Korn's Munky: 'Solo Album Is Gonna Happen'

Korn are currently in the middle of a North American tour behind their latest opus See You On The Other Side. In this exclusive interview for Ultimate-Guitar, Joe Matera catches up with Korn’s seven string meister Munky to talk recording techniques, guitars and Munky’s planned solo album.

Joe Matera: You’ve got some really amazing techniques that you use in the studio when it comes to capturing your guitar tones. What did you use for See You On The Other Side?

Munky: For See You on the Other Side I really wanted to sound like two guitar players coming out of one amp. I tried a lot of different amps in the studio. Basically I ran four amps into a four channel switcher; there was a Mesa-Boogie Road King, a Mesa-Boogie Dual Rectifier, a Diezel VH4 - I tried the Herbert model but it didn’t sound as good as the VH4 model for some reason - and an old 1979 Marshall amp that I’ve had for a long time. I ran those all into two Marshall cabs. For some of the stuff, I also used an Orange amp which was really cool as you could sweet that out with a distortion pedal and it gave me a lot of texture. So with the signal running all four of those, when I’m playing a chord you’re hearing all those four amps miked up to those Marshall cabinets coming out all at once. So I was able to do those tracks with the four amp sounds and then double it for on the right side.

When it came to overdubbing, that is where I really get to play with everything by using all sorts of guitars. I used a Telecaster through a Fender Reverb amp and an old Baritone Les Paul. The Baritone guitar is a really rare guitar that a friend of mine who owns a rental place in Los Angeles, brought in to me as he thought I’d like it. I did a lot of overdubs with that particular guitar. Most of the guitar tracks were done like that really, just with the four amplifiers on, getting a nice sweet tone between all four of them and then combining those four tones so that they’re all filling in their own air space. I tracked the album like that, and is basically the foundation of all the basic tracks and all of the rhythms.

"On the next Korn record it is really quite possible I'll do a couple of guitar solos."

You’ve adhered to this method of using various guitars during the overdubbing process for the majority of your career with Korn. On “Blind” for example, you used an old Silvertone with an amp built in its case. What’s your philosophy behind this approach in using old and vintage or even rare instruments?

I just want to create an atmosphere because basically, you know and let’s face it a good song only consists of a good chord progression and a good melody. And that’s it. Everything else is just cheese on top of it. It is just decorating all of that with a lot of texture and atmosphere, so that is where I get to have a lot of fun. In the overdubbing process, I like bringing in a lot of different guitars, like Gibson SGs and Stratocasters or whatever as I want to create a different emphasis on a certain chord or a certain note. To give you an example of my approach, if there is a melody that needs something bright, I’ll use a Les Paul with a bridge position pick-up or if it is something subtle and I just want to hear it over the top, I’ll use a Telecaster through a Fender amp and it’ll create a whole different dimension. And behind all of that you still have the four amps – the Mesa and Diezel - that are providing the full balls to the tracks.

When it comes to the live environment, how do you go about recreating that wall of sound you’ve achieved in the studio?

Live, I’m running two dirty channelled Mesa heads which go through to a switching box that we have off stage, that way the mixer up front can get a really clean mix. A lot of that replication is from the effects. I’ve found different pedals that I can combine to recreate those sounds. It is like if I’ve got a Leslie amp, I’m not going to travel with it you know, it is going to remain at home. Instead I’ll seek out a stereo chorus that will sound similar and will be able to recreate that sound for me onstage. I have a lot of different effects in front of me laid out on the floor, old school style. I’ve stayed away from going MIDI because I like to be able to hit certain pedals and improvise with my effects that I have. And it makes it more interesting for me this way for when I’m playing live.

What sort of guitars do you take out on the road with you?

For this tour we’re doing right now, I have about ten Ibanez seven string guitars with me. For instance at the moment we’re doing a song on our set list called Counting On Me which I wrote on a guitar that I had capo-ed. And so I have a capo-ed guitar with me and because it has a different tuning, I also need to have a backup capo-ed guitar just in case a string breaks. So having another one right there and ready to go is important. My main guitar is a brand new Ibanez guitar that has just been made for me prior to heading out on this current tour. It’s a one-of-a-guitar with a beautiful black alligator skin finish. I’m working with Ibanez at the moment that will see another guitar out this year. It has a fixed bridge and it is awesome. There is going to be a couple of different models, one that will have a fixed bridge and another one, which will be a lot more expensive, that will come with a floating bridge. I think we’ll be doing that guitar with a black leather finish. And I have another main guitar too that I play on songs like Throw Me Away, which has a cool Stratocaster single-coil pick-up in it. Also I’ve been doing a guitar solo in the middle of the set list which has become part of the show now.

"I'm going to start working on solo record in late April."

In the guitar solo showcase you’re performing, you’re really pulling out the stops with some amazing shredding. How hard has it been for you all these years to hold back from doing guitar solos in Korn’s songs?

The solos wouldn’t fit in with what we’re doing but you know maybe on the next record it is really quite possible I’ll do a couple of guitar solos. I don’t know really, but it’ll depend on when we get in there and start the writing process and if it feels right, we’ll go with it. If it doesn’t then I’m not going to be heartbroken.

Ever thought of doing a solo album to give these shredding tendencies of yours an outlet?

