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Korn’s Fieldy: Music Outside Of The Box

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Photo: Stefano Micchia & Fadewood Studios

The limitations of social trends will never let up on popular music or the artists that have been able to navigate a successful career. Critical response is relentless- now more apparent that social trends have bled into social media, with the haters rarely coming up for air. Throw in a little adversity and this already turbulent thrill-ride is bound to collide into any number of obstacles.

The band Korn knows all too well. The group released a maelstrom of fury with their 1994 self-titled release and the music industry responsible for pushing dollars and not faders quickly scampered to find new ways to market the sound, even labeling a new genre. The accolades, instant fan-base and copy-cat bands would follow in less time than you can mutate the word New to Nu. And you thought Grunge sounded ridiculous.

Over the next decade, Korn found mainstream success (including two Grammy awards) and discovered, like so many other bands, that the bottom falls out when you least expect it. With the departure of guitarist Brian “Head” Welch and the sabbatical of drummer David Silveria that devolved into a farewell, the band returned to their roots as a four piece with the ballistic Remember Who You Are in 2010 and 2011’s The Path of Totality. That release, while not a shift into completely new territory, was enough of a stretch for some fans, as it found them leaning towards the electronic and previously subversive ‘Dubstep’ genre. But as bassist Fieldy exclaims: “We’re constantly jumping outside of the box and doing something new, and it seems like it’s always making some people mad, but it’s a small percent that are mad. You have to look at the masses- we’re always trying something new, and we’re just as scared as the fans, but we do it because its fresh… we give people new flavors.”

Fieldy believes it’s important as an artist to continually step outside of the neatly packaged box that most bands desperately cling too- not to mention all the preconceived notions that limit the average music listener. There’s no conformity when you’re doing what you love and sharing that love with an ever changing audience; while subsequently attaching new generations of young fans.

korn-the-paradigm shiftMost bands with any foresight know that there is no bigger risk to their own longevity than being stagnant and not progressing. With the travails of complacency bypassed– Fieldy maintains his raw, percussive approach on the bass that has since become his instantly recognizable trademark. And it’s no idle approach as he states “We got to keep moving on as artists… it makes it exciting for us”. Their newest release The Paradigm Shift has all the terrorizing low end guitar of previous releases, and remains unapologetic; sounding monolithic even in the sparse, melodic moments- while never sounding forced. Tracks like “Prey for Me”, “Mass Hysteria” and “Punishment Time” unhinge the listener’s expectations. The songs remain fresh while allowing many happy returns.

It’s an album that Korn fans have longed for, even those who don’t know what’s about to hit them.

As Korn embark on a tour to support the release, Fieldy opened up to me on the origins of his unique style, the return of Brian “Head” Welch on guitar and the curious case of a 15-string oddity.

 Korn-1

So what’s happening with you?

Well, I’m hanging out at home- we leave next Tuesday to start the tour.

In Philly, right?

Yeah.

So the new album sees the return of Brian “Head” Welch on guitar, and of course you have Ray (Luzier) on drums, and this will be his third album with you—there must have been a lot of chemistry and excitement in the air?

It was exactly that. We realized when Head left just how much chemistry was gone. When he came back it was like “oh, there it is!” It was amazing, almost like family members when you don’t see them all year or even years and you see them at Christmas and just pick up where you left off.
Did you guys get together and jam on material or was some of it worked out ahead of time?

We all decided to meet at the studio, so we could jam and Head said “I’ve been gone for eight years, so I have some riffs, because I wanted to bring something to the table”. So he got it started with a few riffs and then (Korn guitarist) Munky started bouncing off of it, and they we’re doing their left and right thing and it reminded me of back in the day when I could sit and listen. And I could listen for the holes and then come in on the bass and shine, doing my clicks and pulling and slapping. I was able to be me again, where before when Head left I had to take the role of writing riffs and I’m not really a riff guy, I’m more of a percussion style bassist filling in the holes.

Was that how you developed your style originally, with both Head and Munky exchanging guitar parts and you filling in the gaps?

