Mosquito Records London

Mosquito Records London presents: The official 2026 music video of Ike Moriz's composition “Artcore” (release date 01.02.2026). This song is available on all online streaming sites including Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, Deezer, Tidal, etc. 

“Artcore” is a bold, introspective exploration of identity, creativity, and human connection. Built on a shimmering blend of Indie pop textures and art-rock sensibility, the song captures the restless beauty of transformation — of breaking, rebuilding, and finding freedom through self-expression. With poetic lyrics that move between fractured reflections and phoenix-like rebirth, “Artcore” speaks to the universal tension between individuality and belonging, isolation and togetherness.

Written and composed by Ike Moriz, the track unfolds like a cinematic journey: intimate verses give way to soaring choruses that celebrate “our only-ness” — the unique essence we dig out to survive loneliness and create meaning. Lines such as “Every flaw, a brushstroke on my canvas expanding” underline the song’s central theme: imperfection as art, and life itself as a living, breathing canvas.

The recording brings together a close circle of collaborators and family. Electric guitar duties are handled by Neil Benjamin, adding edge and atmosphere, while Ike’s daughter, Sofia Marie, contributes haunting and heartfelt backing vocals that elevate the emotional depth of the track. All remaining instruments were played and recorded by Ike Moriz himself. The song was produced and engineered by Moriz at Hout Bay Music Studios in Cape Town, resulting in a sound that feels both intimate and expansive.

Ike Moriz is a South African singer-songwriter, actor, and producer known for his distinctive voice, genre-spanning musical style, and poetic songwriting. His body of work bridges jazz, pop, rock, and cabaret influences, earning him international airplay, critical acclaim, and a devoted global following. Based in Cape Town, Moriz continues to create music that is deeply personal yet universally resonant, often blurring the lines between art, performance, and storytelling.

With “Artcore,” Ike Moriz invites listeners into a world where vulnerability becomes strength, shadows turn into color, and creativity is both refuge and rebellion. Shattered but alive — this is art at its core.

Musicians on the sound recording: Ike Moriz - vocals, backing vocals, classical guitar, bass, drums, songwriting, production, arrangement, keyboards & sounds, Neil Benjamin - electric and acoustic guitars, Sofia (Marie) Moriz - additional backing vocals.

Ike Moriz: Sound engineer, mixing & mastering. Recorded at Hout Bay Music Studio, Hout Bay, Western Cape, RSA. Produced by Ike Moriz. All rights reserved. 

Song Lyrics:

ARTCORE

A hundred times around the sun, I’ve turned in restless sleep  

Ladyfingers painting circles in the dust I keep.  

Cracked reflections in the mirror, pieces fall away,  

Every day, I dig a little deeper, until I fade away.

Phoenix burning under my skin - Rise again to begin

We dig out our only-ness - to hide our loneliness  

Together we fly, seek the obscure and find something pure:  

Artcore, artcore

Glitter in the shadows, paper masks from yesterday - 

I carve my name into the silence as I walk away.  

Sparks in hidden corners, secrets leak like light - 

Chasing every color until wrong and right ignite.

Phoenix burning under my skin  - Rise again to begin

We dig out our only-ness - to hide our loneliness  

Together we cry, seek the obscure and find something pure:  

Artcore, artcore

Oh, from the shadows we create and find understanding  

Every flaw, a brushstroke on my canvas expanding  

Oh, shattered but alive - look inside, you’ll see  

We are artcore, we are free!

Oh, we dig out our only-ness - to hide our loneliness  

Together we fly, seek the obscure and find something pure:  

Artcore, artcore - We break, we soar a hundred times around the sun -  

Now we know the core.

©2026 Eike Moriz