Absolutely, and it’s going to happen. At the moment I’m kind of going with the concept of what it is going to sound like. It’s going to be an instrumental record and it’s going to have a lot of atmospheric and ambient guitar textures and a lot of open cut spaces. But there won’t be too much shredding but just enough to get the point across. That is the concept I have about it right now. I’m going to start working on the record after once we get back from an Australian tour in late April.

One of your distinct characteristics of your playing style is the way you bend the strings and then slowly release them to create the effect of a guitar going out of tune, how did that technique evolve?

It was something I came up with around 1992. If you’ve ever heard an orchestra tuning up, it sounds really eerie and when I first heard it on a sample that a DJ friend had of an orchestra tuning up, I thought it was the scariest thing I ever heard. So I wanted to emulate that on that on my guitar and that is how it came out.

"Steve Vai had a big influence and remains my main influence."

In regards to your guitar playing and approach to it, who do you class as being the cornerstone musical influence on it?

I would definitely say Steve Vai had a big influence and remains my main influence. I mean that is the reason why I went out and bought a seven string guitar in the first place. He had come out with a record called Passion and Warfare and it just blew my mind. So he’s always and will always be an influence and an inspiration. He’s always pushing the envelope and I respect that, so I try to incorporate that into what we do as a band and in regards to pushing ourselves. I harness the same ambition that he has, for us too.

Joe Matera © 2006

Comments

[Dlawso]

Okey. Korn did some good songs, but I dont like em, because most of the time, its all the same. The same downtuned shit that you hear over and over again....

[METSOAD]

MUNKY IS A GOOD GUITAR PLAYER WHO DESERVES HIS OWN SOLO ALBUM

[Cza]

I dont hear vai influence

[im not mental]

neither do i, but i haven't heard his solo playing.

[LowEndCrunch]

dunno...I'll believe it when I see it. I'm not sure Munky is a great lead guitar player, because I've never heard that much from him in Korn. Maybe his solo album will change my mind...

[d_byrne23]

personally I think brian welch (head) was a better player, but who knows...ill check munkys solo stuff out

[wes_borland]

yea

[wes_borland]

munky was the main guy behind several hits korn has came out with
falling away from me
adidas
got the life
freak on a leash
and many more
head was only a backup

[C3_Rocka]

Dlawso wrote:

Okey. Korn did some good songs, but I dont like em, because most of the time, its all the same. The same downtuned shit that you hear over and over again....

Amen.

[codybcool]

I don't hear a hint of Vai in any of Korn's stuff. IMO, they should just let nu-metal die and stop churning out the same old chugging shit.

[Rocker3829]

He's not a vai ripoff y'all, he's influenced by his playing, did y'all read the article? thats how he picked up a seven string in the first place. Wow I had a guess he could shred but I never knew Vai was a main influence of his. Anyway, I like some of their riffs and songs, even though i'm not their biggest fan, I can still appriciate the music they write.

[Polish guy]

I did my time is nice song, but rest of all is just a shit..

[flesh fries]

if munky can impress me with this solo album, then i may reconsider my outlook on korn...but only if they add some damn solos....then again, korn doesnt seem like they could fit solos into their music...for some reason.

[ellsvill2006]

Polish guy :
Velvet Revolver is much better than Korn

Velvet rovolver? what does that have to do with korn?

[CemetaryGates41]

quite random but very true, velvet revolver is much better than korn, it amuses me that anyone would even bother comparing people like slash, and steve vai to this.....nu metal worthless piece of shit.. oh man Korn is terrible

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

MUNKY IS DA MAN. HE DIDN'T QUIT. TO ME ANYTHING KORN KICKS TAIL. IT'S ALL IN THEIR CRUNK.
ANY HATERS SHOULD LOOK INTO THE MIRROR. DO YOU SEE MILLIONS OF FANS BEHIND YOU? MUNKY IS ONE OF MY MAJOR INFLUENCES. EVERY ONE HAS SOMEONE DIFFERENT. KEEP IT REAL MUNKY AND LET THE SOUVENEIRS COME UNDONE

[thefinalcut]

While I don't really care for Korn, he's seems like a down to earth guy who know a bit about guitar gear.

Now I really want to hear what an orchestra tuning up sounds like!

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

THERE'S ALOT OF GOOD MUSIC OUT THERE.
DEPENDS ON YOUR EARS AND HOW YOU HEAR IT

[IAMTHEEGGMAN...]

I used to think Korn were cool... and then I turned 13. I don't care how good he is at guitar, the fact remains that the music isn't interesting in the slightest. Unless his solo stuff is radically different from Korn, then I think I'll give it a miss. Plus, his stage name sucks ass. Munky? Please....

[hereticmunky]

All u ppl if u thot guitar playin was just playin fast n playin classical just shut up. Just broaden ur horizons n try to accept wat Munky's playin, if u cant then dont listen its as simple as that. There's no need to give hate messages about the band for that. MUNKY rocks!!! KorN Rocks!!!

[DaBlackE]

This was a good article cuz it wasn't about Korn. I'd like to hear this "guitar solo" he says he's been doing live.