It was fun listening to those two bouncing back and forth- it was exciting, more than just listening to a single riff. So I find myself listening until I can find a good spot where I can jump in. I don’t really learn the riff until later and a lot of times I don’t learn the riff and I make up my own thing. I find the root note and work something around it.

The style that you developed is unique, with the usage of the thumb and alternating that with strumming. How did you develop that?

Well, if the drummer’s hitting a beat on the kick drum, I’ll go against that and I don’t follow it and I’m filling in where the drums leave room for me. A lot of bass players stay with the kick drum and I go off of it almost like I’m a percussion style player.

When David left the band and Ray joined, was there period of getting to know each other? They’re two very different styles of drummers.

Ray came when it was me and Munky and it was following a lot of riffs. And then when Head returned I was going against him.

Who were some of your early influences? I know that Flea was someone who inspired you early on.

Well of course, Les Claypool was another one, but I wouldn’t say just bass players. I listened to a lot of heavy music and I wanted to know how I could fit this in with the Les Claypool/Flea style bass playing, and that’s what it became: playing music and slapping but not being funky. Maybe a little funky, but it’s more like a ‘swing’– like a fine line.

And I know you were a fan of Faith No More?

Yeah, and that’s the fine line, but they were pulling it off, you know? That kind of inspired me to do it, because here’s a heavy band, but it’s not funk.

Listening to “Pop a Pill” from Remember Who You Are, I’m reminded of something like “Woodpeckers from Mars” (from Faith No More’s The Real Thing), where there’s a thumb groove and popping but it’s not funk, and it’s hard to figure out what he’s doing, much like your style.

It’s an amazing chemistry and what I trip out on is that he uses a pick a lot of the time and still sounds like he’s slapping?!

You also have a similar tone to that record because the high end is so prominent. And it’s a lot more intricate than it reveals to the casual listener.

It’s pleasing to my ear… and harder to figure out that way, but I like people to have to fight to hear it.

You use a lot of muted strings and dead notes with both your left and right hands. Is that something that took a while to work out and why do you think it’s important for the rhythm of the song, instead of just playing a lot of notes?

I guess sometimes it’s just how I felt– sometimes it would be a mute or a strum from the back of my hand, like all four of my fingers. And sometimes it’s a pull too; they all have a different flavor to them. If I’m muting and pulling, I’m rarely pulling one string. I’m using all four of my fingers and pulling all strings at once and muting (with the left hand). You get a thicker sound.

Were there any jazz influences you had when you were younger?

I really went through a heavy phase of listening to Stanley Clarke for a lot of years. I just got into that for a while, but not really big into anything else, ’cause I like what I heard but I was very selective. Blending the two: a funk bass player and heavy music.

Let’s talk drummers. You’ve played with Ray for three albums now, and I’m pretty sure the guy has four arms; you just can only see two of them. How important is it to know (from a technical standpoint), what the drummers doing, where the kick is and how he transitions between different parts of the song?

You have to realize where you are and that you’re not getting in the way. You don’t want to get in the way of him shining and so I gotta know when he’s transitioning and that’s not really where I’m gonna go. If he’s going from a fill into a chorus and I try and go with him it clutters it up, for me at least. Some people like it, but I don’t. They’ll be other areas for me to shine. Another important thing for me is having that ‘swing’, you know? Something that makes your head ‘bounce’– and if it’s not doing that I need to keep working on it until I feel that.

And the hip-hop influence plays into that?

Yeah, for sure.

I want to talk gear and for as long as I have seen you performing you’ve always used the Ibanez Soundgear. What is it that still draws you to that particular bass?

When I first got one– I bought it obviously, and I worked in some one million degree shed all summer cleaning burlap bags and I saved my money all summer and bought a Soundgear. I remember walking into the music store and looked up at it and it was the smallest bass there, and at the time I thought I could be quicker on it. Today I don’t really care about that (chuckle), but it kind of sold me on it. Then when I got it I was surprised at how “clicky” it was and they told me it had active pick-ups, and I was just sold right there—I didn’t even try something else. I loved it.

