In a recent episode of the “Wild Ride” podcast hosted by Stevo, Violent J of the Insane Clown Posse got candid about his struggles with drug use, his ongoing health issues concerning heart failure, and his net worth. The podcast episode was both revealing and entertaining, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of Violent J’s life.
Opening Up About Drug Recovery
Violent J discussed his road to recovery from drug addiction, mentioning that he now undergoes random drug tests as part of his rehabilitation. He credits his support network and his commitment to meetings for keeping him on track.
The Role of Dr. Drew
Interestingly, Dr. Drew was the one who suggested the rehab facility that Violent J attended, highlighting the importance of professional guidance in the recovery process.
Dealing with Heart Failure
Violent J also revealed that he’s been facing issues with heart failure, specifically a leaky heart valve and high blood pressure. He has had to adjust his lifestyle and pace himself to manage these health challenges.
The Impact on His Career
These health issues have required Violent J to make adjustments in his life, including his touring and performance schedules.
Discussing Net Worth
Stevo and Violent J explored the topic of celebrity net worth, and while it might seem invasive to some, Violent J was open about the financial aspects of his career.
The Grassroots Approach to Finance
He pointed out that despite his fame and the success of Insane Clown Posse, he and his group have always reinvested their earnings back into their work, sometimes at the expense of personal gain.
The podcast episode provides an in-depth look into Violent J’s personal struggles and triumphs, making it a must-listen for fans and those interested in the topics of drug recovery, heart health, and the financial aspects of being a celebrity.
“Think about the vibe around us with all the fighting around us, and still finding happiness in your own heaven, that you create. All this fighting, from the Democrats and Republicans, the Crips and the Bloods, Ukraine and Russia, the racial battles, to find happiness in a place like that, you would have to be a bit crazy. I am happy AF. “Tech N9ne (Interview with Lulu Deadly, Noise from the Pit, 9/1/23)
Ascending to another stratosphere, chart-topping multiplatinum hip-hop legend and the most successful independent rapper of all-time Tech N9ne has delivered his anxiously awaited new full-length album, BLISS, out now via his Strange Music label. He sat down with Press Pirate, Lulu Deadly, to discuss death, life, delirium, and BLISS.
“I’ve never labeled my music as horrorcore, even though I would have the dark themes like demons; because I always talked about my real life. Usually horror is fictional, mine is not.”Tech N9ne (Interview with Lulu Deadly, Noise from the Pit, 9/1/23)
As always, Tech’s world remains the most dynamic and diverse in the culture. You won’t hear another album this year with its tentacles so far outstretched in not only every echelon of rap, but also R&B, alternative, soul, and heavy metal. As always, an A-list cohort of friends and likeminded outliers showed up to play, including Conway the Machine, X-Raided, Joyner Lucas, Durand Bernarr, Qveen Herby, King Iso, Joey Cool, Kim Dracula, and HU$H, among others.
In his interview with Lulu Deadly, Tech N9ne discussed the collabs he would like to see next, a radically unique spectrum of artists, including Ghostemane, and Ronnie Radke from Falling in Reverse.
“It’s a new me. I’m evolved with a new brain, a new soul, and a new heart. I want to start conversations, so we can find a middle ground even if we are different. We can agree to disagree. I want conversation, and these are my observations. I’m opening up and talking about things I’ve obsessed over. To me, this album is a mirror of society.”Tech N9ne
The song “W H A T (We’re Hungry And Thirsty)” [feat. Kim Dracula & HU$H] has already generated over 780K Spotify streams and counting in addition to earning widespread acclaim from KERRANG! and more. Revolver hailed it as a “scream-spiked, metallic new single,” and Metal Injection professed, “Tech N9ne is here to show y’all how it’s actually done.” Hear the song here:
“I’m talking some shit I’ve never talked before. These songs mean a lot to me. I’m not trying to do what’s hot now; I want forever music. This one could be controversial, because I’m talking about people who wrote the Bible and how we’re waking up and being controlled. Kim Dracula was a perfect specimen for this because they are fucking lyrically crazy. HU$H killed it.Tech N9ne
One of the most insane, influential, and impactful legacies in hip-hop belongs to TechN9ne. He has consistently accomplished the impossible from outside of the system. He’s bucked every trend, overturned all expectations, and not only built a culture, but a whole world with Strange Music. The craziest thing is how far he’s come since he co-founded Strange Music back in 2000. The Kansas City, MO rapper has gone from packed Midwest underground shows to the annual Forbes “Cash Kings” list multiple times, the cover of XXL, the playlists of Sir Elton John and Dwayne Johnson, and national commercials for the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Beyond tallying billions of streams and views, he has scored four platinum singles, three gold singles, and a gold album. He has notched twenty-three entries on the Billboard Top albums Chart and remains the record holder for “most Top 10 albums on the rap chart.” Not to mention, he cracked the Top 5 of the Billboard Top 200 four times.
