Our first exposure to the London-based DJ and producer SIMMS was via a YouTube video that saw him DJing jungle music on a boat while floating down the Hackney canal. That provided the perfect entryway to an artist whose playful style is rooted in jungle but folds in textures from far and wide. On the occasion of his new single “Orbit,” we sent a few questions over to SIMMS. We find out more information about that Hackney Canal set and get an insight into his very melodic approach to DJing. We also learn about his favorite breakbeat, which might surprise you, or not. “Orbit” is out now.

Can you remember the first time you heard jungle music?

SIMMS: Not the first time, but some of my earliest memories involve sitting in the passenger seat of my Dad’s 2005 BMW 3 Series listening to hours upon hours of old jungle & drum ‘n’ bass CDs.

Could you tell us about this new single and also your forthcoming EP?

“Orbit” is the first single from my forthcoming EP Traversal Tapes, an insight into my influences growing up, stemming from early video games, atmospheric soundscapes, and ideas of perpetual motion. Each track on the project can be seen as a checkpoint on a journey through sonics. “Orbit” sets the tone for this with its perfect blend of dreamlike atmospheres alongside its club focused bassline and drums, capturing the contrasting elements of the project in its entirety.

You did an amazing DJ set on the Hackney Canal. How did that happen? 

I asked lol. I’d seen my mate Citizen do a set on the same show (Pirate Crew Radio) during the previous summer and was desperate to get involved! I asked the owner of the boat if it would be possible and we made it happen.

What’s up with that Aaliyah remix you made? It is very good.

I grew up around a LOT of 90s/Early 2000s music, especially R&B, soul, and hip hop. These influences have remained throughout my musical journey and I continue to showcase that through my remix projects. Aaliyah has always been one of my favourite vocalists so I thought it would make perfect sense to get some breaks over one of her tracks 

What kind of music do you like to listen to when you aren’t listening to jungle?

I definitely listen to a lot of everything. R&B, soul, and a lot of old pop music for the most part these days; I’m always sample hunting. This week it’s been a lot of Ariana lol. Outside of that I love disco, house, grime, hip hop and pretty much anything else you could think of haha. I’m also deeply invested in all of my friends’ music at the moment. Pozzy, bib sama, Saiming, Blue Ringed Baby, Okami, Shirley Temper, and Grace Wolfe (Just to name a few).

Is there a way you like to structure your DJ sets? What is your approach to genre?

Hate me or don’t, but I’ll usually pick a key on the camelot wheel and then stem from there. My sets include a LOT of melodic blends and I need a system to ensure that tracks aren’t clashing with each other sonically. When I’ve got longer sets, I like to plan in roughly 20-minute sections, shifting the energy in each segment. This way, I can also tailor each segment to a subsection of the crowd; some people love jungle tek, some people love textbook breaks and bass, some people want drum ‘n’ bass.

What is exciting you the most about jungle and rave music in 2026? 

I’m starting to notice a lot of UK influences appear in foreign music scenes. The Americans are starting to catch on and it’s beautiful to hear so much of the music I love being made all across the world! Visiting New York in December and hearing all that they had to offer in the electronic space really put a smile on my face

What is the GOAT breakbeat?

“Think” break, I won’t be taking any questions.