Scratching the Surface

Helmut Geier, aka DJ Hell, is the David Bowie of electronic music -- always on the cutting edge, and an icon to those who've followed in his wake. From his entry into the early-'90s German techno scene through the current disco-punk fad, Hell (due at Vinyl on Saturday, February 26)...

By Timothy Pittz

February 24, 2005

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Helmut Geier, aka DJ Hell, is the David Bowie of electronic music -- always on the cutting edge, and an icon to those who've followed in his wake. From his entry into the early-'90s German techno scene through the current disco-punk fad, Hell (due at Vinyl on Saturday, February 26) has been a tastemaker in the dance arena. His label, International Deejay Gigolos, was instrumental in helping spark the electroclash craze by putting Fischerspooner (along with a multitude of punk and new-wave-laced electro house acts) on the map. And in recent years, Hell's sound -- a fusion of Detroit techno, acid house, punk rock, electro and IDM -- has Bad Boys everywhere taking note. Make that the Bad Boy: P. Diddy handpicked the DJ to work on his forthcoming dance record. Um, welcome to hell.

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.