We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Vilar. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.

Alright, Michael thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

Always! While many DJs focus on blending popular tracks or familiar sounds, I strive to keep my sets raw and unpredictable. I don’t just aim for seamless mixing; I aim to create tension, to surprise the crowd. Sometimes I’ll bring in gritty, industrial elements or breakbeats that others might shy away from because they’re a bit intense or unpolished. I like to keep the energy unfiltered and drive the set in a way that’s not just hard, but also demands that people stay fully engaged and a bit on edge. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what people expect in a techno set.

Michael, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who haven’t come across my work yet, I’m a hard techno DJ and producer from the NY/NJ area, focused on creating intense, high-energy sets that challenge the typical club experience. I got my start in music as a listener first—I was that person constantly searching for the heaviest, most driving sounds in the techno world. That passion evolved into me wanting to create my own tracks and share that raw energy with others.

My approach is different because I bring a no-compromise intensity to every track and every set. My music isn’t just about getting people to dance—it’s about creating an experience where everyone is fully engaged in the moment, lost in sound that feels powerful, even a bit dangerous. I’m always experimenting, pushing the limits with harder beats and unexpected elements, which keeps my sets unique and unpredictable.

What sets me apart is the dedication to that gritty, uncompromising sound. I’m not afraid to go heavy, to tap into the rougher side of techno, and I think that resonates with people who crave something beyond the mainstream. One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing how my sound brings a certain crowd together—a group that’s equally passionate and ready to go all-in for the music.

Ultimately, I want people to know that when they come to one of my shows or listen to my tracks, they’re getting something real and raw. It’s not polished or softened; it’s unapologetically intense. And I think that’s what keeps people coming back—they know it’ll be an experience that pushes them a little further every time.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

As a hard techno DJ, I stay connected with my audience through social media, but also through real, in-person connections at shows. I engage directly with fans on platforms like Instagram and SoundCloud, where I can share new music, upcoming events, and glimpses into my creative process. These interactions are key because they let me stay close to the people who vibe with my music.

Brand loyalty for me comes from creating unforgettable live experiences. I don’t just show up, play a set, and leave; I get into the crowd’s energy, feed off it, and give it back tenfold. I want people to feel like they’re part of something bigger than just another night out. Between shows, I stay connected by releasing exclusive content and mixes that keep fans engaged and excited about what’s coming next.

For those who follow my journey, I think they know that I’m all-in for the music, that I’m building something with them, not just for them. That’s what keeps them coming back, and it’s what makes this whole journey so rewarding.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been all about consistency, authenticity, and a bit of grit. When I first started, I wasn’t worried about numbers or going viral. Instead, I focused on showing up as my real self and sharing the journey—from snippets of tracks I was working on to the behind-the-scenes of late-night sessions and wild moments from my sets. I think that honesty and rawness connected with people who appreciate hard, unfiltered techno.

One thing that really helped was engaging with the community. I didn’t just post and disappear; I was actively reaching out, supporting other artists, and joining conversations in the scene. Social media is a two-way street, and building a following is as much about listening as it is about sharing.

For those just starting out, my advice is to know who you are and stick with it. Don’t chase trends or try to fit into a mold. Show up consistently, share your unique perspective, and connect with people who truly resonate with your sound. It takes time, but if you’re genuine and passionate, people will find you and stick around for the journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mav_dj_
• SoundCloud: @mav_dj_
• Other: Apple music, spotify, beatport- MAV Threads-@mav_dj_

Image Credits
@nolightsnyc