Did you get a five string after that?

Yeah, right after that. I had a four string and then I found out there was a five string with the lower string. I was already listening to heavy music and I wanted to make it heavier, so I picked up the five string.

Do you still cut the mid-range when you play?

It’s a little more EQ’d these days. If it was just me I would, but I’m trying to feel the vibe of the whole band, and making sure that everybody’s getting what they need.

The K5 is your signature bass with Ibanez. I saw your pearl white version of that and it’s beautiful.

Yeah, I’m trying to get them to make that one part of the signature line, but I had them make the neck white too and they can’t figure out how to mass produce it. I think they should work that out because it’s a totally unique bass.

Fieldy-K15This is probably old news, but is that a pic of you on the internet with a 15-string bass, or am I seeing things?

Yeah, it’s called the K15 and it’s amazing looking! I did use it on a bass album I’m working on called Bassically. And I played it on 2 or 3 tracks from the new Korn album. It just sounds massive.

Are you able to play finger-style or do you use a pick?

You know, on the K15 I did use a pick, it just sounded better. You just get that clean, crazy sound– almost like a twelve string guitar but with the bass in there.

The solo thing you’re doing– is that just you or are there other artists joining in?

No, it’s just me and I ended up recording twenty songs and it takes you on a musical ride. I wanted to show every flavor: jazz, fusion, funk, latin, blues, reggae– so every song is a different style. There’s lead bass on it and multiple bass tracks.

And you use a fretless too?

Yeah, I use a fretless, I use a stand-up bass, whatever kind of bass I could get my hands on.

Are the 10″ cones are still your preference as far as speakers go, and what about amplification?

For me, honestly, I like the Mesa Boogie 2000 heads, and as far as cabinets go, I can use anything that has four 10’s in it, but even to this day I’m still kind of open because I don’t even know. I like four 10’s as long as there is a horn in it, but I’m kind of torn because a few times I’ve used sixteen 10’s, where it’s a solid cabinet, and I like that but bass is such a tricky thing. Sometimes it sounds good in a room and you take it somewhere else and it doesn’t. I just know that I definitely have to have that horn in the middle because it gives me that click and that percussion style sound.

Have you incorporated 15 inch speakers in the past just to see what they’re like?

Yeah, I’ve tried 12’s and 15’s in the past- they just don’t seem to have that “punch” to it.

As far as strings, I saw a very colorful set on one of your Soundgear basses. Are those DR’s?

Yeah,  I really like them because they just fit my character. My bass tech will just come in, and he won’t even ask me what color– he’ll just see what kind of outfit I’m wearing that night and just match it. [laughs]

In the past you’ve used envelope filters, tremolo and flangers. What are you currently using for pedals and effects, and what did you use on the new record?

I really just went back to running the tone of my bass, because Korn, being current with the times, is using a lot of electronic stuff– so there’s already a lot of those sounds’ going on. I don’t want to get in the way, and that gives me more room to shine and do my tricks & clicks.

So it’s more to add color to certain songs?

And now, I don’t have to always play that role, because (Korn singer) Jon likes to bring in the electronics and if I’m doing that, I’m not giving him the opportunity to put those type of things in there, so I just kind of leave it open. It’s a team you know, we got to be a team and let all the players jump in.

I know you had a close relationship with Chi from The Deftones, and he passed away earlier this year which left a lot of fans and fellow musicians deeply saddened, as it seemed he was maybe coming around. What legacy did he leave behind as a bassist?

As far as a bass player, I would say he was definitely a solid groove player. You know, he just had something there– a style, that just worked with The Deftones. It was good and he was a great performer. That’s what I like a lot… it’s a package deal, and I like watching performers and someone who can jump in. When he was playing with  (Deftones drummer) Abe, there was a swing in there; and I’m really attracted to that.

And what of your legacy– you and the band seem stronger than ever?

