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BIO: Titanyum, pronounced "Titanium,” is an independent EDM DJ rooted in the San Francisco rave scene, with a deep connection to electronic music dating back to the mid-1990s. Known for versatile, high-energy sets, his sound blends progressive house, deep house, Latin house, progressive psy, minimal and melodic techno, jacking house, funk/disco house, and breakbeats, fusing hypnotic grooves, driving rhythms, and classic underground rave energy.

With over 100 performances across San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, and Cancun, Titanyum delivers dancefloor-focused journeys inspired by legends such as Sasha, John Digweed, Paul Oakenfold, and Tiësto, while maintaining a distinctly underground edge. His musical journey began in San Francisco, CA, and he is currently based in Phoenix, AZ.

A vinyl purist at heart, Titanyum loves spinning on Technics turntables, though he’s equally comfortable on CDJs, all-in-one controllers, Serato, and Rekordbox. While best known as a DJ, production is his next frontier. He is currently developing around 13 original tracks in the studio, created primarily through hardware-based workflows. No official releases yet, but the next chapter is already in motion.

Throughout my life, I have encountered many challenges and overcome deep pain. I’m a believer that challenges build character and strength. I have done this while still maintaining a light heart and positive attitude. Titanium is one of the strongest and lightest metals. Titanium represents me, my character.  Titanyum is titanium spelled in a different language. I spelled it differently to create a unique name and ensure fans will remember it.

What's the story behind the image? The black and silver facemask?

The mask 😊 Bob Hope said, “The day I stop feeling butterflies in my stomach before performing, I will stop doing what I do.” Even now, after years of being behind the decks, I’m still a nervous wreck before a performance, regardless of whether I’m playing a 50,000-guest or 50-guest event. I always want to deliver a memorable performance. The mask is almost like a switch that turns on a persona/personality. I initially began using it to separate my private life from my public life, but I quickly realized the benefit of a personality switch. 

What is your music and DJ background?

My father was a classical pianist and played with several symphonies. I grew up listening to classical piano for 2.5 hrs. every morning. I fell in love with music really early on. Although I did not follow in his footsteps, I began my own journey in musical discovery. At age 13, I met DJ TNT, and he introduced me to mixers and turntables. I began mixing high energy Freestyle music in the 80s. In the 90s, I attended a rave and was introduced to Techno. This new sound struck a chord. I immediately wanted to follow the rabbit hole and see how far it would go.

Do you run an online music station?

No. However, I have partnered with https://mjronradioonlinestation.ismyradio.com. This station operates as a regular station with multiple show genres. My mixes are often played in the EDM shows.

How are you affiliated with Kindred Entertainment?

Kindred Entertainment Group (K.E.G.)is a fairly new company. When they were considering launching, they approached me and asked whether I would be interested in representation. I would be the first artist on their roster. The pioneer behind K.E.G. was tired of the corporate event restrictions. She wanted to curate themed events where her creativity would flow freely. Their mission resonated deeply with me, and I signed. They now manage me and a few dynamic DJs, including E.C.O. Freq, Pocket Full of Sunshine, Gigliotti, and the original DJ Seven from Chicago. It is exciting to work with Kindred Entertainment Group. The team works with the same objective as the mission but operates like a family. Even within the artist pool, we help each other grow. No Egos… Just a music lover with a mission…

LOL 🤣 Ohh man… really… I am in my 50s. The funny thing is that I never feel my age. I am active, work out, run, Mountain bike, Snowboard, I love to dance, I laugh a lot, and I’m constantly asked when I'm going to grow up. Being young at heart sometimes gets me into trouble. LOL 😅

How long have you been DJing?

What first got you into DJing?

As a kid, I thought I would drive my father crazy and take on the drum kit. LOL 😆 …My father was not supportive and would not buy me drums. My neighbor was DJ TNT. He was about eight years older than I was, but once I learned who he was, we somehow became really good friends. He would allow me to play on his turntables for hours. He would not share DJ tips. He forced me to learn and develop my own style. He became like a big brother and would take me to record stores for hours to select vinyl records. Learning was challenging, but the bigger the challenge, the more I fell in love with it.

A rave & techno… This was like a drug addiction. I was immediately hooked and could not stop.

 The energy in EDM is unlike any other. I believe in the Solfeggio frequencies and their ability to influence. I believe these high frequencies, often used in EDM, promote love and connection. There is something magical that happens in EDM events. Don’t get me wrong, I know not everyone is PLUR through and through, but you can’t deny that there is a significant difference in energy at a trace party compared to other concerts. I believe it is the music and frequencies used to create it.

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

 Recently, I had the chance to play on the Pioneer DJ-OPUS-QUAD and loved it. Don’t get me wrong, I still prefer to spin my Technics and my Allen & Heath mixes, but if I am going to play on a controller, the Pioneer OPUS-QUAD is a sick controller

Titanyum also uses the Allen & Heath Xone:43 mixer.

Why? A few things stand out. The platter's smoothness lets you control the track with ease.  The three screens allow you to track your sound waves with minimal effort. The effects are on point, and there is so much to play with. The EQ is smooth and provides complete control when mixing with the EQ. The Crossfader is smooth, and cutting or scratching is like cutting through hot butter with a not knife.

