Michael Leathers is an underground techno artist from San Jose, California, known for his blend of dark industrial energy and futuristic cyberpunk aesthetics. As the founder of the NEUROTECHNO project, Michael fuses thunderous basslines, cinematic sci-fi atmospheres, and raw warehouse energy inspired by worlds like Blade Runner, Cyberpunk 2077, and Blade. His project thrives on a bold cyberpunk, industrial, and dark techno vision, captured through a striking red-and-black visual identity.

Since launching his solo project, Michael has released a steady stream of originals and remixes while continuing to evolve the NEUROTECHNO concept through music, visuals, and storytelling. With tracks like "EVOLVE" and "Free Your Mind," Michael has been building a presence in Bay Area nightlife, performing at venues such as F8 and Guildhouse, while also bringing his signature cyberpunk and Blood Rave-inspired energy to stages across California, including House of Blues San Diego.

Your artist name, Michael Leathers, is actually your real name. How long have you been involved in the music scene?

I've been involved in electronic music for over a decade. Before focusing on my solo project, I was part of the duo MRVLZ, where we released music, performed shows, and created official remixes for artists including Marshmello, NERVO, and Timmy Trumpet. We also received support from artists such as Don Diablo, The Chainsmokers, Hardwell, and Tiësto.

What first got you into producing electronic music?

Around 2010–2011, I was introduced to artists like Skrillex, the dubstep scene, and rave culture. My brother took me to my first rave when I turned 18, and that experience made me fall in love with electronic music. From there, I wanted to learn how to create that same energy myself.

Who or what were your biggest musical influences growing up?

Growing up, I was introduced to music through my parents' and older brother’s CD collection. I gravitated toward classic rock, metal, and punk, especially bands like Linkin Park, System Of A Down, Sum 41, and Green Day. In my teenage years, I got deeper into metalcore and alternative music with artists ranging from Avenged Sevenfold, Atreyu, and Bullet For My Valentine to Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, and Motion City Soundtrack. (UEDM likes the Bay Area band Green Day, too) 😀

Video games and online communities also helped me discover electronic artists like The Prodigy, The Crystal Method, and early drum & bass and trance music. Once I went to my first rave, my influences shifted heavily toward Skrillex, dubstep, progressive house, future house, and dance music. A lot of those influences still show up in my music today. The aggression of metal, the atmosphere of sci-fi, and the energy of rave culture all became part of NEUROTECHNO.

Are there any genres or artists outside of EDM that influence your style?  

Yes. I’m heavily influenced by the aggression of metal, distorted vocals, heavy guitar riffs, industrial textures, sci-fi soundtracks, and darker cinematic worlds. A lot of my sound comes from trying to reimagine that heaviness through synths, basslines, and techno rhythms.

Were you a DJ first or an artist/producer?
I would say artist/producer first. DJing became the way for me to share the music I was making. When I first got into electronic music, I loved the feeling of raves and wanted to DJ, but producing and building the artist project always felt like my deeper mission.

You mentioned Blade-coded energy in one of your YouTube sets. I'm a big fan of the Blade movie franchise, especially the first film. Your sets and videos remind me of the legendary techno track "Confusion," played during the iconic Blood Rave scene where Blade takes down the vampires, as well as the striking red visual theme.  

Do you like that song, and do you try to capture that same raw energy in your own music, and when performing?

Absolutely. The Blood Rave scene is one of the most iconic moments in electronic music and rave culture. The combination of darkness, underground energy, industrial aesthetics, and aggressive electronic music left a huge impression on me. A lot of the atmosphere behind NEUROTECHNO comes from that same feeling of stepping into another world. I’m definitely trying to capture that raw, cinematic rave energy in both the music and the live experience.

Your theme centers on the color red, and you often wear black leather, which reminds me of the movie Blade. Is that dark energy and vibe something you're trying to convey to your fans and future fans?