Just so people hear what I’m doing and really get that- maybe it’ll inspire more bass players that you can have a little more fun than just following your guitar player and drums. You can jump out of the box more and fill in those holes and you probably heard from a million bassists that “less is more”, and when you do less, it really is more.
I have a nine year old who, in a few years will get home from school and tell me all about this “new” band Korn that he’s into; and I’ll go over to my CD rack and pull out my tattered and worn out copy of “Life is Peachy” from my earlier days. He’ll think his dad is cool—but your music really is crossing generations. Why do you think your music is capable of crossing into each new generation?

I guess with Korn we’re constantly doing something new and it may make a few people mad… but we do it because we know it’s fresh and new. We’re not completely jumping out of the box. We may give you a couple new flavors but the masses typically find that’s what they want.

And everybody expects Metallica to do Master of Puppets over and over again.

And you see, that’s why bands like that are still around. Not all the ‘old school’ fans will be liking the new stuff, but they’re still rocking the old stuff and going to the concerts, so it doesn’t matter… We gotta keep moving on as artists, because it’s exciting to us.

The tour starts next start next week? And that includes a date of The Family Values show?

It’s one show in Denver- we’re doing the Family Values and it’s one show but it’s gonna be a big production, so if you can go—you definitely want to be there! I don’t care where you’re traveling from, it’s going to sell out– so get there.
The Paradigm Shift is out then on October 8th?

Yeah, the record releases on the 8th.

Is the K15 going to be unleashed for this tour?

Fieldy-Ibanez15xI love that thing and I don’t know when it’s coming out (on the road), but I’d love to bring it out. I don’t know when that’s gonna be.

The message boards are full of people desperate to own that bass!

When you see that thing in person your jaw will just drop, it’s amazing. And it’s just something you gotta see– like I feel like I need to put it into a museum for people to walk around and look at. [laughs] I feel like it’s in my house and it needs to be in a museum so people can see it. I’m telling you, it’s like one of those things you walk by and just go “whoaaa”!

__________________________

(Korn’s North American tour begins in Philadelphia on September 26th and The Paradigm Shift releases in stores and iTunes on October 8th).

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Bass Videos

Interview With K3 Sisters Band

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Interview With K3 Sisters Band

K3 Sisters Band Interview…

It is very rare when I talk to a band where all the members play bass. The K3 Sisters Band is a perfect example of a group where Kaylen, Kelsey and Kristen Kassab are all multi-instrumentalists and take turns playing bass.

Hailing from Texas, these three sisters have been playing music since they were very young and have amassed an amazing amount of original music,  music videos, streaming concerts, podcasts, and content that has taken numerous social media platforms by storm. On TikTok alone, they have over 2.5 million followers and more than a billion views.

Join me as we hear the story of their musical journey, how they get their sound, and the fundamental principles behind these prolific musicians.

Here is the K3 Sisters Band!

Photo, Bruce Ray Productions

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Interview With Bassist Danielle Nicole

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Interview With Bassist Danielle Nicole

Bassist Danielle Nicole…

Blues music has universal appeal. We all have our ups and downs and this particular musical genre often fits our reality. Just hearing that we are not alone makes us feel a bit better. 

Danielle Nicole writes and sings the Blues. She does an amazing job at delivering both exquisite smoky vocals but plays just the right bass line to drive the tune home. Danielle recently released “The Love You Bleed” last January and will be touring the album this upcoming year.

Join me as we learn about Danielle’s musical journey, how she gets her sound, her plans for the future and more.

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IG @daniellenicoleband
youtube.com/daniellenicoleband

Photo, Missy Faulkner

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Bergantino Welcomes Karina Rykman to Their Family of Artists

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Bergantino Welcomes Karina Rykman to Their Family of Artists

Interview with Karina Rykman…

Karina Rykman…The high-energy bassist discusses her path on bass, her upcoming tour, how she came to find Bergantino through another Bergantino artist, and more!

