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News |  24 Aug 2012 20:48 |  By swapanjari

Korn: "Some of the most talented musicians in the world come from India"

Spinning its magic for almost two decades, American rock band Korn is looking forward to take India by storm through its first ever three-city tour in the country. The maiden tour which is scheduled to take place from 5 September will span across music hubs like Mumbai, Gurgaon and Bengaluru.

Since its inception in 1993, the band fronted by lead vocalist Jonathan Davis has registered 10 successful studio albums in its kitty and is currently working on the 11th installment. Comprising of Davis, James 'Munky' Shaffer, Reginald 'Fieldy' Arvizu, and Ray Luzier, the band is explicitly known for experimenting with music through various genres like rock, nu-metal, dubstep and more. Korn's latest  album 'The Path of Totality' was a sharp departure from the band's earlier nu-metal sound and debuted in the Top Ten on the Billboard charts.

In a candid conversation with Radioandmusic.com's Swagata Panjari, Korn reveals plans and expectations from the forthcoming Indian concert and its fascination for Indian music.

Excerpts:-

What allured you to tour India?

Munky Shaffer: When we first heard we'd have the chance to play in India, we were so excited. It is such an incredible country, rich with tradition, culture, and history- we'd be fools if we didn't jump at the chance to see such an incredible country!

What are your expectations from your first India tour?

Jonathan Davis: We're very excited. We hear from our Indian fans through facebook and our website, and they are some of the best fans in the world. We can't wait to see them up close and personal.

What do you have in store for Indian audiences? Give us a quick overview.

Munky Shaffer: It's going to be a mix of everything- some old tracks and deep cuts, some new, and bunch of the hits that everyone knows, so it will be a rollercoaster ride and a lot of fun.

Musicians from the west are generally fascinated by the Indian melody. Have you heard much of Indian music?

Jonathan Davis: Yes, and we are no exception. We are definitely in awe of Indian music, and think some of the most talented musicians in the world come from India. We can't wait to see the local musicians when we're there.

Since your inception in 1993, you have been in the industry for almost 20 years, how do you think Korn has evolved?

Jonathan Davis: It's crazy to think we've been doing this for almost 20 years. We've definitely evolved as musicians and matured as people- we sound better live now than we did when we started, since we've been playing for so many years!

You've garnered huge success since the band's inception, how do you cope with it?

Munky Shaffer: We've been doing this for a long time, so I think we're all very fortunate to be where we are and have each other. We have matured a lot and learned a lot over the years, and we have our band mates and our families for support.

What is the most essential attribute to achieve success in music industry?

Jonathan Davis: I think to be successful; you have to have a vision for yourself and be true to your music, work hard, and treat people well.
Korn has collaborated with various artists like Ice Cube, Tre Hardson from Pharcyde and Fred Durst to name few. How was your experience?

Is there anyone else you'd like to work with?

Jonathan Davis: We've had a lot of fun collaborating with all sorts of artists. There are plenty of other artists we'd love to work with still! too many to name. Maybe Led Zeppelin if that was possible? [laughs]

Who has been your inspiration over the years?

Jonathan Davis: Man, there are so many incredible musicians and artists who inspire us. Led Zeppelin, Faith no More, Mr Bungle, Metallica and others are amongst the few artistes. We always try to find music that inspires us from all genres, and incorporate it into our sound.

Since you have faced piracy issues during your 2002 album Untouchables, what is your take on internet piracy? What measures would you suggest to curb piracy?

Jonathan Davis: I think fans should support and respect artists they like, and on the other hand, the music industry has to evolve to stay up with current technology in terms of how music gets distributed.

With digital medium booming, don't you think musicians should also be well-versed with the business? How you as a band explore digital medium?

Munky Shaffer: Absolutely. We try to be very involved and educate ourselves on digital media, social media, and new technology. So much changes so rapidly, that we want to be on the forefront of the music business and open to change and adapt.

Where do you see the future of digital media in the music industry?

Munky Shaffer: It's already a huge part of the industry and will continue to grow that way. You can do so many things, now as an artist- record music digitally for cheap, market yourself digitally, and even release it directly to your fans. That will continue to grow and make it an exciting time to be an artist.

We have heard that you are working on your 11th studio album. Tell us about your album.

Jonathan Davis: We're just starting to come up with ideas for the album, but we plan to have it ready to be released next year. After this tour, we'll sit down and start writing and figuring out the direction.

Any other concerts or tours lined for 2012? Which are your future ventures?

Munky Shaffer: A couple of shows towards the end of the year, and Jonathan will be dJing as Jdevil opening for Rob zombie and Marylyn Manson in October. Other than that, we'll be focusing on the new record and writing.

Quick fire with the Korn drummer Ray Luzier

Top 5 favorite artistes: Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Kiss, Van Halen, Ozzy

Top 5 artistes of 2011-12: Awolnation, Mutemath, Fear & The Nervous System, +++ (Crosses), Them Crooked Vultures
Most hilarious moment: Being in the music business!!

Best overwhelming fan moment: Someone gave me their prosthetic leg once, weird! One fan in Amsterdam just drew a beautiful portrait of my son, I was shocked..Korn fans are the BEST!!

One nostalgic incident: Probably being 20 years old again!!!

Your best interview was with: My girlfriend! She interviewed me 3 years ago- that's how I met her- and we've been in love ever since :)

One thing each of you learnt from your brand members: I learned a lot from each guy.. they are so different but yet we all share the love and passion for music and our families.

One quality you would like to change in your band member: None, we're all individuals and that's what makes everyone special and unique.
Rate each other "as artiste" on a scale of 10: All 10's!!

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