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

SOLO MUSIC FROM MUNKY WOULD BE INTERESTING. THE QUESTION I HAVE IS WOULD IT BE EERIE SOUNDING LIKE LIFE IS PEACHY OR WILL HE A NEW TWIST ON MUSIC. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM USE A NEW UNIQUE TUNING

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

hereticmunky wrote:

All u ppl if u thot guitar playin was just playin fast n playin classical just shut up. Just broaden ur horizons n try to accept wat Munky's playin, if u cant then dont listen its as simple as that. There's no need to give hate messages about the band for that. MUNKY rocks!!! KorN Rocks!!!

WORD!

[hereticmunky]

Strange thot of associating Steve Vai 2 munky they just kinda dont match. I mean nothing a sort of Vai reflects in his works. But he is a master for creatin eerie and creepy sounds.

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

FOLLOW THE LEADER

[Blackbullet]

TWOMUNKYRLPIL.....please turn your caps off, its really annoying.

I dont like korn, but Munky seems to know what hes on about guitar/gear-wise and ill be interested to hear how his solo stuff sounds.....I hope its nothing like the stuff he does in Korn.

[hereticmunky]

i'm kinda confused tho' with all his elaborate talk of mesa boogie and fender strat n all stuff.

[ZeRaTuL HeLiOs]

hereticmunky wrote:

All u ppl if u thot guitar playin was just playin fast n playin classical just shut up. Just broaden ur horizons n try to accept wat Munky's playin, if u cant then dont listen its as simple as that. There's no need to give hate messages about the band for that. MUNKY rocks!!! KorN Rocks!!!

Preach on my brotha!!

[cHoKiNgViCtIM]

id buy the solo album

[supergohan931]

I'd download it to spite him.

[Fecker]

Okay... all you random jerks that come to the KoRn comments to say the band sucks - die from cancer, please. You never see me coming to your section saying that KoRn is better than, say, Velvet Revolver (who got a place in these comments hehe)
And since you haven't seen Munky play lead stuff doesn't mean he isn't good at it.
Finally, they call him Munky because he can spread out his toes just like a monkey

[steve vai82]

I saw a video of Korn covering Metallica's One, and it was the worst shit i've ever heard. Munky was trying to play the solos but he only played the first solo, and part of the second solo. He didn't even try to play the third solo, because he sucks so much. So I am completely confident that his solo album will suck. He should start getting influenced by Steve Vai a lot more and he might learn something.

[f1sk]

eh, cool ill check it out

[ooblah]

Poor steve vai, he did wonders with the seven string guitar and then bands like korn and slipknot ruined it.. but im willing to check out his solo stuff as long as its not like his playing in korn

[Bu||eT]

steve vai82 wrote:

I saw a video of Korn covering Metallica's One, and it was the worst shit i've ever heard. Munky was trying to play the solos but he only played the first solo, and part of the second solo. He didn't even try to play the third solo, because he sucks so much. So I am completely confident that his solo album will suck. He should start getting influenced by Steve Vai a lot more and he might learn something.

They have played it completely too

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

He didn't do the whole song do to time restraints for the show you fool. Know music before knock it

[Archaon]

Although I think Korn is shitty, I'm interested in hearing his solo work so I'll definately give it a listen when it's released.

[DaBlackE]

It's gotta be better than solo album Fieldy did!

[Spankey]

Myspoonis2big :
Who ever thinks that Green Day is better than KoRn can literally burn in hell because they they sure as hell deserve 2. Green day is the absolute worst piece of shit to fall out of an ass.

Couldn't agree more.

I hope munkey's solo album is like early korn or Take a look in the mirror because the new CD isn't very good.

By the way the douch's nocking munkey because of the One cover they couldn't do the whole thing they were on a hour long show with other people performing, and head did the whole solo for another brick in the wall.

[ooblah]

another brick in the wall.. another song they ruined

[Spankey]

You morons don't like KoRn because its not the cool thing to like anymore because of little *****s like Juliya on Uranium, even when she bashed them in front of Strapping young lad the shinger told her off because he likes KoRn.

[Spankey]

ooblah :
another brick in the wall.. another song they ruined

Every real fan of Pink Floyd that I have talked too(the fans of them when they first came out) said they did a hell of a job covering it, the solo exactly the same.

[Blackskall]

I went to a Korn concert two days ago, an in the middle of the concert Munky did an awesome solo, i can't wait for this solo album! To all the people talking bad about korn, if you don't like them don't post about them! I mean from the title you know its about korn. Posting crap like that makes you look like a jackass.

[GuitarJunkie]

i hate korn...with a passion...but im interested to see if his solo album will be any good.

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

Spankey wrote:

Myspoonis2big :
Who ever thinks that Green Day is better than KoRn can literally burn in hell because they they sure as hell deserve 2. Green day is the absolute worst piece of shit to fall out of an ass.


Couldn't agree more.

I hope munkey's solo album is like early korn or Take a look in the mirror because the new CD isn't very good.

By the way the douch's nocking munkey because of the One cover they couldn't do the whole thing they were on a hour long show with other people performing, and head did the whole solo for another brick in the wall.

first off the music they did this album was writin by somebody else and that's another reason why head left
(check out headtochrist.com) the band. take note if any of you guys actually bought the cd instead of stealing it, it tells you who wrote them

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

fieldy's dreams didn't really suck either, it has a korn touch to it (some songs korn played to it) and if you have'nt noticed fieldy has a rap INFLUENCE

[huge-o]

i really like korn, so naturally i would really like to see what monkey can do. i think he can really put out some sweet solos but korn song arent really meant for it.