A lifelong Manhattanite diehard New Yorker, Bergantino welcomes new Artist Karina Rykman. Jim and Holly had the privilege of meeting Karina and her band in Boston to see her perform. She lights up a stage with her charismatic passion as a bass player and singer – a true powerhouse of joy and energy. On stage, she smiles from ear to ear, hopping, jumping, and dancing; the entire room overflowing with positivity! If you don’t know this titan of bass yet, you will soon enough. Karina’s JOYRIDE 2024 tour picks up this month with the debut of her new album. We had the opportunity to ask Karina some questions about her career so far. 

You have quite the career that began at a very young age. You have so much going on!! Can you share some of your musical path highlights you are most proud of?

Oh man, thank you! What a long, strange trip it’s been. I’m proud of still being so absolutely enthralled by music after playing in a million bands and finally ending up at this current juncture: being able to make my own music and tour under my own name. It just seems completely surreal – every gig, every recording…I’m on cloud 9 being able to continue to do this, and we’re just getting started. I’m extremely proud of being so young and being able to learn so much from Marco Benevento, without whom I’d be absolutely nowhere. Being put up to a large task with enormous shoes to fill, and stepping in even though I barely knew what I was doing at the time. Every gig with Marco is extremely special to me. 

Tell us about your new album release Joyride and your 2024 tour.

Joyride is my debut record! It came out in August 2023, and we’ve been touring behind it nonstop ever since. You only make your first record once, and I’m so proud of this one – it’s fun, searing, lush, with chantable choruses and, of course, incredibly thick bass and infectious grooves. It was produced by Phish’s Trey Anastasio, who also contributes guitar parts to 5 of the 9 tunes. 

What makes the bass so special to you particularly, and how did you gravitate towards it?

There’s nothing quite like feeling the subs rumbling under your feet in a venue and being responsible for those sounds is thrilling. I played guitar first, at age 12, but essentially completely switched over to bass when I was 22 and got the gig playing bass with Marco Benevento. I haven’t looked back since, except for a few gigs on guitar here and there (notably in the house band on Late Night with Seth Meyers and on The Today Show backing up Julia Michaels). 

People hate this question, but: If you were constructing your personal Bass Mt. Rushmore, who are the four players that would make the cut and why?

Geddy Lee, Cliff Burton, Bootsy Collins, Les Claypool. The list goes on and on, of course, but those four have imprinted their unique styles upon my brain since I was so young, and I’m perpetually learning from them – even in the case of the deceased Cliff (RIP), going back and watching Cliff ‘Em All videos is something I do all the time. Endlessly compelled by these four players and their original takes on the instrument.

How did you learn to play?

I never took lessons, but in middle school and high school, I just surrounded myself with equally music-obsessed people. All we did was play music and go and see live music, which is wildly accessible when you grow up in New York City. I had a really tight-knit crew of amazing players as my friends, and everyone would teach each other riffs and licks. I was fearless – playing with people much better than me and saying “yes” to every cool opportunity that came my way. I essentially learned from playing in a million bands and playing along to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin records. 

Are there any other instruments you play?

I started on guitar, and still love to write on guitar. I can get around on keyboards a bit, but you’d never hire me as a keyboardist. The same goes for drums – I LOVE playing drums but you’d never hire me as a drummer. 

Describe your playing style(s), tone, strengths and/or areas that can be improved on the bass.

I play both with a pick and my fingers, depending on the specific needs of / vibe of the tune. I love playing fuzz bass and writing bombastic “lead bass” moments, which are a staple of my live show. I’d say I’m about the least “traditional” bassist in just about every way – which is both a strength and a weakness depending on how you frame it. I play what I hear, what I like, and I adhere to very few rules. I’ve always hated rules, and I didn’t start playing rock n roll to follow them. 

How did you find Bergantino Audio Systems?

I’m pals with Mike Gordon, bassist of Phish, and his tech is named Ed Grasmeyer. Ed suggested he bring Mike’s Bergantino for me to try out at a show I was playing in Vermont, and I fell instantly in love. 

You have been using the Bergantino Forté HP2 head. How have you been setting the controls on this and what changes to those settings might you make as you plug into your other individual instruments?

