Testpilot

**Testpilot** is the lesser-known techno alias of Canadian electronic music icon Deadmau5 (real name Joel Zimmerman). While Deadmau5 is synonymous with progressive house and his iconic mouse helmet, Testpilot lets Zimmerman explore grittier, darker techno rhythms, often ditching melodies for driving basslines and industrial textures. The project debuted quietly in 2018 and has remained a sporadic outlet for his underground experimentation, with releases like “Wet” and “Sunspot (White Space Conflict)” showcasing raw, warehouse-ready energy.

Testpilot tracks rarely follow traditional release cycles, instead popping up unexpectedly on platforms like SoundCloud or during live sets. While Deadmau5’s main project dominates festivals, Testpilot thrives in intimate club settings, reflecting Zimmerman’s deep-rooted love for techno’s underground ethos. Fans dig the alias for its no-frills, hypnotic vibe—a sharp contrast to the glitchy theatrics of his mainstream work.