[steve vai82]

TWOMUNKYRLPIL wrote:

He didn't do the whole song do to time restraints for the show you fool. Know music before knock it

i'm the fool? Ok, he didn't play the main solo for time contraints (sure, that sounds like a good excuse). Anyway, even the solos he did play sounded like crap. I know for a fact I could have played them better. And i'm not trying to make myself sound like i'm awesome either, because i'm sure a lot of people on UG could tear Munky a new one.

[nonickname]

i dont like korn that much, but i would like to see what he can do on his own

[Polish guy]

That was only my opinion..It will be another shit by Korn.

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

maybe,but is he a shredder? maybe on a solo album. you like what you want. you can't choose the music the music chooses you

[crazee201]

dous this mean hes like gonna shred and shit?

[ShazbotBen]

I've defended Munky for quite some time, and even I was blown away by his live solo. It became quickly apparent that he's not kidding when he says it wouldn't fit into their music, and I don't have a problem with it at all. He's a great guitarist and deserves a lot more respect.

Just for the record, a song doesn't have to have million mile per hour shredding in it just to be good. If that's what your standards are, you're missing out on a lot of great music.

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

ShazbotBen wrote:

I've defended Munky for quite some time, and even I was blown away by his live solo. It became quickly apparent that he's not kidding when he says it wouldn't fit into their music, and I don't have a problem with it at all. He's a great guitarist and deserves a lot more respect.

Just for the record, a song doesn't have to have million mile per hour shredding in it just to be good. If that's what your standards are, you're missing out on a lot of great music.

you're right on, it don't fit, their solos are the kick A** sounds they produce (often immitated Never duplicated) my music might not have solos but its to me anyway keeping a good tone and balance throughout the song. I'm Not going to play A deep heavy riff To F it up by putting something that don't sound right in it

[ibutler]

Munky was influenced by Vai.....In what way is this possible, shouldn't this influence make at least decent music? I must be in bizzaro world!!

[Gman400]

I used to think Korn were cool... and then I turned 13. I don't care how good he is at guitar, the fact remains that the music isn't interesting in the slightest. Unless his solo stuff is radically different from Korn, then I think I'll give it a miss. Plus, his stage name sucks ass. Munky? Please....

What he said except I never liked them.

[steve vai82]

ShazbotBen wrote:

I've defended Munky for quite some time, and even I was blown away by his live solo. It became quickly apparent that he's not kidding when he says it wouldn't fit into their music, and I don't have a problem with it at all. He's a great guitarist and deserves a lot more respect.

Just for the record, a song doesn't have to have million mile per hour shredding in it just to be good. If that's what your standards are, you're missing out on a lot of great music.

oh really? See, I thought music did have to go a million miles in hour to be good. what the hell? Did I say it has to go a million miles an hour. Okay, they were covering a Metallica song, and in that song there is a great solo, so if you are going to cover the song, at least play it right! And I never said that they HAD to have guitar solos in their songs. Even their riffs aren't talented. theirs a lot that they could be doing with their music without having solos, and they don't impress me with anything they do.

[Gman400]

Yeah man, the msuci is all heavy and nu-metally and stuff if you like that then whatever, but the music just isn't intersting. You can create the same type of feeling without 3000 effects and hitting a low c over and over again.

[Resiliance]

I'm sure he's quite good.

I'm interested.

[jables23092]

^i have the cd with the one cover on it and it sounds great you tard....i think you're listening with a bias that anything they have is gonna be crap and afraid to think they may play something you LIKE and play it WELL

[ShazbotBen]

steve vai82
I wasn't saying anything specifically about anything you said. I just wanted to mention that I was bothered by the fact that there are people who bash guitarists who don't shred. I've read it in previous articles about him, and I just wanted to make it clear. And it's actually pretty difficult to take a simple riff and make it heavy and give it feeling.

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

Gman400 wrote:

Yeah man, the msuci is all heavy and nu-metally and stuff if you like that then whatever, but the music just isn't intersting. You can create the same type of feeling without 3000 effects and hitting a low c over and over again.

it's not the same notes over and over
Tone deaf r we?

[steve vai82]

Gman400 wrote:

Yeah man, the msuci is all heavy and nu-metally and stuff if you like that then whatever, but the music just isn't intersting. You can create the same type of feeling without 3000 effects and hitting a low c over and over again.

good one. obviously that's an exaggeration but you make a good point.

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

ibutler wrote:

Munky was influenced by Vai.....In what way is this possible, shouldn't this influence make at least decent music? I must be in bizzaro world!!

It Might not be noticeable but influence is there. all of my personal music is influenced by mood first and slowly i catch or someone else will say that sounds like korn that sounds like maiden or so on they have a unique sound, they brought life back into something that was about to be replaced by guys that need a turntable and a mixer to make music

[steve vai82]

ShazbotBen wrote:

steve vai82
I wasn't saying anything specifically about anything you said. I just wanted to mention that I was bothered by the fact that there are people who bash guitarists who don't shred. I've read it in previous articles about him, and I just wanted to make it clear. And it's actually pretty difficult to take a simple riff and make it heavy and give it feeling.

oh, my bad, I thought that was directed at me. But responding to the whole shred thing, I personally don't think that Munky has to shred. Its not a necessity at all, but I have played their music before and its just not difficult.