Yes. I naturally wear black most of the time, so it already feels authentic to me, but it has also become a major part of the brand. The leather trench coat became part of the OPERATOR character within the NEUROTECHNO universe. I’ve always loved the black leather era of the 90s and early 2000s sci-fi like Blade and The Matrix, where the look felt futuristic, rebellious, and powerful.

Can you explain the genre that you produce and what attracted you to this genre?

I would describe my sound as a mix of peak-time techno and tech house with acid, industrial, and cyberpunk textures. It feels like something you would hear in a futuristic action rave scene. What attracted me to that sound was the combination of heavy drums, driving basslines, and brain-scratching acid leads. It feels powerful, energizing, and almost physical, like music that pushes you forward.

Can you share the origins of the NEUROTECHNO project and what it's all about or encompasses?​
I had the idea of combining my love for techno with my fascination for neuroscience and human performance. I became interested in how rhythm, repetition, tempo, and sound can influence mental state, focus, and emotion. The core concept behind NEUROTECHNO is simple: rewiring your mind through techno. It’s a fusion of techno culture, transformation, cyberpunk aesthetics, and neuroscience. The goal is to create music that doesn’t just entertain people, but puts them into a different state of mind.

I listened to a song called “In My Bag” in 2025, which has a Tech House vibe. Can you tell me more about that song and what inspired its sound?
At the time, I was really inspired by heavy off-beat bassline-driven tech house. I wanted to create something simple, energetic, and effective on a dance floor. The track ended up receiving support from Don Diablo and was selected as a Hexagon Demo Day Track of the Week, which made it a special release for me.

Are you involved in the music scene full-time, dedicating all your time to creating and promoting your music? 
Not yet. I currently balance my music career alongside a full-time career, but I dedicate a significant portion of my free time to producing music, performing, creating content, and building the NEUROTECHNO project.

What is your favorite DJ controller and software that you currently use?

I use a Pioneer XDJ-XZ at home for my sets and prepare my music with Rekordbox. I like the XDJ-XZ because it feels close enough to a standard CDJ club setup. It lets me practice, record sets, test USBs, and stay comfortable with the type of workflow I’ll usually encounter at venues.

How do you read the crowd, and what signals do you look for when deciding to switch up the music or change the BPM?  

I look for whether people seem locked in or if the energy is starting to dip. Are people moving closer? Are they dancing? Are they leaving the floor? Are they just standing around? You can usually feel when the room needs more energy or when it needs a quick reset. Sometimes you actually need to let the energy breathe for a moment before building it back up again.

When you first DJed your own music, how did the crowd react? Was the outcome what you expected, or did it surprise you?

I used to be nervous about playing my own tracks live, but most of the time the crowd kept dancing, which showed me I was probably overthinking it. There are still moments where I wonder how a track will translate on a bigger system or with a certain crowd, but that’s part of testing music live. I always like having another strong track ready to go after it, just in case I need to shift the energy quickly.

What sets your current music apart from other underground techno artists and makes it uniquely yours?  

I think it's the combination of cyberpunk storytelling, neuroscience-inspired themes, acid techno influences, and my visual world. A lot of artists make great techno records, but I'm trying to build a complete universe around the music. The production itself is important, but it's the combination of the sound, visuals, philosophy, and atmosphere that makes the project unique.

What strategies are you using to grow your audience and make sure your music stands out (make sure your music gets heard)? 

I’m heavily focused on consistent content, strong visual branding, and testing different ways to present the music online. I post frequently across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, using different videos, hooks, and song clips to see what connects. Social media has been a huge tool for getting the music heard, but I also use playlist submissions, promo tools, DJ outreach, and live shows to keep building momentum. That consistency has helped lead to opportunities like support from Don Diablo, an official release on Heldeep Records, and multiple Beatport chart appearances.

How many songs do you have out on DSPs?

Over 20+ official releases across originals and remixes

What is your musical background?

