It's funny... most of the designers I know listen to Techno or Industrial... or a mixture of the two. I don't think I've met one that listens to Britney Skank or one of those pre-fabricated bands on the market that the kids these days seem to enjoy. >_<
I checked out VNV at a show here in Toronto last year... VERY good live. I wasnt too impressed with Future Perfect... I think they cleaned all the tracks a little excessively... it's almost over-produced to the point that it's annoying.
VNV just has that positive feel to it... makes working more tolerable once you've thrown on 'Standing' or 'Kingdom'... makes me WANT to face annoying clients hehe.
Oldschool Skinny Puppy is ALWAYS a favourite... Ogre is tha man. Ohgr was nice to see arrive on the scene... got to love 'Cracker'... anyone that can create a song to mock Reznor of NIN and make a video that blatantly knocks him, is ok in my books.