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

It's simple but It Has It's purpose I'm Not looking for a challenge when ihear a new korn song and can figure it out within ten minutes a challenge to me is writing a song that keeps a good melody thoughout. bpm is no problem, it's keeping a solid song

TWOMUNKYRLPIL

find the caps lock, and turn it off.

[rathmusbass]

TWOMUNKYRLPIL wrote:

Spankey wrote:

Myspoonis2big :
Who ever thinks that Green Day is better than KoRn can literally burn in hell because they they sure as hell deserve 2. Green day is the absolute worst piece of shit to fall out of an ass.


Couldn't agree more.

I hope munkey's solo album is like early korn or Take a look in the mirror because the new CD isn't very good.

By the way the douch's nocking munkey because of the One cover they couldn't do the whole thing they were on a hour long show with other people performing, and head did the whole solo for another brick in the wall.
first off the music they did this album was writin by somebody else and that's another reason why head left
(check out headtochrist.com) the band. take note if any of you guys actually bought the cd instead of stealing it, it tells you who wrote them

first of all, the band wrote the music for SYOTOS, not someone else. The producers they chose did come in and recorded the riffs munky wrote and played them in different orders and in different arrangements

for example lets take riffs a b c and d

if it originally went a three times then b once for one track and cd five times and d three times for another track the producers would just record the riffs and then arrange them like this ( only an example )
riff d two times riff a six riff b four riff c four

and jd wrote his own lyrics.


and to the rest of you, my main influences on my bass playing are fieldy, victor wooten, alex webster, jaco pastorius, and cliff burton, but i play nothing like any of them. Just because munky doesnt sound like vai does not mean he is not munky's main influence.

head was not just a back up guitarist, he did most of the writting for the first few albums and he helped teach munky and fieldy how to play.

on another note, fieldy's solo album was made for fun. he had some cool beats on it, and he wrote the lyrics to sound cheesy and funny.

and finally, it is just a short clip of the solo ( i saw the entire thing live, this clip doesnt even show the best parts ) but here it is

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Yb7oS0YN5Cg

*spam deleted

[shredbeyndshred]

Dear God all of you, its just music...

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

rathmusbass wrote:

TWOMUNKYRLPIL wrote:

Spankey wrote:

Myspoonis2big :
Who ever thinks that Green Day is better than KoRn can literally burn in hell because they they sure as hell deserve 2. Green day is the absolute worst piece of shit to fall out of an ass.


Couldn't agree more.

I hope munkey's solo album is like early korn or Take a look in the mirror because the new CD isn't very good.

By the way the douch's nocking munkey because of the One cover they couldn't do the whole thing they were on a hour long show with other people performing, and head did the whole solo for another brick in the wall.
first off the music they did this album was writin by somebody else and that's another reason why head left
(check out headtochrist.com) the band. take note if any of you guys actually bought the cd instead of stealing it, it tells you who wrote them



first of all, the band wrote the music for SYOTOS, not someone else. The producers they chose did come in and recorded the riffs munky wrote and played them in different orders and in different arrangements

for example lets take riffs a b c and d

if it originally went a three times then b once for one track and cd five times and d three times for another track the producers would just record the riffs and then arrange them like this ( only an example )
riff d two times riff a six riff b four riff c four

and jd wrote his own lyrics.


and to the rest of you, my main influences on my bass playing are fieldy, victor wooten, alex webster, jaco pastorius, and cliff burton, but i play nothing like any of them. Just because munky doesnt sound like vai does not mean he is not munky's main influence.

head was not just a back up guitarist, he did most of the writting for the first few albums and he helped teach munky and fieldy how to play.

on another note, fieldy's solo album was made for fun. he had some cool beats on it, and he wrote the lyrics to sound cheesy and funny.

and finally, it is just a short clip of the solo ( i saw the entire thing live, this clip doesnt even show the best parts ) but here it is

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Yb7oS0YN5Cg

be sure you know who wrote the music twisted transistor was wrote by korn and the team of producers
go to headtochrist.com and look at heads' news and the interview they did not write all the music or even lyrics do you know who wrote souveneir and won't get credit? how about coming undone?

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

It does'nt take too much talent to play somebody else's music but it takes alot of talent to write your own!

[skindred]

i understand where TWOMUNKYRLPIL is coming from, music just aint about making the most complicated, technical sound,its about the feeling u get hearing that sound, this is how he enjoys his music.

other people who think korn are shit cuz they're repetitive i understand as a former korn fan myself that they have become unoriginal but unfortunately that happens to alot of bands. ill still listen to their old albums every now n then ad appreciate what korn once were.

i hope munkys solo album is good, ill be waiting for it.

u want solos listen to soilwork, chimaira, arch enemy and inflames. thats technical

[skindred]

oh yeah and children of bodom.

[drshock]

I think it's funny how some people think Munk was better than Head when Head actually sold Munk his first guitar and taught him how to play. Seriously u people need to get your facts straight.

[rap_Fn_sux]

i dont know how munky will pull it off i just hope he doesnt do something like sell out and end up doing something like inxs and going on TV and publicizing himself. but i hope he makes it solo.

