Ukrainian DJ and producer Cubicore making waves in the progressive house and trance scenes, is back with a haunting new release, “Sirens“, featuring vocals of Nazzereene. Known for his ability to craft deep, cinematic soundscapes, Cubicore blends hypnotic melodies with driving basslines, creating music that feels both urgent and immersive.
In this exclusive interview, he opens up about the inspiration behind “Sirens“, the delicate balance between chaos and calm, and how his cultural roots continue to shape his artistry.
RM: First of all, Who is Cubicore?
Cubicore: I would say: just an ordinary guy from Kyiv who is a pizza and doggo lover 🙂
RM: Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this track “Sirens” and how the collaboration came about?
Cubicore: “Sirens” was inspired by inner feeling of being captured simultaneously by chaos and calm — like that moment right before a storm hits. I wanted the track to blend elements of haunting melodies with a driving bassline. Indeed, I was willing to create a sound that’s both hypnotic and intense. The collaboration appeared pretty naturally. I received the vocal from Nazzereene, fell in love with it, and created the demo the same day. It was quite organic process — bouncing ideas back and forth until we found that perfect essential balance of tension and release.
RM: “Sirens” blends your signature progressive house sound with an exotic, cinematic quality. What was the creative process like in crafting this unique sonic landscape?
Cubicore: With ‘Sirens,’ I wanted to push my progressive house sound into an ever deeper realm — something that feels as meaningful as life but still roots to the dance floor. The creative process started with a simple atmospheric pad that had this eerie, otherworldly tone. Then, I layered in rhythmic elements such as drums and distant, echoing vocal samples to give that exotic edge. The goal was to build tension — almost like you’re in the middle of a chase scene — and then release it with these sweeping, melodic drops. Every sound had to serve the story, so I spent pretty much time for designing textures that feel both hypnotic and dramatic. It was about a striking balance between movement and mystery.
RM: The track seems to be inspired by mythological sirens luring sailors into the depths. How did you and Nazzereen work to capture that sense of mystery and allure through the music and lyrics?
Cubicore: We all know that sirens are famous in Greek mythology for being the nymphs who would lure the unwary to their death through their song. So, it was a huge inspiration for the track — seductive, yet dangerous pull. Nazzereene and I really wanted to hold that sense of mystery and allure both sonically and lyrically. Musically, we used ethereal vocal chops, reverb-drenched synths, and a deep, rolling bassline to create this hypnotic, underwater feel — like you’re being slowly drawn into the unknown. Nazzereen’s vocals are haunting but alluring, almost like a whisper in the dark, and we kept the words ambiguous enough to let listeners interpret the story in their own way. It was all about balancing beauty and menace, just like the sirens themselves.
RM: Last year, you delivered a high-profile remix of Armin van Buuren’s ASOT anthem “Destination.” How did that experience influence your approach to “Sirens” and your overall creative direction?
Cubicore: Remixing Armin van Buuren’s ‘Destination’ was a milestone for me. Being part of an ASOT anthem means stepping into a legacy of trance and progressive music, so I really focused on honoring the original idea while infusing my own sound. The remix gave me the confidence to experiment more — using space, silence, and unexpected textures to heighten the track’s sense of mystery and allure. It was a natural evolution of my sound, and I think both tracks share that emotional intensity, even though they tell different stories.
RM: As a Ukrainian DJ and producer, how have your cultural roots and experiences shaped the evolution of your sound? What role does your heritage play in your artistic expression?
Cubicore: Being a Ukrainian DJ and producer deeply influences my sound and artistic expression. Our culture is well-known for its strong and resilience emotions
— a blend of melancholy and hope that naturally finds its way into my music. I often draw inspiration from traditional melodies and rhythms, not always directly, but in the way I build atmosphere and tension in my tracks. There’s a certain darkness and intensity in my sound, which I think reflects both the beauty and the struggle that comes with my roots.
At the same time, my heritage pushes me to tell stories through music — stories of strength, longing, and unity. Whether it’s through haunting vocal samples or cinematic soundscapes, I want listeners to feel something deeper than just a beat drop. It’s about creating a connection as my culture is a huge part of what shapes that.
