Slipknot Guitarist, Jim Root, Speaks Subliminal Verses!
(Fender 60 Cycle Hum | Posted 2004-05-15)
With a new Slipknot record out on May 25 and a tour underway, guitarist Jim Root, took some time out to answer some questions regarding the new CD, his FenderŪ Custom Shop Flat HeadTM guitar and his inspirations...
I understand that you've got a new release on the way, tell me a little about the CD and the recording process.
The new album will be called "Vol. III The Subliminal Verses." We spent about six months at the Houdini estate writing and recording, this was by far the best studio experience I've had as of yet. We had a main control room set up in the library, and two other set up in other rooms of the house. Any time someone had an idea we could document it, so essentially it was like a step by step process for some songs. The majority of the songs were done live in the Living room... It's pretty
cool to be able to wake up and walk downstairs to track.
How is the tour going? Tell me how the new material is going over.
The tour is going great, way better than anticipated, it feels like it did when we started Ozzfest in '99. The crowds are amazing, every show so far has been sold out, and they're rabid over the new material.
I understand that your past is somewhat shrouded in mystery. Please explain your... introduction to the guitar, career before Slipknot and how you became a member (as much as you can).
I've always been drawn to the guitar. Even as a child there was just something about them, the shape, the colors, the sound... My mom has a picture of me at about 5 or 6 years old using a Star Wars light saber as a guitar. My parents were very into music as well, they didn't play instruments but my dad had 15 orange crates full of vinyl.
I didn't get my first guitar until I was 14, it was a sunburst MemphisŪ Les PaulŪ II copy. So when I was 15 I was asked to join a band by the guy I was sort-of taking lessons from. I guess from there on you could say I was in it for good. Years of playing sh$#ty clubs, woodshedding... blowing off school. So anyway Joey and Clown called me up to join at the end of '98...and here I am.
You had a hand in the development of the Fender Custom Shop Flat HeadTM guitars. What exactly were you looking for in a guitar? Please explain the process and how the Custom Shop helped you achieve your sound.
Well, the Flat Head was already going, and (Custom Shop veteran) Alex (Perez) wanted me to try one. I'm very glad he did, the guitar was great. The only thing I wanted different were the pickups. Since then we've been putting together "The Ultimate Flat Head" or ShowmasterŪ Series... more on that later.
What inspiration and/or instruction has helped you along the way?
I try to let everything I see or hear move me to be creative. It could be anything from a drum beat to a passing car. Instruction happens everyday, you just have to be aware of it.
For more information about Jim and Slipknot, click below.
www.slipknot1.com
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