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

i don't think munky will sell out, brian leaving probably gave him enough rage for another 10 years.
when i play my guitar sometimes i pick it up and nothing new is coming out. someone pisses me off or girlfriend starts riding my a** or a friend calls me an idiot i go home grab the guitar and music happens. munky struggled for a long time with ideas for the new album. then it all just came to him. it happens

[TWOMUNKYRLPIL]

KORN took a new approach this album, thinking about what got hits on the radio and what's that cable channel that use to show videos oh yea mtv, you know what brought interest to them. the video for coming undone is just stunning. fits the song to a T other bands like staind (sellout) got really popular from the slower songs but their first album kicked a** i'm not knocking them i still like them but they try to write the hit song way too much. get the flow back.

[psychodelia]

Haven't heard too much lead from him. It'd be interesting to hear.

However, if he was responsible for the lead on their "Another Brick in the Wall" cover, I have to say that I am currently not impressed.

[INNOCENT VICTIM]

Fieldy is doing a solo part and now MuNkY 2!? This does'nt look good 4 KoRn! Hope this does'nt lead to anything!

[stars_n_bars]

dude...munky is a very different guitarist next to your mainstream and underground mother****ers (no offfense intended i love that fast shit) munky has a very artistic kinda bizzare style and he deserves much more credit than he recieves...as far as korn goes him and fieldy are the backbone behind it all anymore

[rathmusbass]

TWOMUNKYRLPIL wrote:

rathmusbass wrote:

TWOMUNKYRLPIL wrote:

Spankey wrote:

Myspoonis2big :
Who ever thinks that Green Day is better than KoRn can literally burn in hell because they they sure as hell deserve 2. Green day is the absolute worst piece of shit to fall out of an ass.


Couldn't agree more.

I hope munkey's solo album is like early korn or Take a look in the mirror because the new CD isn't very good.

By the way the douch's nocking munkey because of the One cover they couldn't do the whole thing they were on a hour long show with other people performing, and head did the whole solo for another brick in the wall.
first off the music they did this album was writin by somebody else and that's another reason why head left
(check out headtochrist.com) the band. take note if any of you guys actually bought the cd instead of stealing it, it tells you who wrote them



first of all, the band wrote the music for SYOTOS, not someone else. The producers they chose did come in and recorded the riffs munky wrote and played them in different orders and in different arrangements

for example lets take riffs a b c and d

if it originally went a three times then b once for one track and cd five times and d three times for another track the producers would just record the riffs and then arrange them like this ( only an example )
riff d two times riff a six riff b four riff c four

and jd wrote his own lyrics.


and to the rest of you, my main influences on my bass playing are fieldy, victor wooten, alex webster, jaco pastorius, and cliff burton, but i play nothing like any of them. Just because munky doesnt sound like vai does not mean he is not munky's main influence.

head was not just a back up guitarist, he did most of the writting for the first few albums and he helped teach munky and fieldy how to play.

on another note, fieldy's solo album was made for fun. he had some cool beats on it, and he wrote the lyrics to sound cheesy and funny.

and finally, it is just a short clip of the solo ( i saw the entire thing live, this clip doesnt even show the best parts ) but here it is

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Yb7oS0YN5Cg
be sure you know who wrote the music twisted transistor was wrote by korn and the team of producers
go to headtochrist.com and look at heads' news and the interview they did not write all the music or even lyrics do you know who wrote souveneir and won't get credit? how about coming undone?

now i know why you say what you say. if your source is headtochrist.com then you are very far behind. not even a quarter of heads interviews where he spoke of the matter are there.

what head meant, and has stated in many other interviews, is that he did not like the idea of producers messing with the songs, as in mixxing around riffs and bouncing off lyrical ideas with jd, but you know what? the band still wrote the entire album, the producers they used just helped them tweak their songs.

and almost every album written by a band with a good producer has been at least tweaked a little by the producer along the way, whether it is changing one chord in a chord progression to a different chord, or changing the key of a song or solo, or using a different effect, or mixxing around the riffs a bit.

so KoRn's producers did no more than what any average producer would to with a band.

next time use the more recent interviews and news and statements at places such as www.KoRnunleashed.net/main.php and blabbermouth.net

[madbasslover]

seven string meister my ass. a crippled retard with 2 fingers and a missing arm could play the stuff he writes.

[lead_guitar5]

i agree with steve vai82. when i saw korn play one on mtv, it was one of the sloppiest performances i've seen by professional performers. the 2 guitarists played really sloppy and didn't even give the solos feeling. that makes me believe that munky can't solo, yet i want him to prove me wrong just like mark tremonti did. anyway, i'll give munky a listen to see what is going on.

[DaBlackE]

TWOMUNKYRLPIL wrote:

fieldy's dreams didn't really suck either, it has a korn touch to it (some songs korn played to it) and if you have'nt noticed fieldy has a rap INFLUENCE

Too bad it's not a GOOD rap INFLUENCE. Sounds like a bass player who has never rapped, trying to rap. It didn't suck? Get real!

[SkynetT900]

I have had the privlage of meeting the man and their studio is really unique as far as everything he uses to record. And yes the guy can shred! He does it live between songs. i can't wait to heart his solo album.