How did you learn to DJ?

 I pretty much learned by trial and error. I listen to DJs like TNT and Cameron Paul (RIP) and wanted to recreate their mixes. I was blessed to be living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Once I discovered electronic music, I realized there was an amazing network of DJs in my backyard. I went to shows, made friends, listened to their styles, and tried to recreate their mixes. I was then heavily influenced by Oakenfold, Digweed, Forest Green, Miguel Migs, Dimitry Vega, Tiesto, Pete Tong, DJ Dan, and so many more. It’s with their help that I began taking on a new challenge and developing my own style… How can I mix without anyone in the audience knowing I am mixing? The idea was that I needed to mix smoothly and ride the mix for so long that the listener would think it was just one continuous song, with variations on songs they had listened to before. Long mixes became my daily quest. I often ride my mix for at least 16 bars, and I’ll ride it for 32 or even 64 bars. This creates what I like to call a melting of the two, three, or four tracks, taking the listener on a journey of sound.

What’s one DJ tip you wish you'd known when you first started learning to DJ? 

How to recover. I’ve always been focused on perfecting the mix, not so much on recovering or saving it after a mistake. To be honest, that is my weakness today, and I don’t mind owning it.

Are you working and in the music scene too?

Yes, in my day-to-day, I am a business consultant/business coach. I coach people on how to start and scale their businesses. I also take on consulting clients to help create processes & procedures to reduce costs, increase profits, and/or scale their businesses. 

Who or what were your biggest musical influences growing up?

In the 80s, I’d have to say Public Enemy, Run DMC, LL Cool J, Stevie B, Judy Torrez, Daiz, Led Zeplin, U2, Def Lepard, Earth Wind and Fire, Aerosmith, Nina Simone,  In the 90s – Rage against the Machine, Prodigy, Jeff Mills, Underworld, Carl Cox, Sven Vath, Richi Hawtin, Moby, Paul VanDyke, Oakenfold, Miguel Migs, Well Wiked, Mars & Mystery, Lauren Garnier, Dave Clark, Thomas Trouble, Bad Boy Bill, Carl Craig, Josh Wink and so many more.

What makes the music you are currently producing different from that of other EDM artists?

This is a loaded question; I’m producing tracks that merge a feeling. I want to convey a sense of nostalgia while driving excitement for the new. My production is a bit experimental, rhythmic, and high-energy with heavy drum lines.  My production is very emotional. I produce based on how I feel. I am in a dark place, which is reflected in the track I am working on. If I am in a very happy place, I tend to create a more melodic track.

What Genre are you currently producing?

In an ideal world, no one would be able to classify my sound, and it would spark a new genre. However, I recognize how silly that is, and if I had to classify it, I would say it falls into the melodic techno or minimal techno arena.

How would you describe your sound to someone hearing you for the first time?

Dirty, driving, heart-pounding, emotionally charged.

What's the mood of your new music that's coming out in 2026?

Mostly dirty and with a bit of darkness, High energy with depth

What are you doing to get your music heard?

At the moment, I’m just focusing on finishing the album. Once I release it, I will focus on marketing and playing my original tracks when I do shows.

Do you use a DAW?

I have used Serato Studio and Logic.

However, right now I am only using hardware

What hardware do you like to use when making your music?

I use a Korg Electribe MX and love it.

What instruments do you play?

The drum kit, Tribal drums, Djembe, and Congas. 

I usually start with drums. The rhythm of my drums will inspire melody and bass line.

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

At first, I just set the drum patterns. Then, depending on the mood, I experiment with creating depth to the base, maybe adding a drag or an effect.  I continue this process for my highs as well. This could take time, and sometimes it is frustrating because you know what you want, but can't find the right combinations of sounds.

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

Learning to accept that I will never produce a song that I feel is perfect. 

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

LOL 😂 They never finished…  Even when I’m done with it, I listen to it and find things I want to change or add.  I have to stop myself and restrain myself from re-engaging with the song to make changes.

What music-producing or DJ advice can you give someone who is trying to break into the EDM scene? 

Don’t do it if you are doing it for fame or money.  If you love music and want to connect with people on a different level, just know it will be frustrating, hard, and require time and effort, but when you have those few moments when someone walks up to you and says… “That was amazing… thank you.” It makes it all worth it.

 I have to say music is the main influence on my style

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

 James Brown, Nina Simone, U2, and Led Zeppelin

What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music that’s coming out? 

I want them to feel space to release emotion. I want them to feel accepted and connected. I want them to feel inspired to do whatever it is that they want to accomplish (with exceptions to never hurt anyone or anything)

What do you want people to feel and do when they listen to you, DJ?     

I want them to know, somehow, that they are in control of their lives and can do anything they put their minds to. All it takes is dedication, commitment, and focus.  I want them to see me up there and think if he can do that, I can (whatever it is they desire to do)

How do you feel about the current underground EDM scene?

