Ben Sims

Ben Sims

Ben Sims is a London-born UK techno producer and DJ, born in 1974. He starts out playing hip hop, house and rave on pirate radio and at parties around Essex and East London, then becomes an in-demand DJ during the 1990s and continues into the new millennium as a label head and producer. His work is associated with hardgroove techno, minimal techno and techno, and he is known for a tough, funk-led style that often uses three decks and a mix of vinyl, CDs and software.

DJ work and style

Sims builds a reputation for energetic, technically precise sets. He appears at clubs including Fabric in London, Atomic Jam, Berghain and Florida 135, as well as at festivals around the world. His DJ approach is described through a blend of hardgrooves and a commitment to pushing the format of a club set.

Releases and labels

He releases more than 50 records over two decades and curates several labels, including Theory Recordings, which reaches its 40th release. He is also associated with Hardgroove, Ingoma and Symbolism. His 2011 debut album, Smoke & Mirrors, appears on Drumcode and includes guest contributions from Chicago’s Tyree Cooper and Detroit’s Blake Baxter, alongside dubby and grainy textures and house-influenced material.

Collaborations and remixes

Sims remixes artists such as Jeff Mills, Adam Beyer, Kevin Saunderson and Chris Liebing, with releases appearing on labels including AXIS, KMS, CLR and Drumcode. He also works with Kirk Degiorgio to co-found and curate Machine, a clubnight centred on new, unreleased and upfront music, based in London and presented in other European cities. In addition, he hosts Sims & Friends events and stages at clubs and festivals across Europe, featuring Killa Productions sets with Paul Mac and guest appearances from artists including Surgeon.

Associated projects

He is a member of Killa Productions and Low-Life. Through these projects and his solo work, he remains active across DJing, production, label curation and event programming.