For as unconventional as Tech’s story may be, he actually embodies what hip-hop was meant to be all along.
“I love words, because they can heal. When you say certain things, the crowd gets louder. That’s a Master of Ceremonies. Our words move people and save them. So, I’m going to keep rapping for a while longer.”Tech N9ne
Tech will be performing at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival on September 7 and has joined forces with platinum-certified 21st century rock luminaries Hollywood Undead to co-headline the “Hollywood & N9ne Tour” across North America this fall. It stands out as the first full jaunt by these two genre-busting outlier forces, yet it continues a collaboration that began with the fan favorite “IDOL” in 2020. Buzzing rap phenomenon King Iso serves as the special guest with other surprise acts to be revealed soon. “Hollywood & N9ne ” launches October 16 and visits major markets coast-to-coast. Tickets are on sale now. For tickets and more information, visit https://hollywoodandn9netour.com/
“I enjoy dazzling my fans with new flows, and new topics, and just dazzling fans lyrically. Showing off.”Tech N9ne (Interview with Lulu Deadly, Noise from the Pit, 9/1/23)
THE HOLLYWOOD & N9NE TOUR
10/16 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
10/17 – La Vista, NE – The Astro
10/18 – Chicago, IL – Radius
10/19 – East Moline, IL – The Rust Belt
10/21 – Denver, CO – The Fillmore
10/23 – Grand Junction, CO – Grand Junction Convention Center
10/24 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
10/26 – Riverside, CA – Riverside Municipal Auditorium
10/27 – Las Vegas, NV – The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
10/28 – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee
10/29 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel
10/31 – Dallas, TX – The Factory Deep Ellum
11/1 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater
11/3 – Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom
11/4 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
11/5 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theater
11/6 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre
11/8 – New York, NY – Terminal 5
11/9 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
11/10 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater
11/11 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
11/12 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
11/14 – Atlanta, GA – The Tabernacle
11/15 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
I sat down with the “Softest Bois in Metalcore”, ARCHERS, to discuss the truth behind their music, the future of the music industry, and the most inconvient place to play uno, but I was left with one burning question unanswered: What in the world is Dan Flashers?
ARCHERS, like many metalcore bands, has gone through a few line up changes since their first EP, Cuts and Bruises, released in 2015. Now, they seem to have struck gold with their current team of, guitarist, Ben Koehler, vocalist Nathaniel Pulley, vocalist & bassist Oscar Porter, and secret vocalist & drummer, Grayson Mesarosh, as their newest single, Bitter, has launched to well over a million streams on Spotify.
Currently residing in Madison, Wisconsin, these musicians haven’t seen much of home in the last two years, having completed 3 regional tours, and still have more traveling to go before the end of the year. A stark contrast to their very isolated origins, rising to fame during a time of utter isolation, the 2020 Covid Pandemic. In a time where we were all trapped in our homes and glued to screens in search of human connection, ARCHERS found a way to bring us all together, releasing album, “New Normal” and live streaming their “shows” to social media platforms, allowing us to all feel connected, if only for a moment.
