Definitive Presents: The Underground Archives — PNK Records
- Lindsay Castro
- Feb 11
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 12
by Lindsay Castro - Wednesday February 12th, 2025
Oh what a bittersweet article this is! I've been thrilled to showcase this record label, as it has held a special place in my heart over the past year. PNK Records, previously known as PBR, has created a beautiful community within the underground minimal house scene. Bringing together passionate individuals and artists from all over the world, it's been so rewarding to see their success and get to know the PNK team. Highlighting some of Miami's most talented producers and creatives, I’m honored to tell the story of PNK Records and how this record label came about.
Starting with an anonymous Twitter account showcasing IDs and reporting live from Club Space Miami, to building a team of motivated people running a music label, managing artists, and hosting events. This is only the beginning for the PNK team and as we enter this new era, just know the pink minimal sounds and PBR community will continue to grow.
As Pinky once said, “Never fear the rebrand.”
PINKY & THE BURNER COMMUNITY
Over the past two years, the minimal scene has experienced significant growth, with a surge in online communities and meme accounts shaping conversations on Twitter and Instagram. Deep within Twitter exists a "burner community" — a network of anonymous accounts that engage with one another and their favorite artists. It’s been beautiful to witness how this space has united people through their love of music. In many ways, PNK Records wouldn’t be here today without the burner Twitter community — because, in reality, they are the community.
The creation of PBR involved a handful of key figures, but it all began with @PBP2040, better known as Pinky — a Front Left Club Space legend. Sharing clips of unreleased Pawsa tracks and unique Club Space maps, he built a thriving community of minimal house fans, following artists like Chasewest, Michael Bibi, Beltran, Dennis Cruz, and Ranger Trucco. As a Miami native, Pinky connected deeply with the underground scene, a connection that fuels his passion for the culture.
Supporting artists with Miami ties like SLAMM, Dan Molinari, and Marte, he saw firsthand how much talent was coming out of the city and wanted to do more to help push it forward. By February 2024, after forging strong relationships within the scene, he found himself at a turning point — one where he knew he could do more.
“From day one Beltran and Chasewest really saw something special in what I had created. They pushed me to take that leap to transform this brand into something that impacts the culture and the sound. I knew I had this unique platform and unique set of connections, I almost felt like I’d be wasting it if I didn’t turn it into something legit.”
THE PNK TEAM
As their community grew, so did the PNK team and I have to say after talking with Nick, aka Pinky, it was clear to see how grateful he was to be working with such inspiring people. After many conversations with individuals he looked up, he realized if he was going to do this he could not do it alone. Working closely with his friend Gema, making connections in the scene, she played a big part of the spread of PBR and it's community.
“It was Miami Music Week (2024) and I had a really amazing chat with Slugg and the guy that runs 'getbusy records', Leo. I already had so many factors pushing me but that conversation with them really spring boarded me to officially start it.”
Around April he reached out to Tony, a friend of his who happened to be managing artists at the time in Miami. Nick knew what he had to offer creatively, but needed someone business savvy to join him and Gema.
"From day one he made his intentions clear on wanting to be a part of the team. We were always in communication talking about the scene and sharing unique perspectives — it just made sense. And a lot of respect to him for believing in me and seeing my vision."
From there PBR was officially a music label, accepting demos in May and hosting their first event a month later. They started working on the original PBR logo, collaborating with Carlos from Extra Goodies. Also creating their mascot, Pinkiana, and cover art for their first VA was Lousy Lover, aka Kris, from Felt.
Their brand spread like crazy and their PBR stickers were everywhere. It was incredible to see all these ideas come to life so quickly and witness their community come together in real time.
PNK RELEASES & ARTISTS
Pink Flight Vol. 1 marked PBR’s first VA release in July 2024, featuring four tracks that perfectly capture the gritty, fun underground sound the label was built on. The release showcased music from Mandragora, SLAMM, Méssous, L0-G, and ITAI, a lineup that Nick says truly represents the roots of the PNK team and the label.
“I have to mention Mandragora — look a lot of people on this industry believe in me but he was definitely the most influential person to be willing to just staple his name to my project. His track Florida BB was our first ever track — by far our most seen track, his worldwide presence is insane. That track has been played in 80% of countries in the world and he didn’t have to do that. He really believed in it since day one, and that was magical to me."
That same month, Groove N Funk EP dropped, featuring tracks from Dan Molinari and Rollin Royce, followed by Méssous’ ‘Drowning’ in August and the Nate Chapman EP in September.
