part of her Artcore party series. The sold-out show features an all-female lineup, with support by Vtss, Ida Engberg, Onyvaa, Bec and Speaker Honey.

"Expect no hard techno. I am focusing on elegant, technical underground sounds," Paganotto says when asked what her set will be like for tomorrow's show.

The tastemaker is hot off the heels of her recently released Kalima EP. The two-track body of work boasts snakey slithering synths, explosive drops, effervescent sounds, hard-hitting tunes, hypnotic soundscapes and erratic beats that build up into a crescendo followed by techno designed to ignite the dance floor. Kalima boasts sensations of power, audacity and dominance, proving why Paganotto is currently one of the hottest names in techno.

Here, Paganotto shares the advice she would give her younger self, her upcoming 14-week summer residency at Hï Ibiza, the biggest hurdle she has faced in life and more.

Lisa Kocay: Can you describe your sound in three words?

Indira Paganotto: "Energetic, powerful and unique."

Kocay: You have a distinct sound and image. What is the motivation behind pushing this sound and image?

Indira Paganotto: "The sound is something that is just me. It's been a sound that I have always loved, wanted to make and have stuck to since my first releases. I know it's different to what's out there, as it doesn't really fit into a category, but I think music is all about doing something new and interesting. As for my image, I like to think I mix rock and roll with the club world. I like statement outfits and changing things up."

Kocay: What was the inspiration for your Kalima EP?

Paganotto: "Returning to my roots. Two thousand twelve to 2014 were very important years to me for a few reasons: it was when I created that particular sound, psy-techno. I developed it in this time, but I've felt like I was losing that fresh sound and what sounds like me. So this release, I decided to go back to that time, and it has reminded me to never forget where you come from."

Kocay: Can you talk about your Artcore tour?

Paganotto: "I'm so happy that Artcore is doing so well that we can now have so many big shows this year. For now, we have only announced six of them, with the next two in New York and Miami. Two thousand twenty-five marks the first year we have our own stages with a selection of artists from across the dance music scene at Tomorrowland, Dreambeach and Mysteryland. I always want to support some of the names we have released on the label, as our family, and book other DJs I love for their vision and music. There are a lot more shows to be announced, so keep an eye on the socials for those."

Kocay: You have a 14-week residency coming up this summer at Hï Ibiza, where you will be playing on Fridays as part of Metamorfosi. What can fans expect from your residency?

Paganotto: "Something new for Ibiza. I'm proud to be one of the females to have their own residency on the island. It marks an important time for the scene and music in general. I really wanted to create something new when it comes to the way the room is designed -- think opulent and sexy rather than dark and moody. Music is my passion. It's my love language, and I want to showcase that with my residency."

Kocay: What made you decide to start your label, Artcore?

Paganotto: "Because I feel that my music doesn't really fit anywhere else. It's not techno, and it's not 100% psytrance. Artcore is almost the brand of music itself. You hear some of the tracks in a set, and you know it's one of ours. That, to me, is what having a label is all about -- creating a brand in itself. Whilst it's great to have a platform that's free from any restraints for my own releases, this way, I can also discover new names and help them get their music out into the world. We all started somewhere, and we all need to help each other as much as we can when we see raw talent from good people."

Kocay: What is your vision for the imprint?

Paganotto: "Continue doing what we do and stick to our sound. I do not want it to change according to trends: Artcore will always maintain the sound it has today. Of course, we want to expand and have even bigger shows, support as many new artists as possible from all corners of the world, maybe start our very own radio show and a whole lot more. I want everyone who is on the label to feel like they are loved by us and part of a family. My team is amazing, and we want to support each and every person on the label in any way we can. Without this, it doesn't make sense to me."

Kocay: You have new Artcore merchandise coming out in April. Can you talk about it?

Paganotto: "I am so excited about this, as I always like to be really hands-on when it comes to anything that we are producing. Going back to my earlier comment on my image, I want this to be the same vibe as our merchandise but in items that are wearable for all occasions. This new line will be ready for summer, and you can expect lots of colors, graphic prints, silk items and some beach essentials."

Kocay: Do you remember the first electronic music song you heard that made you fall in love with the genre?

Paganotto: "Oh, the first? That's hard to think, as it may not have been the first, but I know it was the first track that really got my attention, and I was like, 'Wow.' It was by a French artist called Talamasca, and the track was 'Fallen Angel' -- such a good psychedelic trance track I always remember."

Kocay: What's your favorite song you made and what was happening in the studio when you made it?

Paganotto: "I think for 'Himalaya,' that is a track that I consider my masterpiece of the last few years, but also I have to mention 'Jambo.'"

Kocay: What has been the biggest hurdle you've had to overcome in life, and how did you conquer it?

Paganotto: "Being proud of myself. It sounds easier than it is, and I think that many artists can also agree with me. It's hard to be proud of yourself at times. You can't see your success and forget how far you have come and what you have achieved. I questioned myself and the scene, cried a lot and took some harder paths than I ever expected, but I always pushed and worked hard. Just remember to stop looking at yourself in the mirror sometimes and realize how far you have come. Give yourself a hug -- you deserve it."

Kocay: If you could go back in time to when you first started making music and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Paganotto: "I don't think I would change anything. My advice would be to just keep going, and that's what I did. I guess be easier on myself at times, but I think that's something all musicians struggle with -- the need for perfection, especially when it comes to the studio."

Kocay: Is there anything else I should know?

Paganotto: "Can't wait to see you in my shows in America. We have loads of amazing ones planned this year, and I love coming back to dance with you all. Heaven is for warriors, and I am so, so, so excited to show you what's coming the next year and beyond. The plans we have made are just insane. I sometimes have to sit back and pinch myself that we have made it this far."