Writing Music with Eight Other People Causes “Creative Tension,” Says Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg
We’ve all been there. You’re working on a group project and everyone wants to include their ideas in the final product. It’s both a blessing and a curse to have multiple people invested in what you’re all doing. Now imagine that same problem, but with eight super passionate dudes that make loud music for a living — that’s what Jay Weinberg says it’s like to write as a member of Slipknot.
Speaking with Magenta Musik at Wacken this past weekend, the Slipknot-fan-turned-band-member said things often gets tense, but what comes out on the other end is better for it.
“We’re nine very passionate people about what we do, so when it comes to the creative side of things, you have nine creative voices shoehorning into a song.
“But, what I’m proud to say is that, at the end of the day, we all know each other’s strengths and what we bring to the table, and how we collaborate and respect one another in that way. And all of those things end up shining through.
By having nine very different people involved in the writing process, Weinberg said the band has the unique ability to draw on a wide range of influences. Those differences, he says, also show in how each member commits their parts to a song.
“Yeah, sure, we all have our ways of trying to carve something out of stone, to make it a song that we’re really proud of. And it takes a lot of work, for sure there’s creative tension, but that only makes for great art. The phrase ‘iron sharpens iron’ is really true for us. We want the best from each other, we want the best from ourselves, and I think that translates to what we’re able to do, whether that’s in the studio or live on stage.”
Earlier this month, the nine-piece put out the first single off their upcoming studio album The End So Far titled “Yen.” The track also has an accompanying music video, which we’ve posted below.
It won’t be long until we get to hear the result of all that “creative tension.” The End So Far is slated for a September 30 release and is currently available for preorder via Roadrunner.
Slipknot’s The End, So Far:
1. ADDERALL
2. THE DYING SONG (TIME TO SING)
3. THE CHAPELTOWN RAG
4. YEN
5. HIVEMIND
6. WARRANTY
7. MEDICINE FOR THE DEAD
8. ACIDIC
9. HEIRLOOM
10. H377
11. DE SADE
12. FINALE