"Working with Sami (Méssous) has been fantastic, him and I do A&R for the label, flipping through demos — he really has taught me a lot about music that I didn't know a year ago and it's definitely nice to have a producer's ear. Obviously I love the sound but I'm not a producer, it is what it is, I've never produced — not even a four bar loop and that's alright. It takes a team."
Marte brings infectious energy and serious talent to Miami’s underground scene, making her a key figure in the city’s culture. A multi-talented woman, Marte runs her own events company, Interplanetary, and has launched her own minimal project, Evil Marte. She also recently curated the local stage lineup for Experts Only Art Basel 2024. Marte played at PBR’s first event, and from day one, she’s been a core part of the PNK family. She’s someone who truly embodies the spirit of the community and continues to push the culture forward.
Born and raised in Miami but based in Chicago is DJ duo, SLAMM, also known as MATI and Mama. Making their debut less than a year ago SLAMM is now releasing on Nitecutz and some of their produced work as been supported by Chasewest, Ben Sterling, and Beltran. They also recently announced playing ARC MMW Boat Party with AYYBO.
"I saw the incredible work they had and I wanted to push them to keep releasing music"
Same goes for Dan Molinari beginning one of the first artists PNK Records signed. He now has a track on Revival called Girls and has released a number of tracks on his known, including some collabs with SLAMM over the year. From playing the first Pink Party with Méssous, to now being a special guest in Chicago for Chasewest's 'chaste' show with SLAMM. These artists have finally been getting the recognition they deserve.
Now totaling over 30 releases PBR has made a name for itself in the house music scene, featuring other artists like ALVES, RAJE, eta, Fulano, Eskuche, Chase Hartsell and many more. You can find the whole PBR Catalog on Spotify by PNKYMNMNL.
PINK MINIMAL SOUNDS AND THE REBRAND
“Around September/October, we were in a rhythm releasing tracks, hosting shows — becoming successful — but we had a moment where we realized that in order to push the brand and community forward we needed to make some changes to our brand."
Working with ZeyZey Miami and Third Eye Hospitality, PBR hosted their first label showcase in August of last year. Now working them again, they have announced PNK Records' MMW Pink Party for March 2025, their first major event since the brand change. Nick said, as soon as they started working on the switch they could see new opportunities open up for them.
"Absolute first thing that I wanted to do was ensure that the heart, soul, AND the color all stay the same, because at the end of the day I do believe in the brand.”
“And I mean I've always been a niche maintainer — but at the end of the day with our goals and what we're trying to accomplish with this project, it was time for us to make a change.”
Since announcing its official rebrand, PNK Records has received tremendous support. Now booking talents like ALVES, Classmatic, and Roddy Lima, it’s exciting to see how the PNK team continues to grow and evolve in the coming years.
One of the most rewarding parts has been watching artists develop from the start, especially those we’ve supported through Definitive. From hosting Gio Lucca’s Miami debut to Braydon Terzo b2b Kieran San Jose at ToeJam, and featuring eta on Pink Flight Vol. 2, it’s been amazing to see my Arizona friends collaborate with this team and push the scene forward.
THE FUTURE OF PNK RECORDS
Knowing this team and their relentless work ethic, there’s no doubt they’ll continue to leave their mark on the culture. July 2025 marks their one-year anniversary, and with so many accomplishments already under their belt, this is just the beginning of something special.
Nick shared that they’re eager to expand into new communities across the country, bringing Pink parties to major cities. PNK Records has even teased a Brazilian collaboration, working with exciting up-and-coming producers in the scene.
Moving forward PNK Records has many outlets for it's community to stay involved. Every Friday they present a 'Crate Delivery' from the PNKY Team, showcasing new tracks, pushing the sound, and featuring artists from all over the world. With many more releases on the way you can always find live sets from previous Pink Parties. PNKCAST currently has sets from ALVES b2b Justin Rabin and Braydon Terzo b2b Dan Molinari.
PNK BABES
“We plan on launching PNK BABES, a women’s empowerment team creating a platform for the talented female creators
and individuals in the industry."
It's always been important to showcase the women in the industry. Doing interviews, photoshoots, this team will embody the strong and powerful women working behind the scenes.
"The average consumer wouldn’t know about how many fantastic women there are in the industry, and we want to shed light on that.”
The female perspective's became very crucial from Gema, Marte, and Emily, when it came to shaping the brand and the marketing side of things. Nick said without Gema he would not have been able to reach the community the way he did.
"Her and I together, as a duo, really made waves in the scene and made fantastic connections."