Those shadowed feelings are echoed in ARCHERS music, with themes of isolation, mental illness, self doubt, and grief, alongside amazingly orchestrated and wildly entertaining metalcore covers of pop songs such as, The Hills by The Weekend, Closer to Me by Ellie Goulding, and Levitating by Dua Lipa. Their music brought many people together, finding they identified with the themes, then going to the live streams they found new friends who had felt the same, and in so doing, they found the support of a true community. The dedicated ARCHERS fanbase has, in turn, developed as the Antithesis of isolation. That lovingly cultivated fanbase was quick to support ARCHERS when the world reopened, helping to launch them on the 2023 lineups for major rock festivals, such as Louder the Life, and Blue Ridge Rockfest. Having the chance to interview them, and see their show at Come and Take it Live, in Austin Texas, their musical talent and integrity was just as authentic in the tangible world, as it is in the digital.
I also felt very grateful I was introduced to the bands they had on tour with them, which have since found their way into my permanent rotation. Discrepancies absolutely nail the next evolution of Rap Rock, filling the long standing empty seat in the genre, inspiring hopeful nostalgia, while remaining true to the gritty shadow themes of their own unique take on the music. Versus Me could only be described as a cyberpunk metalcore fever dream, offering gloriously glitched anthems for a new generation in search of revolution.
The show was truly engaging experience start to finish. I am convinced that ARCHERS’ presence is huge enough to fill their upcoming festival stages, and I know their devoted fanbase will continue to fill every venue they play, both large and small.
An Evening With Archers, The Softest Bois In Metalcore 2
Special thanks to my camera man, Tracy Ryan Fuller, Come and Take it Live, Austin Texas, and their amazing sound and lighting tech, Jonathan Chapman, who has been expertly accentuating Metal Music for multiple decades.
In a recent interview with Rick Beato, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett disclosed the influence of Johnny Ramone on his downpicking technique. Hammett was so impressed by Ramone’s style that he immediately started to emulate it.
The Influence of The Ramones and The Sex Pistols
Hammett credits his early exposure to The Ramones and The Sex Pistols for his long-standing practice of downpicking. He believes that downpicking offers practical advantages, such as more high-end and less percussion in the sound.
The Sound of Downpicking
According to Hammett, the key to achieving the perfect downpicking sound is to keep the palm of your hand as close to the saddle as possible. This technique can be heard in any Ramonessong, he adds.
Friendship and Influence
Hammett also shared some insights into his friendship with Johnny Ramone. He described Ramone as a funny, divisive character who enjoyed being a contrarian. Despite their differences, Hammett always acknowledged Ramone’s influence on his musical style.
The Origin of Downpicking According to Johnny Ramone
When Hammett asked Ramone how he developed his down picking technique, Ramone explained that it was his way of keeping time. He counted through downstrokes, which Hammett believes practically created a whole genre.
“I’ve been doing it since I was a kid, and it’s all because of The Ramones and The Sex Pistols…”
The practical advantages of down-picking, in Kirk‘s opinion, are having more high-end and less percussion. “You must have the palm of your hand as close to the saddle as possible, but I love that sound. You can hear it in any Ramones song”.
Explicitly discussing his friendship with Johnny Ramone, Hammett revealed: “I became really good friends with Johnny Ramone… He was a really, really funny guy, really a crazy, divisive character, he was a contrarian, just for his own amusement. You’d say something, he would just instantly counter it.. And, you know, I would let him have his opinions. And then I’d say, ‘John, you know, you’ve been a huge influence on me’ — I’d tell him this all the time — he goes, ‘How can I be an influence on you? I said, ‘The way you pick! It had an influence on so many people.'”
“And I said, ‘How did you come up with that?’ And he goes, ‘I was just counting. That’s the only way I could count, through downstrokes. It was the only way he could keep time! He was keeping time by doing just downstrokes — he practically created a whole genre of doing that.” Hammett mused.
Kirk Hammett’s downpicking technique has become a staple in heavy metal guitar playing. While he may not be James Hetfield, his unique style has undeniably influenced many in the genre.