I love my Forté HP2! The versatility and headroom are incredible, and I’ve been having a lot of fun dialing it in at home. The real fun will begin this weekend when I take it out for 2.5 weeks of tour – dialing something in an apartment just isn’t the same as on a big stage with a PA and subs and all that good stuff. I like to roll my highs a bit and I keep “punch” on all the time. So far, it’s been a dream.

You are the inspiration behind Bergantino cab the new NXT410-C. Can you tell us more about this cab and your experience so far?

Firstly, I’m beyond touched to be the inspiration behind, well…anything! But this is truly insane, and such an honor. I love this cab. Not only is it light and extremely good-looking, it can handle all my loudest, most abrasive and obnoxious effects. My old amp didn’t come close, and could just fart out or I’d have to turn down to appease it. I’m a big fan of playing at earth-shattering volumes, so this is going to be a match made in heaven. 

We all love your custom-made Goldie Hawn bass guitar! Can you share more with us about this bass design and why it is so special to you?

Thanks! That’s made by “Zeke Guitars” – it’s the second custom bass he’s made for me! He reached out in the summer of 2019 and asked what my dream bass would be, and I said it was basically my 1978 Fender P-Bass, but lighter, whiter, with Lindy Fralins, gold hardware, and shorter scale. And, well..he did exactly that! I love that bass so much. And the gold, which is referred to as Goldie Hawn, was born in December of 2022, and has the same specs. I just love it, it sounds amazing and looks, arguably, even better. 

Jim and I were lucky to get to meet you in person when you came to Boston with the band. The members of the band are such a great group of people! Can you share more with all about the band and crew. 

I’m so lucky to keep such incredible company. My bandmates, Adam November and Chris Corsico, are not only unbelievable musicians but also incredible humans. We just laugh and laugh, and we’re there for each other when the road gets tough or we’re exhausted or whatever life throws at us. It’s the joy of my life to get to tour the world with these guys. And the crew! That night was Connor Milton on sound and Nick Koski on lights – we have a rotating cast of people who play those roles based on availability, and everyone who works for us are absolute consummate professionals and the sweetest humans. They are my team of experts and I just adore them so much. Shout out to Zach Rosenberg, Jeff Volckhausen, Dylan Hinds, Dom Chang, for being the best rotating crew a gal could ask for!  

What else do you do besides music? 

Not much! I love going to the beach! I love eating dinner! 

Because I am a foodie, I always ask people what their favorite food is!

Oysters, caviar, sushi. I’m a raw bar fanatic. 

At a very young age, Karina is a diligent hard worker. She juggles many balls managing her business and is savvy beyond her years. We are very happy to be working with Karina and are excited for her continued success!

Follow Karina Rykman:

Instagram: @karinarykman
X (formerly Twitter): @KarinaRykman
Facebook @karinarykman/

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Interview With Bassist Ciara Moser

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Interview With Bassist Ciara Moser

Bassist Ciara Moser…

Ciara and I sat down for this interview a few months after the launch of her debut album, “Blind. So what?”

Blind since birth, she is a powerhouse of talent; she is not only a professional bassist, but also composes music, and is a producer and educator. I am just blown away by her talent and perseverance.

Join me as we hear about Ciara’s musical journey, the details of her album, how she gets her sound, and her plans for the future.

Visit online:

www.ciara-moser.com 
IG @ moserciara
FB @ ciara.moser

Photos by Manuela Haeussler

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Interview With Bassist Travis Book

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Interview With Bassist Travis Book

Interview With Bassist Travis Book…

Bluegrass music has had a very solid following over many years and I am always happy to hear from one of the pioneers in that genre.

Travis Book plays bass for the Grammy award-winning band “The Infamous Stringdusters” and has recently released his first solo album “Love and Other Strange Emotions”. As if he wasn’t busy enough, Travis also hosts a podcast, Plays a Jerry Garcia music show with Guitarist Andy Falco, and is constantly gigging locally in his neck of the woods.

Photo, Seyl Park

Visit Online:

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www.thestringdusters.com
FB @ TheTravisBook
IG @ travisbook

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