To most, Morgan Geist is better known as Storm Queen. Along with vocalist Damon C Scott, MK's remix of their track "Look Right Through" found itself at number 1 in the UK charts this November, but it was a long road to the top for Geist.The original track was released back in 2010 on Morgan Geist's own label, Environ, which he set up in 1995. It then got re-released on Defected, with remixes from Art Department and Jamie Jones in 2012, followed by a second remix package in 2013, which included the MK remix. After getting played endlessly in clubs and on radio, Ministry of Sound re-released the MK remix as a single, and a number 1 hit was born.But this isn't a flash-in-the-pan, "one hit wonder" producer. Morgan Geist has a discography that spans nearly two decades, and a range of different aliases. It's comforting in a way; if every release Morgan Geist had been involved with was released under one name, it would put pretty much every other producer to shame for their laziness. At least we can all feign ignorance and pretend the aliases are different people, rather than one, insanely talented producer.Here, we present a short intro to Morgan Geist's musical history; spanning nearly two decades, different aliases, and a lot of great music. Enjoy.Morgan Geist - Quadri-Locular EP [Metamorphic Recordings,1994]Where it all began, Morgan's first release; a four-track techno EP. Its depth is impressive for a debut release, and a clear signal that Morgan Geist was in the music game for the long run. You don't just churn out a release like this unless you're dedicated to the cause. The only track we can embed is the Dan Curtin re-work, but have a dig around online. You won't be disappointed.Morgan Geist - Premise EP [Environ, 1995]Morgan Geist's second release signaled the beginning of his own label Environ, through which he would go on to release the majority of his own music, as well as some crackers from Daniel Wang and Kelly Polar. This release has Detroit influences stamped all over it; full of acid basslines and driving percussion. This one's our personal favourite from the lot.
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Morgan Geist - The Driving Memoirs [Environ, 1997]The Driving Memoirs was Morgan's first full length album, dedicated to his sister who tragically died in a car accident. The album follows in the footsteps of Carl Craig's Landcruising and Model 500's Night Drive: Time, Space, Transmat of techno full lengths as accompaniments to long road trips. The eleven tracks also began to signal a shift in his sound: moving away from techno and into a softer, more disco-influenced vein.Metro Area – Metro Area [Environ, 1999]1998 was an important year for Environ. Following releases from Daniel Wang and Morgan himself, there was no doubt that the label had fully embraced the new disco-hybrid sound that they had begun to push but in 1999, Metro Area was formed when Morgan Geist teamed up with Darshan Jesrani. We should all be pretty pleased that this happened, because they still make some of the best disco, boogie and funk inspired dance music you'll hear. Just try and listen to this track, taken from Metro Area's debut, without a cheeky little smile spreading across your face.Metro Area – Metro Area 4 [Environ, 2001]From 1999-2002 Metro Area released a run of self titled EPs, the pick of the bunch being Muira a sizzling track from their fourth EP. An inescapalbly endearing, near nine-minute groove. The EP was mastered on the 10th September 2001, one day after the 9/11 attacks, with the usual colourful artwork being changed to black and grey out of respect for the damaged New York City.
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Jersey Devil Social Club - Homage At 121 BPM [Environ, 2004] Another year, another alias for Morgan. Sticking firmly with the twisted disco dancefloor orientated sound, this release is a personal favourite of mine. Stick it on towards the end of a night, and watch the dance floor get weird.Baby Oliver - Feelings 2 [Environ, 2007]A modern throwback to the 80s. Think Vogueing, think Paradise Garage, get teary-eyed about it, and then pull yourself together. This is no nostalgia trip. This was released in 2007, and still does the damage on the dancefloor today. Have some faith.Morgan Geist – Detroit [Environ, 2009]This 2009 release featured a stunner of a remix from the master Carl Craig; an homage to the Motor City and a temporary return to a rougher sound. For once, a YouTube commenter actually speaks some sense and sums it up perfectly;"If this isn't Detroit, I don't know what is".Storm Queen – Look Right Through [Environ, 2010]The first release from Morgan under the Storm Queen alias, and the precursor to the number 1 hit. You can hear the sounds of his previous releases all over this record; the signature bassline, catchy synth lines, all finished of with a chart-ready vocal.Storm Queen – Look Right Through (MK Remix) [Ministry of Sound, 2013]Three years and eight remixes later, the song reached the top of the UK chart after MK got his remixing mitts on it. Doesn't top the original though.