Citizens of Slayer MacCheeze-Town, get ready for the return of the mighty Mac! Mac Sabbath, the anti-industry tour deforce, has announced their highly anticipated “More Than Meats The Eye U.S. Tour 2023.” Brace yourself for an army of playboys, manbabies, and giant robots ready to rock your world!
A Feast for the Senses
The tour promises an unparalleled experience with a fever dream of childhood nostalgia run amok, served in stupor-sized portions, and accompanied by a side order of robot rock. Mac Sabbath’s multimedia stage show, complete with a smoking grill, laser-eyed clowns, and bouncing burgers, guarantees to leave you astonished and entertained.
A Tour of Epic Proportions
The tour will kick off on September 27, 2023, at Felton Music Hall in Felton, CA. The band will travel across the country, gracing stages in iconic cities like San Francisco, Denver, Philadelphia, and New York, before wrapping up with a spectacular performance in Los Angeles at The Vermont Hollywood on November 19, 2023.
Appetizers and Special Guests
For those who can’t wait until fall, Mac Sabbath will be sizzling at Cultivate Chicago on August 25th, sharing the stage with Crumb, Andy Frasco & the UN, Lucky Boys Confusion, Murphy’s Law, and more at The Nursery. The band will also join forces with ADOLESCENTS alumni for two special dates in California on September 1st and 2nd.
So, grab your tickets as they go on sale this Friday, August 4th, and prepare yourself for an extraordinary tour that is truly “More Than Meats The Eye.” Don’t miss out on this stupor-sized circus extravaganza!
More Than Meats The Eye U.S. Tour 2023
Mac Sabbath Announces More Than Meats The Eye U.s. Tour - Tickets On Sale Friday! 4
9/27/2023 – Felton, CA – FELTON MUSIC HALL
9/28/2023 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
10/1/2023 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theatre
10/2/2023 – Tacoma, WA – Spanish Ballroom at Elks Temple
10/5/2023 – Greeley, CO – Moxi Theatre
10/6/2023 – Denver, CO – Oriental Theatre
10/7/2023 – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theatre
10/10/2023 – OKC, OK – Beer City Music Hall
10/11/2023 – Wichita, KS TempleLive
10/13/2023 – Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room
10/14/2023 – Lawrence, KS – The Granada
10/15/2023 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
10/16/2023 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall Ballroom
10/18/2023 – Peoria, IL – Revival Music Hall
10/19/2023 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue Theatre
10/23/2023 – COHEED & CAMBRIA CRUISE (MAC ONLY)
10/28/2023 – Charlotte, NC – Mad Monster Party (NO PBMB)
10/30/2023 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl
10/31/2023 – Worcester, MA – Palladium
11/2/2023 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
11/3/2023 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
11/4/2023 – Pittsburgh, PA – Jergels
11/5/2023 – Cleveland OH – Temple Live
11/7/2023 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In
11/9/2023 – New Orleans, LA – Zony Mash
11/11/2023 – Austin, TX – Come & Take It
11/12/2023 – San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger
11/14/2023 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theatre
11/16/2023 – Mesa, AZ – The Nile Theater
11/19/2023 – Los Angeles, CA – The Vermont Hollywood
Goblin Announces New Dates For "Demons" North American Tour 8
Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin, the maestros of horror movie soundtracks, are making a triumphant return to the United States this autumn, and they are unleashing a series of electrifying performances in four new cities! The much-anticipated tour will feature the spine-chilling and iconic score of the 1985 horror classic, Demons, along with a comprehensive “best of” set, guaranteeing fans an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive into the tour details, including a special New York City event!
