Korn’s Jonathan Davis Talks ‘The Nothing,’ Music History, and More in an Exclusive Interview with Kerrang!
Korn’s frontman Jonathan Davis recently stopped by Kerrang!’s London headquarters to discuss the band’s latest album, The Nothing, and to reflect on Korn’s history, his early days in music, and his passion for video games. Known for his intense, soul-baring lyrics and unique vocal style, Davis opened up about the inspirations and challenges behind The Nothing, Korn’s legacy in the nu-metal world, and the personal experiences that have shaped his career. Here’s a deep dive into the highlights of the interview with one of rock’s most iconic voices.
Unveiling The Nothing: A Dark and Cathartic Journey
Korn’s The Nothing stands out as one of their most intense and introspective albums to date, and according to Davis, this was by design. He described the process of creating the album as a form of catharsis, a necessary outlet for the emotional pain he’d been grappling with. Davis shared that the album is “a place where all my dark thoughts go,” a reference to the personal turmoil he faced during its creation. This included the tragic loss of his wife, which cast a shadow over the album’s writing and recording phases.
For Davis, channeling grief into his music allowed him to process emotions he might otherwise have struggled to articulate. “It was brutal to create,” he admitted. “But at the same time, it was something I needed to do to keep going.” This pain is palpable in tracks like “Cold” and “Finally Free,” where Davis’s vocals carry a raw, almost primal intensity that fans have come to associate with Korn’s music. The Nothing is more than an album—it’s a journey through sorrow, survival, and ultimately, self-discovery.
Korn’s Legacy: Pioneers of the Nu-Metal Movement
Davis also took time to reflect on Korn’s journey as pioneers of the nu-metal movement, a genre that emerged in the mid-90s and combined elements of metal, hip-hop, and grunge. Korn’s debut album, released in 1994, took the music scene by storm with its dark themes, heavy guitar riffs, and Davis’s unique vocal style. Looking back, Davis is still surprised by the genre’s explosive success. “We were just doing our thing, experimenting with sounds that felt real to us,” he said. “We didn’t think we were starting a movement.”
Yet, as bands like Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, and Deftones gained popularity, it became clear that Korn’s sound had resonated with a generation. The raw, aggressive style of nu-metal appealed to fans who felt alienated or misunderstood, and Korn’s music gave them a voice. “We were outsiders in a lot of ways,” Davis explained, “and I think that’s why people connected with our music. We were speaking to their pain, their anger, and their need for release.”
Jonathan’s Early Years and Entry into Music
Davis’s entry into music was a natural progression, shaped by a childhood spent in a small California town and a deep fascination with dark, gothic themes. Music became a refuge for him early on. He grew up listening to bands like Duran Duran, The Cure, and Bauhaus—artists that resonated with him because of their introspective lyrics and haunting melodies. His unique blend of influences, from new wave to heavy metal, ultimately helped shape Korn’s signature sound.
As a teenager, Davis faced his share of struggles, including bullying and feelings of alienation, which only fueled his love for music. “I didn’t have a lot of friends,” he confessed, “but music was always there for me. It became my voice when I couldn’t speak up for myself.” His background in bagpipes (yes, bagpipes!) and experience as a mortuary science student further added to his distinctive style, imbuing Korn’s music with a depth and intensity that has continued to evolve.
Davis admitted that he never thought he would end up as a rock star. But once he met his future bandmates in Bakersfield, California, everything clicked. “We just started jamming, and it felt right. It was like we were all meant to come together,” he recalled. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Creating The Nothing: Production and Songwriting Insights
The production of The Nothing was a challenging but rewarding experience for Davis. Working alongside producer Nick Raskulinecz, Davis pushed himself both vocally and lyrically. “Nick helped me find the darkest places in myself, and he knew how to get that out of me,” he shared. Raskulinecz’s no-nonsense approach to production, combined with Davis’s willingness to be vulnerable, resulted in a deeply emotional album.
When asked about his songwriting process, Davis explained that he typically starts with the music first, letting the soundscapes guide the lyrical themes. “I listen to the riffs, the drums, the atmosphere, and then I try to find a story within that,” he said. “It’s like the music is talking to me, and I’m just translating it into words.” The result is an album that’s both cohesive and impactful, with each track telling a unique part of Davis’s story.
The Impact of Video Games on Jonathan’s Creativity
Davis’s love for video games is well-documented, and he admits that gaming has had a surprising influence on his creativity. He shared that video games provide a much-needed escape from the pressures of touring and recording. Games like Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Call of Duty are among his favorites, especially for their immersive worlds and intense narratives. “It’s like diving into another universe where I can just forget about everything for a while,” Davis said.
Interestingly, he noted that the atmospheric qualities of horror and survival games sometimes inspire the darker, moodier elements of Korn’s music. The games’ soundtracks, in particular, have influenced his approach to crafting eerie soundscapes. “There’s a cinematic quality to these games that I really connect with,” he explained. “It’s all about tension, fear, and release, which is pretty similar to what we do in Korn.”
Korn’s Evolution and What’s Next
As Korn approaches three decades in the music industry, Davis reflected on the band’s evolution and hinted at what’s next. He acknowledged that Korn’s sound has changed over the years, but he sees this as a natural part of growth. “We’re not the same guys we were in the ’90s, and our music reflects that. But I think we’ve stayed true to who we are,” he said.
Korn’s willingness to experiment has kept them relevant, even as the nu-metal movement has waned. Albums like The Paradigm Shift and The Serenity of Suffering show a band that’s willing to push boundaries without abandoning the raw emotion that first drew fans to their music. With The Nothing, Korn has ventured into even darker territory, and Davis hinted that this is only the beginning of a new era for the band. “We’ve still got so much to say,” he said, “and I think our fans can feel that.”
Closing Thoughts: On Legacy and Connection with Fans
For Davis, one of the most rewarding aspects of his career is the connection he’s formed with Korn’s fans. He’s received countless messages from listeners who say that Korn’s music helped them through tough times, a sentiment that resonates deeply with him. “It’s humbling,” Davis said. “I know what it’s like to feel alone, and if our music can give someone a bit of hope or strength, then it’s all worth it.”
Reflecting on Korn’s legacy, Davis remains both grateful and motivated. He acknowledges the impact they’ve had on the music industry but is more focused on what lies ahead. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I don’t think we’re done yet,” he said. “We’re still evolving, still learning, and still pushing ourselves.”
As Davis prepares for the next chapter of Korn’s journey, fans can expect more of the raw honesty, emotional intensity, and musical experimentation that have defined his career. The Nothing may be one of Korn’s darkest albums yet, but it’s also a reminder that even in darkness, there’s resilience and a will to keep moving forward—a message that both Jonathan Davis and Korn embody fully.
