Morgan Geist (Storm Queen/Metro Area)

This NJ native was initially inspired by England's take on the sound of Detroit, but eventually Morgan Geist tracked techno back to its Motor City innovators. When he began listening to music, however, it was the sound of early 80s synth heroes like Devo, Severed Heads and New Order alongside early hip hop, jazz and 60s Hindi film soundtracks. Geist continues to run Environ today. A highly-regarded remixer and producer both solo and as half of Metro Area, Geist has lent his touch to a wide range of artists including Hugh Masekela, Telex, Erlend Oye and The Rapture.