Unveiling the Updated Itinerary
Goblin Announces New Dates For "Demons" North American Tour 9
The Demons North American Tour will be gracing several cities across the continent, and fans are in for a real treat! Besides the previously announced locations, Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin has added some exciting new performances to their schedule, promising horror enthusiasts an unforgettable night of music and cinematic thrills. The new tour dates include:
1. Glendale, CA (Alex Theatre) – JUST ADDED
2. New Orleans, LA (The Broadside) – JUST ADDED
3. Little Rock, AR (The Hall) – JUST ADDED
4. New York City, NY @ Metropol (City Winery) – JUST ADDED
Special “Metropol” Performance in NYC
Attention all horror aficionados! On October 1, prepare yourself for an extraordinary event at City Winery in New York City. For one night only, the venue will be transformed into the eerie and mysterious Metropol theater from the cult classic film, Demons! This immersive experience will take you on a journey through the spine-tingling ambiance of the movie, complete with a screening of the film itself and a live performance of Claudio Simonetti’s haunting score. Mark your calendars for this once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza, just in time to kick off the month of Halloween! Tickets for the NYC event go on sale tomorrow, July 28, at 10:00 A.M. EDT.
The Legacy of Claudio Simonetti and Goblin
Composer Claudio Simonetti has left an indelible mark on the horror genre, crafting some of the most iconic soundtracks in the history of cinema. His haunting melodies and tense compositions have graced legendary films like Dawn of the Dead, Deep Red, Suspiria, Tenebrae, and many others, continuing to influence horror music to this day. In collaboration with Dario Argento, the master of horror, and directed by Lamberto Bava, son of the renowned cinematographer Mario Bava, Demons became a cult classic, celebrated for its terrifying atmosphere and unforgettable soundtrack.
VIP Sound Check Party / Meet & Greet Add-On
For true enthusiasts, Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin is offering a VIP Sound Check Party / Meet & Greet Add-On option for certain shows, as indicated on the ticketing page. This exclusive package includes access to a private soundcheck party, a meet and greet with the artists, a VIP laminate, priority access to merchandise, and front-of-the-line privileges where applicable. Please note that the VIP Add-On does not serve as an entry ticket and is available in limited quantities per show. Three days before the show, ticket holders will receive an email with instructions and the meet and greet schedule.
Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin: The Masters of Horror Scores
The critical acclaim for Claudio Simonetti’s work is undeniable, with his electronic and pulsating scores elevating the cinematic experience to new heights. The marriage of Simonetti’s musical genius and the visual mastery of directors like Dario Argento created films that continue to resonate with audiences across the globe. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin perform live and relive the chilling magic of Demons!
Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin is back, and they are ready to mesmerize audiences with their haunting melodies and electrifying performances. This North American tour promises to be a unique celebration of horror and music, bringing the beloved Demons score to life once more. Secure your tickets for a night of fear, excitement, and musical brilliance. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Demons, where nightmares come to life and the demons may possess you!
Goblin Announces New Dates For "Demons" North American Tour 10
Photo by Jeremy Saffer
“[Simonetti’s] electronic score proved to be the perfect counterpoint to the rock songs, often oozing with menace and certainly adding to the fear factor… And, as usual with Simonetti, it makes for a great listen outside the film.” – Horror Cult Films
“Simonetti acting as a solo composer here rather than as part of Goblin replicates this in his pulsating electronic score… It’s got a sense of stalking malevolence about it right up there with the film itself and is horror music personified.” – Ave Noctum
…a fascinating snapshot of a composer in transition, moving from a band setting to a solo career, expanding his range and creating some of the most stirring music of his career. We treasure Demons for withstanding the test of time, but the real gem here is Simonetti.” – Popshifter
“Argento’s eye for filmmaking was still razor-sharp in those days; combined with the like-father-like-son style of Bava and a nightmarish synth score from Goblin’s Claudio Simonetti the film had all the necessary elements to satisfy horror fans. And truly, it’s a blast from start to finish with little time wasted.” – Dread Central
This soundtrack perfectly captures the growing tension created by the film as the main characters are transformed into demons, leading the way with the electro-metal of Killing, the percussively cruel Demon, and the now classic cult hit Demon. 30 years later, the music still shines with timeless quality thanks to the eclectic talent of composer Claudio Simonetti.” – Rustblade
Disclaimer: All tour dates, locations, and details are subject to change. Please refer to the official Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin website for the most up-to-date information and ticket availability.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of horror and music with Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin!
