CORE Records is thrilled to unveil the ‘CORE VA: RASA’: a curated 5-track EP weaving a rich tapestry of different genres – from indie and melodic to progressive, house, and techno – all rooted in the unmistakable DNA of CORE.
The brand-new compilation captures pure emotion, distilled by innovate artists from around the world, including Amirali, Adrian Roman, Madben, Magdalena, and Upercent. The title ‘RASA‘, meaning ‘essence’ in Sanskrit, reflects the compilation’s timeless and elemental character.
Each of the 5 tracks on this collection presents a sonic journey between analog warmth and digital precision, resonating with the musical universe of CORE.
Upercent is an unorthodox artist from Valencia, crafting a sound that’s as emotive as it is visceral. Built from organic samples, analog warmth, and inventive structures, his music channels the freedom of jazz and the boundless creativity of electronic experimentation.
This singular vision has led to releases on labels like Kompakt, Innervisions, Cult Order, Diynamic, and Crosstown Rebels. As a performer, Upercent has played in over 20 countries, including key cities like Berlin, Ibiza, London, Amsterdam, Istanbul, and New York. Constantly evolving and creatively restless, Upercent is an artist who forges his own path.
Here’s what Upercent had to say:
“When I start a song, I always ask myself one thing: is it for the body, or for the mind? ‘Light Years’ was born from the second path. It’s a track to get lost in. Most of the atmosphere came from a Juno-60. I’ve always loved how analog gear carries soul in its imperfections. It’s not polished, and that’s exactly why it moves me. As the lyrics say, ‘My head’s up in the sky, it’s not comin’ down tonight.’ That line captured exactly how I felt when the track came to life.”
Adrian Roman added: “‘Rabbia’ is a secret weapon that has accompanied me on several sets. It means a lot to me and, right from the name, represents a side of my angry, dirty, sharp, yet elegant production style. Once CORE reached out to sign it, I knew it was the right place and time.”
Speaking about the EP Magdalena said:
“‘Nothing To Lose’ was born in a moment of emotional stillness, after a time in my life where everything was falling apart. It wasn’t written during the chaos, but in the calm that came after, the kind of calm you don’t find, but grow into. Most of the atmosphere comes from layering minimal beats and textured Serum synths.
The drop is minimal but impactful, creating space for the emotional build-up in the break to shine through. ‘Nothing To Lose’ reflects a turning point in my life. After I lost everything, I began searching for a sense of safety and peace. That’s when I began to feel whole again, and this track captures that exact feeling.”
Amirali: “‘Polaris’ came to life in one of those rare, instinctive moments, the kind where the idea flows so naturally, you’re almost just a passenger. I had just picked up a new piece of gear and was in that playful, exploratory headspace. The core of the track came together in a single session. Of course, finishing it took many more hours, but that first spark unfolded effortlessly.
I got completely lost in the process, and when I surfaced, I had this piece of music that felt both unexpected and entirely true to my sound. I’m really proud of how it turned out. ‘Polaris’, to me, represents a sense of direction, something steady in the chaos.
The track emerged during a time when I was looking to reconnect with the core of why I make music. It felt like a reminder to trust that instinctive pull, even when the path isn’t clear. Just like the star itself, it became a kind of anchor, a moment of clarity that cut through the noise.”
Madben: “I made this track in my studio during a sunny day in the beginning of the year, few days after the new year celebration which inspired me some positive, groovy & old-refreshing vibes in my music. ‘Dat Groovy Chord’ is a wink to all those classic techno & house tracks who puts smiles on the faces when you drop them on your decks. It’s all about communion, uplifting & celebrating a great moment, a great dance all together.”
Listen to the tracks below.
