W: Jessie Delrivo

In the bass-heavy ecosystem of the South West, few names are rising with as much authenticity as Zimmer, known to the dancefloor as Zimma. Now based in Bristol—the global beating heart of the scene—Zimma is carving out a reputation for a sound that bridges the gap between technical precision and old-school soul. It’s a style he describes as a "fresh approach to the technical side of Drum and Bass," designed to satisfy the seasoned "heads" while remaining infectious enough for any casual raver to catch the vibe.

Zimma’s journey didn't start in the warehouses of Bristol, but on the coast of Cornwall. Cutting his teeth by running the Sub-frequency events in Falmouth alongside mates Jude and Jack, he learned the industry from the ground up—literally. Supporting the headliners they booked provided the ultimate training ground, transforming a local promoter into a formidable DJ and producer with a "generational blessing" of a name.

A Sonic Blueprint: Moby to LTJ Bukem

Zimma’s musical DNA is as unique as it gets. "My mum actually played me a Moby album as I left the hospital after being born," he laughs, citing the legendary producer as a core influence. This early exposure to melody and atmosphere is evident in his work today, though it’s now flavoured with the grit of Drum and Bass titans like Break, Total Science, and the atmospheric mastery of LTJ Bukem.

This blend of influences has culminated in a year of massive milestones, none more significant than his experience at Boomtown. For an artist, there is no greater validation than hearing your own productions echoing across the festival site, spun by the very legends you once looked up to. "There really is no feeling like it," Zimma says of his 10/10 experience. "Seeing my music get reactions in the crowd—those are real emotional moments."

Authenticity Over Speed

While the fast-paced nature of the music industry can lead many to chase trends, Zimma’s greatest strength is his refusal to budge. He pours "emotion and love" into his craft, prioritizing a sound he believes in over quick success. While he admits to the occasional bout of self-doubt—a natural by product of being surrounded by the elite talent of the Bristol scene—his focus remains on the long game.

As the summer winds down, the focus shifts from the stage back to the lab. With a string of "bucket list" labels signed for the coming year and a high-profile set at the Born on Road x Wall of Bass Carnival on August 23rd, the trajectory is clear. For Zimma, the philosophy is simple: "An authentic path may take longer, but the moves and impact are forever legendary."