Boys Noize Talks Nine Inch Nails Collaboration, TRON Soundtrack & New Label OAZ

Alex Ridha, aka Boys Noize, dives into his dynamic partnership with Nine Inch Nails, his role in the TRON: Ares soundtrack, and launching his boundary-pushing label Ones and Zeros.

If you’ve been anywhere near the electro-industrial scene lately, you’ve probably heard the name Boys Noize buzzing in the air—and for good reason. Alex Ridha, the Berlin-based powerhouse behind Boys Noize, has been on an absolute tear. From opening for Nine Inch Nails on their acclaimed Peel It Back tour, co-producing the Grammy-winning TRON: Ares soundtrack, to nurturing underground techno roots, Ridha’s year has been nothing short of electric.

Photo Courtesy of All Access with Clarissa Cardenas

From Hamburg Record Store to Headlining Arenas

Let’s rewind a bit. Before the arena lights and Grammy nods, Ridha was the kid behind the counter at a Hamburg record store, soaking in vinyl grooves at 15. Fast forward to now, and that journey has taken him from intimate Berlin techno clubs to massive global stages.

His connection with Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails began quietly but steadily years ago. The real spark reignited in 2024 when Reznor invited Ridha to remix the Challengers score into a continuous DJ set, blending Ridha’s techno edge with Reznor’s industrial intensity.

This collaboration snowballed, culminating in Ridha co-producing the cutting-edge TRON: Ares soundtrack alongside Reznor and Atticus Ross—an electrifying project that snagged a Grammy. And if that wasn’t enough, Ridha’s now opening the Peel It Back tour, not as your typical support act, but as a true architect of vibe, setting the stage with a 90-minute industrial techno set filled with rare tracks and deep cuts.

Imagine Berlin basement club energy amplified to reverberate through arenas packed with tens of thousands. It’s a beautiful collision of underground grit meeting mainstream spectacle.

Photo Courtesy of All Access with Clarissa Cardenas

Launching Ones and Zeros: A Label Like No Other

February 2025 marked another milestone as Ridha unveiled his label, Ones and Zeros (OAZ). Unlike traditional labels, OAZ operates less like a business and more like a vibrant, thriving community or scene. Ridha points out that today’s artists aren’t lacking in distribution options but in genuine community and thoughtful curation.

The label’s debut was a masterclass in playful crypticism. OAZ rolled out mystifying Instagram videos claiming “snakes aren’t real” and spread tongue-in-cheek myths like “Brazilian sound systems being used as sonic weapons to crash drones.” It was absurd, cheeky, and downright brilliant—a viral chaos troll that hacked the system, blending mythology with marketing in a way that forced people to pay attention.

This stunt perfectly encapsulates Ridha’s approach: subversive, clever, and deeply engaged with the culture.

Artistic Integrity Over Exposure

One of the things that truly stands out about Ridha is his unwavering commitment to artistic integrity. Despite tempting high-profile opportunities, he’s been selective, turning down gigs that didn’t align with his vision. It’s a rarity in today’s hustle-driven music world.

He credits Berlin’s supportive creative ecosystem and relatively affordable living for giving him the freedom to experiment without the crushing pressure many artists face elsewhere. His mantra? “Make music you actually want to hear.” That ethos has fueled everything from his early club nights to the expansive soundscapes he crafts in arenas today.

Boys Noize (Photo Credit: Jas Davis)

Peel It Back Tour & Nine Inch Noize at Coachella

The Peel It Back tour is a massive endeavor, hitting 22 North American dates starting February 2026 and wrapping mid-March. Ridha’s set is more than an opener—it’s the sonic foundation that primes audiences for the Nine Inch Nails experience.

Looking ahead, the highly anticipated “Nine Inch Noize” collaboration will make its debut at Coachella in April 2026. Ridha is keeping the specifics tightly under wraps, adding to the excitement and mystique surrounding what promises to be a groundbreaking fusion of talents on one of the world's biggest festival stages.

For those curious to dive deeper into Ridha’s world, the full conversation is available on the All Access with Clarissa Cardenas podcast, recorded at Austin’s iconic Waterloo Records. It’s a journey through Ridha’s first vinyl loves, rare crate finds, and the defining moments that shaped his career.

Upcoming Peel It Back Tour Dates:

• Feb 18, 2026 – Hamilton, ON, TD Coliseum
• Feb 20, 2026 – Columbus, OH, Schottenstein Center
• Feb 22, 2026 – Grand Rapids, MI, Van Andel Arena
• Feb 23, 2026 – Milwaukee, WI, Fiserv Forum
• Feb 25, 2026 – St. Louis, MO, Enterprise Center
• Feb 27, 2026 – Tulsa, OK, BOK Center
• Mar 1, 2026 – Austin, TX, Moody Center
• Mar 3, 2026 – Dallas, TX, American Airlines Center
• Mar 6, 2026 – Glendale, AZ, Desert Diamond Arena
• Mar 7, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV, MGM Grand Garden Arena
• Mar 9, 2026 – San Diego, CA, Pechanga Arena
• Mar 10, 2026 – Anaheim, CA, Honda Center
• Mar 13, 2026 – Salt Lake City, UT, Delta Center
• Mar 15, 2026 – San Francisco, CA, Chase Center
• Mar 16, 2026 – Sacramento, CA, Golden 1 Center
• Mar 28, 2026 – Miami, FL, Ultra Music Festival
• Apr 10 & 11, 2026 – Coachella, CA (Nine Inch Noize)
• Apr 17 & 18, 2026 – Coachella, CA (Nine Inch Noize)

“Make music you actually want to hear.”
— Alex Ridha (Boys Noize)

Boys Noize’s trajectory from underground techno sets to Grammy-winning film scores and massive arena tours is a testament to the power of staying true to your artistic vision. His melding of electronic grit with industrial edge, paired with his new label’s community-driven spirit, is reshaping how we experience electronic music.

What’s your favorite track from Boys Noize or a moment from the Nine Inch Nails Peel It Back tour? Share your thoughts and let’s keep the conversation going.

FAQ

• How did Boys Noize start collaborating with Nine Inch Nails?
  Their relationship began quietly but reignited in 2024 when Trent Reznor invited Ridha to remix the Challengers score, leading to further collaborations.
• What makes the Ones and Zeros label unique?
  OAZ operates as a hybrid between a label and a community, emphasizing genuine connections and thoughtful curation over standard business practices.
• What is Boys Noize’s approach to collaborations?
  Ridha prioritizes artistic integrity and alignment, often turning down high-profile opportunities that don’t fit his vision.
• How does Berlin influence Boys Noize’s music?
  Berlin’s affordable living and creative infrastructure provide the freedom to experiment without commercial pressure.
• When and where will the Nine Inch Noize project debut?
  The collaboration is set to debut at Coachella in April 2026, promising a unique live experience.

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