Great DJ’s seem to be on a never ending search for that fresh but specific sound that can be incorporated into their music. This became the mission of New Jersey native Morgan Geist upon discovering the roots of Detroit techno from innovators such as Derrick May. Geist’s emphasis on the emotional depth of techno and tight percussion evolved imploring the synth sounds of legends Devo, Severed Heads, and Depeche Mode that flooded his youth. Collecting masses of synth gear became obsession while studying at Oberlin College and after passing on a demo to producer Dan Curtain, he was immediately signed to Metamorphic Records for a series of singles. It wasn’t long before he established his own label Environ exploring the depths of mid-tempo house and detroit techno on his own terms.
In 1999, Geist joined fellow producer Darshan Jesrani in an endeavor to create a series of post-disco singles using the sounds of 80’s dance music with the electro chords of Chicago house leading to the formation of Metro Area. Following the release of their 2002 self titled album Metro Area, Geist kept the momentum moving with remixes for the likes of The Rapture’s House of Jealous Lovers and Franz Ferdinand’s Take Me Out. In 2001, Metro Area released their 3 track Ep Metro Area 4 featuring the deep house/Italo-disco track Miura that became an instant sensation. Resident Advisor rated the track as the number one track of the ’00s and it’s easy to see why.
Geist continues to produce and DJ around the world and has expanded his Environ Records to include a select few techno and nu-disco producers such as Baby Oliver, Kelley Polar, and Daniel Wang. In 2008, Geist released his single Ruthless City that was followed soon after by a chilling music video of love gone wrong.
This Sunday, we welcome Metro Area to the decks at Drai’s Hollywood for another edition of IHC Sundays. Joined by Jerome LOL and Stevie Be you can expect chill vibes and disco dancing into the AM hours. RSVP for free entry before 11pm or buy tickets for guaranteed entry.
RSVP HERE.