[slash.hammett]

alright this is just my opinior here, so don't start going nuts, but wasn't what made korn great the way head's and munky's sound complimented each other? what's the point of continuing the band when the element that got you where you are is no longer there? it would be like if the jimi hendrix experience trying to make new material without jimi hendrix in the band.

[DaBlackE]

I wouldn't mind having those 4 amps & cabs he's using!

[steve vai82]

[quote]TWOMUNKYRLPIL wrote:

It does'nt take too much talent to play somebody else's music but it takes alot of talent to write your own![/quote

yeah, it definitely doesn't take too much talent to play Korn's music, but there is A LOT of music out there that does take a lot of talent to play. Writing music is not that hard, writing great music is hard but not writing music in itself. If you want to know some guitarists that don't play a lot of solos but yet are creative and have talent, look at Adam Jones and Tom Morello.

[Metalology]

Munky? Shred? Say what?

spam check

[axeslinger0u812]

drshock :
I think it's funny how some people think Munk was better than Head when Head actually sold Munk his first guitar and taught him how to play. Seriously u people need to get your facts straight.

hmmm....there's no way to say who is better, it's all opinion. but I know you would have to agree, that Vai and Satriani are two of the best guitar players out, and according to some, they think Vai is "better" technically. now, so as not to get off track...who taught Vai?

Just because someone taught something doesn't mean they will always be better. and hey, who knows. tremonti is a good example of suprises. althought I was always a huge fan of his, and just didn't like that retard singer of theirs. but I'll reserve judgement until the product arrives.

[DropD_Todd]

if anyone didn't noticed steve vai was a influence hes the reason "munky" went out and brought a seven-string guitar

[jackohlander]

steve vai82 wrote:

[quote]TWOMUNKYRLPIL wrote:

It does'nt take too much talent to play somebody else's music but it takes alot of talent to write your own![/quote

yeah, it definitely doesn't take too much talent to play Korn's music, but there is A LOT of music out there that does take a lot of talent to play. Writing music is not that hard, writing great music is hard but not writing music in itself. If you want to know some guitarists that don't play a lot of solos but yet are creative and have talent, look at Adam Jones and Tom Morello.

Nearly all of Tom Morello's songs have a solo . Just not in the traditional sense.

It's really sad that there are hardly any decent conversations on this forum. The majority of the people on here are illiterate , not to mention are incapable of learning simple typing skills. If all you can think of is "they're shit" or "they suck" , then don't say anything . It's not helping your argument any. Come up with a legitimate reason and then back it up .

Saying all of their songs sound the same isn't a valid reason either. People as a whole just can't make up their minds . First they want a new sound and then they get it and hate it. Then they want the band to go back to their roots and all of a sudden , it's somewhat repetitive and isn't fresh! Well , make up your ****ing minds.

Of course the cover sounded different than the original! Of course it wasn't as good as the original ! It's a ****ing cover ! When I saw that dedicated concert , it looked like ( again , this was my perspective ) the only song the audience enjoyed.

It just seems like people hate bands because it's the "cool" thing to do. If you don't like the band or the sound they have going on , that's fine . But there is no need in bashing something based on those reasons alone.

[hereticmunky]

About the "One" and "Another brick in the wall" cover - they actually put much of a Kornish Tinge to it otherwise if they played the same stuff as the originals then what difference would they have made it would b as good as sum sick ass local band singin it. They r just givin out a modified version of the originals as a tribute to the masters from them. And about the one solos - i know the last one solo is an ultra cool solo but not playin' it doesnt mean its necessary they dont know how to play it or ne-thing, even all the other shows in MTV icon show didnt feature all the solos - so swallow it.
And all u ppl bringin Green Day, Velvet Revolver n all in2 this - guys thats like a totally different genre, so better stay out of it.

[skindred]

steve vai82 wrote:

[quote]TWOMUNKYRLPIL wrote:

It does'nt take too much talent to play somebody else's music but it takes alot of talent to write your own![/quote

yeah, it definitely doesn't take too much talent to play Korn's music, but there is A LOT of music out there that does take a lot of talent to play. Writing music is not that hard, writing great music is hard but not writing music in itself. If you want to know some guitarists that don't play a lot of solos but yet are creative and have talent, look at Adam Jones and Tom Morello.

dude sorry but have you even listened to any of rage against the machines albums? how can you tell me tom morello doesnt play alo of solos, listen to their self titled, and battle of LA for solos my friend.

[Polx666]

Actually I think youll find the reason Korn didnt play all the one solos is that they were only allocated so much stage time, trust me Munky can play, and hes 10 times better than Head.

[hereticmunky]

Polx666 wrote:

Actually I think youll find the reason Korn didnt play all the one solos is that they were only allocated so much stage time, trust me Munky can play, and hes 10 times better than Head.

Abso****inlutely.

[steve vai82]

jackohlander wrote:

steve vai82 wrote:

[quote]TWOMUNKYRLPIL wrote:

It does'nt take too much talent to play somebody else's music but it takes alot of talent to write your own![/quote

yeah, it definitely doesn't take too much talent to play Korn's music, but there is A LOT of music out there that does take a lot of talent to play. Writing music is not that hard, writing great music is hard but not writing music in itself. If you want to know some guitarists that don't play a lot of solos but yet are creative and have talent, look at Adam Jones and Tom Morello.


