DJ Nobu

Representing Japan as one of international techno’s most respected selectors, DJ Nobu lands like a tornado. The Future Terror event series founder can hit heady territory, dive into a body rhythm, or keep a fast-as-lightning pace. His attention to sound design and reputation for layering hypnotic tracks screams of the influence from Jeff Mills, Rrose, and Marcel Dettmann in tense mood and build. But Nobu’s cultlike status is singular, perhaps owing to his devotion to collaborating with the dance floor rather than directing it. Nick McDonnough’s bass music-meets-techno sorcery provides the perfect runway. Young gun Apellum completes the heat wave. – Christina Garcia