I started with piano lessons as a kid, but I was more interested in guitar and eventually convinced my parents to get me one. I took guitar lessons for years and spent countless hours learning metal and rock songs on my own. I always wanted to be in a band growing up.

Throughout middle school and high school, I was also involved in band programs where I played instruments like trumpet, clarinet, and bass drum in marching band. Once I discovered electronic music around 2011, my focus shifted almost entirely toward music production and learning how to create my own tracks.

Which music software and/or DAW do you prefer for music production, and what makes them your top choices?

Ableton Live 12. I first used Logic in an electronic music course, but it never really clicked for me. Once I discovered Ableton, I fell in love immediately. I've used it ever since, and it's become the foundation of my entire workflow.

Do you mix and master your own songs?

Yes. I enjoy mixing and mastering because it helps me develop a deeper understanding of my sound and gives me more control over the final result. Recently, I've also started working with mastering engineers on certain releases to get a fresh perspective and additional polish.

What typically sparks your creativity when writing a new song? Do you find inspiration in movies, books, or listening to classic 1990s techno and acid tracks?

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Sometimes it's a track with an incredible bassline or acid lead. Other times it's a movie scene, a visual, a piece of dialogue, or even a concept I want to explore through NEUROTECHNO. I tend to think visually when making music. A lot of my ideas start with asking myself what a certain sound or track would look like in the world I'm building.

What instruments, plugins, or synths do you prefer for crafting your bass lines and saw sounds? Are there any go-to tools or techniques you rely on to achieve your signature style?

Serum 2 is probably my most-used synth, and lately I've been using Arturia Acid V a lot for acid-inspired sounds. Both have become important parts of my workflow.

Do you layer the bass lines to create a sense of spread or to float over the kick drums? I like your unique sound, and I think it's one major reason you’re gaining so much traction.
Yes. I usually layer multiple sounds together to give the bassline more weight, width, and character. The goal is to make it feel powerful without overwhelming the rest of the mix.
What BPM range do you prefer when producing your tracks? Is there a tempo that feels most natural or inspiring to you when creating music?

Lately, I've been spending a lot of time around 130–140 BPM because it fits the energy of NEUROTECHNO really well. I also enjoy experimenting with house, industrial, and mid-tempo ideas around 110–130 BPM when the track calls for it.

How do you start a song? Do you begin with the melody, the drums, or the bassline when building a track?  

Most of the time, I start with drums and bass because they establish the energy of the track. Once I have that foundation, I'll experiment with acid leads, vocals, melodies, or other elements until something sparks.

How do you approach making kick drums and bass stand out in your songs?

I focus on getting the kick right first because it's the foundation of everything else. Once the kick feels solid, I build the bassline around it and make sure each element has its own space. Throughout the process, I'll refine sounds, add layers, and adjust the balance until everything feels powerful but controlled.

What is your signature sound or trademark in music production that makes your tracks stand out? 

I would say it's the combination of hard-hitting drums, hypnotic but aggressive acid leads, dark distorted vocals, and the cyberpunk atmosphere that ties everything together. Tracks like EVOLVE really represent that direction. I want the music to feel futuristic, intense, and immersive.

What techniques do you use to make your basslines and leads stand out in a mix, or to give your kick extra punch?  

I use sidechain processing very intentionally to make sure the kick remains powerful while still giving space to the bassline and leads. I also use EQ to carve out space for important elements so everything can cut through the mix without fighting each other.

What’s one production tip you wish you'd known when you first started producing music? 

Don't get stuck chasing perfection. Use quality drum samples and presets, then study them to understand why they work. Focus on finishing songs and making music you genuinely enjoy before obsessing over advanced mixing and mastering techniques.

How do you decide when a song is “finished”? 

A song is finished when it feels complete emotionally and energetically. There comes a point where additional changes aren't making the track better. Learning to recognize that point is one of the hardest parts of production.

