AlphaTheta’s new “Equal Beats” podcast explores the music industry through the stories and insights of artists and change-makers, and their inaugural episode featuring Indira Paganotto (known as Simona) is essential listening for anyone interested in electronic music. This conversation digs into breaking into the industry, finding a unique sound, securing first gigs and standing out in an increasingly crowded scene.
A Legendary Career
Indira Paganotto is a legendary and respected techno artist who’s become a regular fixture in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list. She was last year’s highest climber, which speaks volumes about her current momentum. Her resume is genuinely impressive – residencies at Space Miami and Hï Ibiza, performances at major festivals like Tomorrowland, Awakenings, Coachella and Montreux, where she became the first Spanish woman to close the main stage.
Overcoming Challenges
What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Paganotto’s honesty about starting out as a woman in the industry. She faced easier paths available to men and persistent skepticism about her production skills. Rather than compromising, she stood her ground, trusted in her abilities and let time prove her worth. It’s a powerful reminder that authenticity and persistence matter more than taking shortcuts.
In today’s versatile electronic music scene, her advice is refreshingly simple – “just go with your flow.” Her success is rooted in the unwavering support and pride of her family and good friends, showing how important genuine community is beyond the industry itself.
Staying Fresh and Giving Back
To keep her performances exciting, Paganotto constantly incorporates new tracks and avoids becoming a “robot” by repeating sets. She’s also actively committed to uplifting women and underrepresented artists, ensuring equal quality in her lineups rather than tokenism. She builds a strong community by personally managing her Instagram, navigating the challenge many established artists face – using socials effectively without being perceived as part of the “social game.”
Her proudest moments include playing Tomorrowland main stage twice and hosting her own Artcore showcase there, achievements that reflect both her artistic vision and her ability to create platforms for herself and others.
Check out the full Equal Beats podcast episode to hear more about Paganotto’s journey, her approach to creativity and her thoughts on building a sustainable career in electronic music.