I think phones have ruined the scene. The influencer movement has created a shift in the culture. I love that we are now seeing a movement to not allow phones in events. I fear that if we do not do this, dance culture will die.  AI is scary and disruptive in the music scene, especially in EDM. It scares me how it will impact future generations. One can argue that it is just a tool that allows anyone to have an equal playing field and create music. That may be the case, but I invite you to ask yourself:

When I was growing up, we did not have cell phones; hell, we did not have pagers, and we watched all the tech changes take effect. Apha or Gen Z can’t even imagine a world without a cell phone.

As for the scene in general, I am excited to see the return to trance shift. I love that the music my parents thought was weird is now playing in grocery stores as background music and influencing our youth. I love that what was once raver-kid, club-kid music is now influencing a musical revolution in just about any genre. This is exciting to me. I love my life for what I have seen and cannot wait to see what is happening next. 

Are you concerned with artists who use AI in music production?

Right now, AI is mainly used as a tool.  Soon, it will realize it doesn’t need humans. I’m not concerned about the artist using it now. My concern is more about how it will use us or impact us later.

How about AI used in DJ software, such as an AI-driven “DJ Studio? 

DJing is personal to me. I love the human connection I get while playing. If I am listening to an AI music mix… There is no human connection. I can care less. It is background music to me. I don’t care how on point the mix is. It is artificial and not special. What makes a DJ special is knowing and appreciating the value of hours of practice, commitment, and dedication to creating that mix. This is why I appreciate DJs. Similarly, the same applies to other artists. If you have AI create a song, build the artificial vocals to sound like Pink, and AI creates the melody… to me, this is not Pink… There was no investment, commitment, emotional investment, or human connection to the song. It’s all artificial and therefore has no human connection. As far as I’m concerned, it's background noise.

What’s the biggest challenge for underground artists today? 

In my opinion, artists face different challenges depending on where they are geographically located. However, I think some of the bigger universal challenges include the following:

Venue owner’s greed: There was a time when a venue owner wanted to pay a DJ to play at their venue. The venue owner would market the talent and the event to attract patrons and generate sales. Today, many venue owners want to charge talent to play at their venue. In addition, they want to keep 100% of their sales. Leaving no opportunity for the talent to make any money. Unfortunately, talent is so desperate to perform in front of an audience that they not only pay to perform but also promote and market the event. This greed really needs to stop.  

Imposters: Part of the problem that has caused the previous problem is the contribution by impostors. Look, we've all seen the DJ at a venue scrolling through Instagram and taking photos of themselves while mixing a set. In some cases, a music mix actually happens, and the imposter is not touching the mixer. This is hurting our industry. Venue owners see this and think all DJs just play songs and let the technology do the rest. Therefore, they can’t justify paying a DJ. They look at it like anyone can press the sync button and hit play.  

The audience: I know I’ll get a lot of backlash for my answers to this question. However, the audience is becoming a problem. If you want to use Instagram, do it at the tables, in the hallway, or at the back of the room. Don’t do it in the middle of the dance floor. You are destroying magical moments by turning them into a you moment and failing to connect with everyone else, including the DJ or performer.  

The all about me DJ: The DJ’s mission to draw emotion and drive energy in the crowd. If you are an over-the-top DJ jumping up and down, acting a fool, to draw attention… You are seeking the wrong thing. Use the music to draw emotion. Drive the excitement via the sound and vibration. Drive the energy with your mix… In short, let the music be your source, your tool, your weapon on your quest to draw excitement. It’s not about the DJ being excited; it’s about the DJ’s mix generating excitement from the audience. When you do this as a DJ, you will feel the instant energy connection. You will absorb the excitement you receive from the audience and understand how you and five thousand guests are connected, suspended in time, hearts beating in synchronization. I have even seen DJs who wave their hands, bob their heads, jump up and down with no rhythm connection to the song they are playing. If you can’t even connect to the song you are playing, how can anyone connect with you? Furthermore, you look like a bad actor.  (UEDM this is Deep!)

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

It is my understanding that Coachella requires performers to have original productions in distribution. In 2026, I will be focusing on releasing original tracks.  In 2026, I want to focus on opening new markets such as Las Vegas, Southern CA, Phoenix Metro, and Colorado.   In 2026, it would be great to play at casinos across the West. All of these things are in preparation to qualify for Coachella.  It would be amazing if I could play Coachella in 2027.

Any upcoming releases, collaborations, or shows you’re excited about?

I began collaborating on events with Fraktured Phoenix and Psy Trance Family. I am very excited about what we may create together.    I have partnered with MJRONRADIO. (https://mjronradioonlinestation.ismyradio.com) We are on a mission to grow the station as a whole (not just the electronic music shows). This is another exciting venture.  Last but not least, I am considering launching my own label and releasing my tracks on it. This is just an idea at the moment, but it's fun and exciting.

Where can I find your music?

My original tracks have not released yet. However, you can find live mixes on my YouTube Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/@DJTitanyum

Tell us about 2 or 3 recent tracks or albums? 

There are no tracks released yet. However, I can tell you that when I release an album, it will have some different flavors, including:  House, Trance, Breakbeats, and Progressive.