The Grammy-winning Nu Metal legends, Korn co-headlined with Sublime with Rome for this past weekend's Smokeout Festival at the NOS Events Center. We caught up with Korn's guitarist, James “Munky” Shaffer, about the Smokeout Festival and the future of the band.
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OC Weekly: What do you think of the festival so far?
Munky: Everybody is having a good time in good Cali weather. It's cool to see that everyone is out here for the cause.
You guys aren't really know for being a medical marijuana supporting band–what do you think about the progression of the cause?
Honestly it's 2012; it's hard to believe that marijuana isn't legalized yet. But as as far as hard rock and metal, there is a lot, a lot hard rock smokers, I think that is what we are here to represent! Most people think about the hip hop community, but were are standing up for the hard rock community.
What's your set going to be?
We put together some really old stuff, a block of dubstep stuff and move into the hits. We play for an hour and a half so we try to get everything in from each era. We have been a band for over 20 years, so we have a lot of material. So we do the best we can.
You have been a part of the Family Values tour. How do you stack this up to that type of tour?
This is much cooler (laughs). Even though we own Family Values, to me this is more of a festival and and it gives it an element. I like that there is an open field. Usually Family Values is in an amphitheater setting with seats. Here, people can roam around and go with their own pace. They don't have to worry about where they can and can't go. I think there is more freedom with that, and that makes it cool.
What's next for Korn and your side project Fear and the Nervous System
We're (Korn) touring basically the whole year for the record. I've seen my schedule and it's pretty intense. But you know, it's about the fans. The reason for the longevity of our band is our fans. As far as my side project, Fear and the Nervous System, we put the record out on iTunes and and Amazon. Hopefully in a few months we will have hard copies with special editions for everyone to have.
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Building off of Munky's response, “We have been a band for 20 year, so we have a lot of material”, here are five songs describing Korn's career.
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1. “Blind“
Blind is Korn's breakout hit and most iconic song. With an eery rhythmic riff to start, this song takes you on a journey though the psychotic mind of Korn's frontman Jonathan Davis. Just when you think all is calm, a blistering breakdown and dark screaming poetry dominates. Korn ends every show with this cult classic.
2. Freak On A Leash
3. Falling Away From Me
Continuing where “Freak On A Leash” left off, the “Falling Away From Me” music video used superhuman-esque special effects with electric energy sparks to show their power. This video shows images of a tormented abusive father beating his innocent daughter. Jonathan Davis's vocals provide the point of view of the feared child, as the band plays the soundtrack of a father on a path of rage. Children of the Korn form an army of resistance as they guide the young girl to freedom.
4. Here To Stay
With a video looking like the horror flick The Ring, Korn pumped out another visual stimulating video. “Here To Stay” launched the Nu Metal band into a heavier dimension of experimental proportions. The song displayed overpowering guitar riffs, a controlling bass line and hypnotizing vocals. “Here To Stay” won a Grammy for Best Metal Performance.
5. “Get Up” Featuring Skrillex
