One of the best shows of 2023 was the co-headlining tour with Tech and Hollywood Undead. The chemistry between these artists shows through in their collaboration on the song Idol. The success of that tour has led to a second round of shows. With another North American tour, this pairing is hitting up places they missed the first time around, but Grand Rapids must have left them with great memories because we get another round on April 30th at GLC Live.
Tech has shown for years he can hold his own in the rock and metal world. Featured in many songs alongside people like Corey Taylor of Slipknot, Serj Tankian of System of a Down, the Deftones, The Doors, Kim Dracula and Falling in Reverse to name a few, Tech N9ne knows how to rock out and get his metal on. Even though Tech is on the road he took time out of his busy schedule to sit down and talk to Moshpit Nation and give us the what’s what on all the happenings we need to know about.
When asked about the reason for the new tour with Hollywood, Tech says, “It was such a success and we did not hit every spot so we wanted to double back, give Canada some, and some more in the US. The whole energy with the band, all of us together, the brotherhood…it was a no brainer for us to double back again. The guys are like brothers to us, it’s like a family. The Grand Rapids show must have been really special because I was told we were not hitting places we’ve already been so that’s beautiful!”
If you saw the tour last time around that doesn’t mean you should sit this round out. “Things have been switched up, it’s a brand new set and brand new attire and brand new energy, It’s a whole new show,” Tech promises.
There have been many highlights in Tech’s career. One of the most notable for him was the song Strange 2013 featuring the remaining members of The Doors as well as the voice of late and great Jim Morrison. “This meant so much to me because I named my label after this band (The Doors) after being such a fan for so many decades. To work with the remaining members and to get the ok to use Jim’s voice from all four people that have stake in it, for them to say yes to a little black boy from Kansas City, Missouri was amazing to me. For me to have that privilege to work with people that inspired me like I said, amazing!”
Tech’s label, Strange Music is home to a lot of talented artists. He wants you to watch out for a new album from X-Raided. King Iso just dropped a new single off his new LP. Jehry Robinson, HU$H and Joey Cool are all working on new projects as well. “We constantly have to keep moving and it needs to be meaningful. That’s how we stay afloat.”
Tech himself is just wrapping up his next album as well. This is his first album with just himself, no special guests, no features, all Tech N9ne! “This album is all about my life from age 12 to 17, when I lived on 5816 Forestin the hood. 5816 Forest is the name of the record. It’s a 17 episode audio series about when I ran away from home on a quest to become Tech N9ne. It’s done right now and coming out soon.”
He is one of the hardest working men in the entertainment industry and we know we can always look forward to new music from Tech and the other Strange Music artists. On Tech’s personal bucket list he says he’s always wanted to work with Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails fame. “I’ve always wanted to work with Trent on some production and maybe have him sing something for me. I’ve always admired his ear and how musically inclined he is.”
After the success of Idol with his co-headliners Hollywood Undead he says it would only be natural for there to be more coming from them as well. “I’ve worked with all types of artists and I’m steadily growing. The rock and the metal are always going to be a part of my DNA and it’s just going to intensify every year just like my clown mask!”
Tech appreciates his fans like no other. “It’s amazing how the fan base is still growing. They are getting younger and they’re getting older. They’re always pushing the strange music logo and energy to other people. It’s a blessing and it’s overwhelming, all the love is appreciated. To my Juggalo family out there you might be seeing me soon!”
For more info goto Strange Music where you can also pre-order 5816 Forest which is released on 6/27
Make sure you check out the show at GLC Live on April 30th! Look for Moshpit Nation to get your photo taken and say hi!
By: Brian Benn