RM: You’ve become a prominent figure in the progressive house and trance scenes, earning support from industry heavyweights. What has that journey been like, and how do you continue to push the boundaries of your craft?
Cubicore: It’s been an incredible journey — starting out as a bedroom producer, experimenting with sounds, and slowly building my place in the progressive house and trance scenes. Earning support from industry legends has been both surreal and motivating. It’s not just about the recognition; it’s about statement that the music I create resonates with people I’ve looked up to for years.
What keeps me pushing boundaries is a constant hunger to evolve. I never want to stay in one sonic space for too long. I have been always exploring new textures, blending unexpected elements — like influence of the world music or abstract sound design — into my tracks. For me, it’s about creating music that moves not only the body but also mind. I want every release to feel like a new chapter, where listeners can hear the progression of my sound. The goal is to stay authentic and never predictable.
RM: Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you in 2025? Are there any upcoming releases, collaborations, or live performances you’re particularly excited about?
Cubicore: 2025 is shaping up to be a huge year, and I’m really excited about what’s coming. Fans can expect a lot of new music — I’m currently working on a series of releases that push my sound into even more experimental territories. There’s also a special collaboration with Ferry Corsten, which brings a whole new energy to my music.
More than anything, 2025 is about growth — evolving my sound, connecting with my audience on a deeper level, and breaking new ground both in the studio and on stage. I can’t wait for everyone to hear what’s next.
RM: Beyond the music, how do you hope your work will connect with and impact listeners? What deeper messages or emotions are you aiming to convey through your productions?
Cubicore: Beyond the music itself, I want my work to create an emotional experience for listeners — something that lingers long after the track ends. Every production carries a story, a feeling — whether it’s the tension and release of a drop or the haunting calm of a breakdown. I want people to experience the connection, whether that means finding strength in a dark, brooding melody or a sense of freedom in an uplifting progression.
At its core, my music is about duality — light and shadow, chaos and calm. It reflects the human experience: the moments of struggle, the flashes of hope, and everything in between. I hope listeners can find their own meanings within the soundscapes I create, letting the music become a personal journey for them.
Ultimately, it’s about creating a space — on the dance floor or in their headphones — where people can feel something real, something sharp. If my music can stir an emotion or spark a memory, then I’ve done my job.
RM: As the electronic music landscape continues to evolve, where do you see your sound and artistry fitting in? What excites you most about the future of the genre?
Cubicore: Electronic music is like a living organism — always shifting, mutating, breaking its own rules — and that’s what fuels my creativity. My sound lives in that space where progressive house and even techno collide: hypnotic grooves, dark textures, and melodic tension all feeding off each other. What excites me most is how the future of the genres feels more experimental than ever.
For me, the future isn’t about fitting into a single genre — it’s about creating a sound that’s fluid, intense, and impossible to pin down.
RM: What advice would you offer to aspiring producers and DJs looking to establish their own unique voice and presence in the industry?
Cubicore: My biggest advice to aspiring producers and DJs is simple: don’t chase trends — chase your sound.
It’s easy to get caught up in what’s popular at the moment, but the artists who truly stand out are the ones who carve their own path. Spend time experimenting, breaking things apart, and building a sound that feels authentic to you — whether that’s through bold techno rhythms, ethereal melodies, or something entirely new.
Also, learn the craft inside and out. Master your DAW, dive deep into sound design, and push yourself to understand not just how to make music but why certain sounds move people. At the same time, never underestimate the power of storytelling — a great track isn’t just about a drop; it’s about emotion.
And finally, build real connections. The electronic music scene thrives on community, so support other artists, collaborate, and stay open to growth. Your voice will develop over time, but it starts by staying true to yourself and letting your music speak louder than any trend ever could.
As Cubicore continues to push the boundaries of progressive house and trance, “Sirens” stands as a testament to his ability to blend emotion, storytelling, and dancefloor energy into a singular sonic experience. With an exciting year ahead—filled with new releases, collaborations, and creative exploration—Cubicore remains dedicated to evolving his sound while staying true to his artistic vision. Whether through hypnotic melodies or haunting atmospheres, his music invites listeners on a journey that lingers long after the final note fades.
