Romanian-born, Toronto-bred Simina Grigoriu has been steadily racking up a myriad of accolades during her esteemed decade-long career and now stands as one of the most influential talents on the European circuit. Starting her musical journey as a DJ, she made the transition to producer and subsequently went on to found one of the most successful labels in the scene, Kuukou Records—a label that has since redefined the underground techno landscape. Now a powerful force, Kuukou is not just a platform for emerging artists, but a space where musical experimentation and bold, boundary-pushing sounds thrive.
Simina’s musical roots stem deep in her childhood when she studied classical violin and keyboard. Coupled with her parents’ strong musical influence and her passion for hip hop freestyling as a teen, her output encapsulates the foundations of her style. Garnering exposure in Toronto’s clubs, where the likes of Jeff Mills, Josh Wink and Juan Atkins left a lasting mark, Simina’s sound evolved, growing into the raw, uplifting techno she fronts today. Now a resident of Berlin, she draws endless inspiration from the city’s rich club culture and dynamic energy.
Grigoriu’s first productions came to light on the Berlin label Sonat Records in 2010 with the huge Mukluks & Ponytails EP, followed by releases with Phase Insane Records in Spain, Intelectro Vibe in Italy, Urban Sound, and Frequenza Records. A debut album was sure to follow, as Exit City became one of Susumu Records’ highest charting records. After a year-long break to focus on motherhood while maintaining an active studio schedule, she christened Kuukou Records in July 2016 with its inaugural EP, Techno Monkey. This momento marked the beginning of a new era for Simina, with Kuukou quickly becoming a defining label in the scene. Since then, she has become a firm favourite on some of the most notable labels in the techno world, with critically acclaimed, internationally-lauded releases on the likes of Drumcode Records, ELEVATE, FORM Music, Octopus Recordings, Tronic Music, Set About, We Are The Brave and Rave The Planet to name just a few.
Simina’s Kuukou Records reached a significant milestone in 2024 with its 100th release, Iron Angel – a deeply personal track dedicated to one of her daughters. This release exemplifies Kuukou’s unique approach to techno: bold, uncompromising and deeply connected to Simina’s own life. Alongside this milestone, 0805, her recent collaboration with Giulia, embodied the label’s fearless, forward-thinking spirit, delivering high-octane techno with an innovative edge. Since its inception, Kuukou has become a signature imprint in the underground scene, not just offering a platform for fresh voices but also reshaping the very essence of techno itself. With a roster that includes Hito, Torsten Kanzler, Fabio Florido, and Lilly Palmer, Kuukou has served as a rite of passage for many of the industry’s most respected names.
As much a fixture behind the decks as she is in the studio, Simina thrives on both sides of the booth. She’s a staple at the likes of BigCityBeats’ World Club Dome, Rave The Planet Parade, Untold Festival and Rave On Snow, where her sets are a highlight year after year. She has even brought her signature energy to iconic festivals and venues stretching as far as Australia, Beijing (Great Wall Festival), Shanghai and Tokyo (Womb). This past season, she continued to expand her global footprint with standout performances at We Are Techno Uruguay and London’s iconic E1. Whether commanding a festival mainstage or igniting a small, intimate venue, Simina’s presence is impossible to ignore – a hypnotic performer who keeps the energy surging from start to finish.
Simina’s journey also includes a significant social media presence, where she’s built a massive and engaged global audience. Her reach continues to grow, making her a key influencer within the industry, with dedicated fans who rally behind her every release, every gig, and every moment of her artistic evolution.
Simina’s recent cover for Mixmag Germany was a milestone that celebrated her as one of the most influential and ground-breaking figures in techno; a testament to her impact on the genre and her continued evolution as an artist. With an upcoming cover feature with Vicious Magazine, Simina is firmly positioned at the forefront of the electronic music world. Her upcoming releases on labels like Drumcode, Tronic and Kuukou are set to continue challenging the boundaries of underground music and cement her legacy in ways that will inspire generations to come. She’s also preparing for an exciting collaboration with Kelli Ali (of Sneaker Pimps fame), which promises to be a innovative fusion of ethereal artistry and Simina’s signature brand of techno.
Beyond the music, Simina has become a role model for strength, independence and balance. As a mother, she seamlessly navigates the delicate balance between raising her family and pursuing her career at the highest level. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she proves that talent, dedication and a passion for the music are the bases for longevity. She doesn’t rely on industry gimmicks – her artistry speaks for itself and it’s a message that resonates powerfully with her ever-growing fanbase.