Nearly all of Tom Morello's songs have a solo . Just not in the traditional sense.

It's really sad that there are hardly any decent conversations on this forum. The majority of the people on here are illiterate , not to mention are incapable of learning simple typing skills. If all you can think of is "they're shit" or "they suck" , then don't say anything . It's not helping your argument any. Come up with a legitimate reason and then back it up .

Saying all of their songs sound the same isn't a valid reason either. People as a whole just can't make up their minds . First they want a new sound and then they get it and hate it. Then they want the band to go back to their roots and all of a sudden , it's somewhat repetitive and isn't fresh! Well , make up your ****ing minds.

Of course the cover sounded different than the original! Of course it wasn't as good as the original ! It's a ****ing cover ! When I saw that dedicated concert , it looked like ( again , this was my perspective ) the only song the audience enjoyed.

It just seems like people hate bands because it's the "cool" thing to do. If you don't like the band or the sound they have going on , that's fine . But there is no need in bashing something based on those reasons alone.

so was your whole thread pointed at me? Wow, I feel honored, thanks. When I mentioned Tom Morello I realize that he does in fact have solos, not in the sense of shredding. If you would read all of the posts you might actually be able to figure that out. I realize that it was a "cover" of one. So does that give them the right to play the solos shitty? I don't understand how playing a cover of a song gives you the right to butcher one of the greatest metal songs. I also understand the relevance of putting your own style into a cover, and I guess all that your proving is that to play shitty solos is part of their style. Hence, I win. You have just proven that Korn, and Munky suck.

spam deleted

[Hammett88]

Didn't Korn do a cover of One on Metallica MTV Icon with no solo, if this Munky guy is good why didn't he play it?

[hereticmunky]

Hey Vai82 dude, u gotta chill man. I know KorN doesnt have a style of music which is appreciated by the whole society but there r plenty of ppl who really love it.N cursing abt them is not gonna make ur point stronger, but it only grows hatred against anti-korn ppl.
Its pretty good 2 know ur such n experienced guy in music , so y cant u let Korn b korn itself. If sumbody u know is forcin u 2 listen 2 it then i understand, that must b a source of ur comments. But imagine if I post Steve Vai sucks! everywhere - i know u would feel hurt. I respect Vai for all his gr8 mel;odious music, but he always looks like he's makin love with the guitar ( wich shows his passion for music. If u dont know watt i mean watch th live video of "Tender Surrender".).
Some ppl like sum things,
Sum ppl dont. But just dont try to spread that dislike ok dude.
Peace.

[Polx666]

Hammett88 wrote:

Didn't Korn do a cover of One on Metallica MTV Icon with no solo, if this Munky guy is good why didn't he play it?

I posted it a few posts back, they didnt ahve the stage time to play the whole song so they ahd to cut it short, Im a big Korn fan and Take a look in the mirror was stetching the Korn sound out in a bad way, but the new album is a new direction and a breath of fresh air from them, Long Live Munky.

[hereticmunky]

If ppl think Korns perfomance was not good in Mtv icon, then take a look at the perfomances of aaron lewis(nothing else matters), avril lavigne(fuel),Sum 41(For whom...,Enter Sandman) n limp bizkit(Sanitarium). Then notice how KorN had rocked the show. Korn rulezzz!

[Diabolic Clown]

Spankey wrote:

ooblah :
another brick in the wall.. another song they ruined


Every real fan of Pink Floyd that I have talked too(the fans of them when they first came out) said they did a hell of a job covering it, the solo exactly the same.

Not the sure as hell me. I think they disgraced that song.

[Death Bat]

I'm sure like SLipknot's guitarist, without the rest of the band they'd be okay, but unfortanetely they're all in the wrong situation and have been put in some kind of gay emo lyrical, and angsty yelling band. I mean, the guitar sounds like bass to me.. one main riff and that's about it. But I might actually look forward to a solo album since I heard he can shred.. If anyone has videos PM me them please.

[Samfisher21]

The only time I've heard Munky play a solo was on Another Brick in the Wall. That was good. and his usuall guitar playing is awsome so who knows. Hes my Fav frm KoRn so I Know he will be awsome

spam deleted
You two members who were arguing (you know who you were) End It.

[N_OfKoRn]

Munky is an awsome guy, and hes a kisk a$$ guitarist

[Damagepln6]

I saw korn live on their greatest hits tour in milwaukee, he churned out blistering solos for like five minutes! and at the end he tied it in with the beginning to Did my time. he is one hell of a shredder!

[playfielder]

I saw a video of Korn covering Metallica's One, and it was the worst shit i've ever heard. Munky was trying to play the solos but he only played the first solo, and part of the second solo. He didn't even try to play the third solo, because he sucks so much.

Maybe Korn were only given 4 minutes to perform and they really wanted to do that song, so they had to cut alot out. Personally I think Metallica are really bland, (I don't know why Pantera didn't become more popular). Korn nailed "One", they took all the crap out of song and played the best bits.

[playfielder]

By the way, I've seen heaps on interviews with Vai where he says he loves Korn. Infact there is a video where Vai meets up with Korn and later on Munky and Vai jam on some Korn tunes.