What music-producing advice can you give someone who is trying to break into the EDM/ Techno scene?
Keep making music and finish as many songs as possible. Every finished track teaches you something. Over time, you'll naturally improve, discover what sounds most authentic to you, and develop your own identity. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Is the Bay Area experiencing a surge in underground EDM, or do you think it still has some catching up to do compared to other scenes?
San Francisco has a strong underground culture already, but I think San Jose has a lot of untapped potential. I'd love to see more promoters, venues, artists, and communities helping build a stronger electronic music scene throughout the entire Bay Area.

No, I don't think there are ever enough DJs and artists. I think everyone is creative in some way, and the more people who want to learn, experience, and create electronic music, the better.

Yes, I think a lot of people would be interested in seeing more live performances using hardware. Will they completely replace DJs? Probably not. But I do think we'll see more artists incorporating live elements into their sets because fans enjoy seeing something unique and performance-driven.

I think AI can be a useful tool, but I don't think it can replace human creativity, taste, experience, and emotion. The music that resonates most with me is still created by people with a unique perspective and story to tell.

After reading the article "The Digital Paradox: How Music Streaming Saved the Industry but Stifled the Artist," https://www.billboard.com/pro/how-music-streaming-saved-industry-hurt-artists/

As Snoop Dogg said a while back, “One million streams equals a million dollars, where is the money?” Only the DSPs make the money.

With this in mind, many artists like myself find that selling tangible items benefits both them and their fans, especially since artists make very little from streaming. 

Yes, I could definitely see that. I've actually been asked about physical formats before, and I think there will always be a place for them. Streaming is convenient, but owning a physical piece of music, artwork, or a special release creates a different connection with the artist.

I think it would be awesome. I love the idea of having a physical piece of the art in my hands. I grew up listening to CDs, so there's definitely some nostalgia there. I could absolutely see myself releasing something on vinyl or CD in the future.

Where do you see your Music taking you in 2026 or 2027?  

My goal is to continue growing NEUROTECHNO into something bigger than just a music project. I want to expand into more cities, bigger venues, international opportunities, and continue building a recognizable world around the music, visuals, events, and community.

Do you have any performances lined up for summer and fall  2026?

Yes. Right now, I have a three-show California run lined up for July 2026, and I'm actively working on additional shows and opportunities for the rest of the year.

Any USA tours or international tours? 

Nothing officially announced yet, but expanding into new cities and eventually international markets is definitely part of the long-term vision.

Which EDM artist would you like to open for?

I think I'd be a great fit for peak-time and hard techno artists like Space 92, Marie Vaunt, Mha Iri, and Eli Brown, as well as bass-heavy and experimental acts like REZZ, Skrillex, Deathpact, and Gesaffelstein. My music sits at the intersection of techno, industrial sound design, and cyberpunk aesthetics, bridging underground rave culture with darker, more cinematic electronic experiences.

Where can I find your music? 

You can find my music on all major streaming platforms under Michael Leathers, including Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, YouTube, and Beatport.

Any closing statement? 

Thanks to everyone who has supported the project so far. Whether you've streamed a track, come to a show, watched a set, or followed the journey online, I appreciate it. We're just getting started. Stay connected, trust the signal, and I'll see you inside the NEUROTECHNO network.

Entropy Radio is a global underground broadcasting platform dedicated to electronic music, operating without corporate influence, subscriptions, or ads. Streaming live 24/7, it provides a home for DJs and listeners, spotlighting genres such as techno, drum & bass, dubstep, grime, and house. The station features weekly resident shows, international guest DJs, and supports artists through live broadcasts, promotion, and mix uploads, with programming that highlights underground scenes from diverse regions. Entropy Radio encourages new DJs and producers to connect, submit music, or host shows, and is accessible worldwide via their website, Instagram, and Mixcloud.

Official website: https://www.entropyla.com

Mixcloud https://www.mixcloud.com/Entropyla

SoundCloud https://on.soundcloud.com/7umRr79odDaL5nWeq0