In collaboration with

We chat with nimino for his Amazon Music Breakthrough UK: 2025 Artists To Watch digital cover, in collaboration with NOTION, to learn more about his inspirations and aspirations.

At the intersection of house, hip-hop, and garage music, you’ll find nimino – a rising star redefining genre boundaries. His artistry thrives on his knack for blending catchy hooks with profound emotional depth, inviting listeners into a vibrant world where they can dance and reflect simultaneously. His standout single, ‘I Only Smoke When I Drink,’ captures a unique sonic palette that’s both infectious and introspective. 

 

With a diverse musical breadth, nimino is like a sonic chameleon, experimenting with innovative production techniques that mirror his eclectic influences and the myriad moods of life. His captivating live sets are a masterclass in crafting an electric party atmosphere while forging a genuine connection with his audience, creating an immersive experience that resonates long after the last beat drops.

 

Career-defining moments – like composing music for the 2022 Lacoste X Zalando campaign – have propelled nimino into the spotlight. And this is just the beginning; continue reading to find out about his life-long love for music and his upcoming EP, Creek.

Do you remember the moment you fell in love with music?

Honestly, not really! Bit of a dead answer but I never really thought about it like that, as with most people it’s just always been an integral part of my life. There was no moment of realisation, in the same way you wouldn’t have a moment where you realised you love drinking water.

Tell us a bit about your upcoming EP, Creek. What can we expect and what do you hope people take away from it?

It’s an exciting one for sure, 2024 was so interesting. I was just seeing what sounds people responded to within my music, experimenting with what worked and what didn’t. I ended up with this varied collection of tracks from quite different worlds, but with similar production styles all of which still feel very “me”.

What are you manifesting for 2025?

In all honesty, I don’t think very far ahead. Recently, I’ve been making weird, dark and bassy sounds, using them in uplifting songs to see if there’s a way of combining the gritty underground with the euphoria of an outdoor festival. For the moment, I’m interested to see how that turns out.

Who are your ones to watch?

Frankie Polari without a doubt. I reckon Cesco is gonna have a hell of a year after that keephush. Hans Glader is up to some cool shit.

What is your dream venue to play this year?

I’ve always wanted to play Red Rocks but I don’t think it’s on the cards for this year. I’m gassed for Snowbombing. I’ve always wanted to do a ski festival, as I’ve never been to one and want to experience it.

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

Whenever I’m at a show and I play the opening chord to ‘Only Smoke’ the reaction is always so rewarding – people lose their heads.

What do you hope people take away from your music?

Each song is different but I hope people can imprint their identity onto them. I like thinking that the meaning behind each song is different for everyone who listens to it. I used to keep my lyrics private but it got a little difficult for people to understand.

What’s your most unexpected musical inspiration?

I used to record a lot of arguments and comedy routines and then turn them into synths and drum beats. There’s just so much rhythm and a natural tonality in there, when you repurpose it into something musical it can give something so unique and expressive.

If you could channel the energy of anyone in 2025 whose would it be?

Probably Theo Von, he seems like a pretty happy guy overall. Or maybe Pingu? Not the most chill energy, but generally he seems pretty unfazed.

What song or album changed your perspective on making music?

Burial’s Untrue introduced me to a new way of thinking about music. It also introduced me to an emotion which I would never have felt, and have never felt, other than when listening to that album.

What’s next for you?

I’m gonna be all over the world this year, it’s truly bananas. I’m so gassed for what’s ahead!

Listen to the Amazon Music UK: 2025 Artists to Watch playlist now:

Magazine – NOTION / Agency – Studio NOTION / Production Company – DELA.STUDIO / Creative Director – Daisy Deane / Producer – Elly Craig / Photographer – Yana Van Nuffel / Digi Op – Julia Eskell / Lighting Assistant – Luke Weller / Lighting Assistant – Emily White / Self Shooter + Editor – Liam James / Video Assistant – Eliezer Franco Chiquete / Soundie – Sahishnu Tongaonkar / 1st AD – Micheal Baugh / 2nd AD – Jade Ashleigh / Set Designer – Hannah Knowles / Set Assistant – Luke Marchant / Stylist – Ellie Rimmer / Stylist Assistant – Tori Parry / Stylist – Phoebe Butterworth / Stylist Assistant – Clemmie Coles / Stylist Prep Assistant – Alice Sanders / Makeup Artist – Maya Man / Makeup Assistant – Babi Campos / Makeup Assistant – Ocean Wright / Hair Artist – Tarik Bennafla / Hair Assistant – Misty Mosharrafa / Comp Artist – Romario Maher / Cover Graphics – Chrissie Trappl