Entrevista Com Ex-Productor

When you heard Mate Feed Kill Repeat, was it obvious that you wanted to work with this band?

Robinson: “I didn’t really like the demo, it was the way we hooked up that turned it on. The Slipknot manager, who worked at the local radio station, called the only person she knew in LA (John Reese, my manager at the time) without knowing he managed me. I knew we had to fly to see them because I’m all into the woo woo stuff…”

You were the biggest producer in the game at this point and had the pick of most bands in metal, what made you choose to work with Slipknot?

Robinson: “It was our connection as people and also seeing them destroy in Iowa. I really instantly fell in love with each of them. it’s such a great feeling to connect so deeply with similar hearts.”

Are we right in saying that you fed off of each others aggression on your ranch when recording the self-titled record?

Robinson: “It wasn’t about aggression, it was about expression at the highest level. We dug into the hunger and sensitivity of the lyrics, expressing what most are too afraid to expose.”

How heated did things get?

Robinson: “It wasn’t heated at all in my mind, it was pure fun with a purpose.”

When you were recording the record, did it feel like you were capturing something vital?

Robinson: “Very, it was hunger at it’s best.”

How did the recording sessions differ from your other breakthrough success with Korn?

Robinson: “Slipknot was much more hungry than Korn. Korn was a giant party with tons of friends around them supporting the music. With Slipknot, we were alone on our own island, apart from the world, doing what we all knew to do…. ”

How different were the guys when they came in for the ‘Iowa’ album sessions?

Robinson: “Aww, they were the same but started to party a bit. They were straight edge on the first record. Iowa kicked ass except the manager rubbed me the wrong way. He was very Hollywood and threw the bands money around like I’ve never seen. It freaked me out so I started “protecting my babies”. I started a bunch of drama by getting into the bands business – bad move!!”

“3 weeks into Iowa, I broke my back racing motocross. I was on pain killers, sucked for me but they thought it was the best thing ever. 5 dudes bought dirt bikes after that record!”

The band were at a low point when they recorded that record in terms of morale, how did you cope with working with that?

Robinson: “After breaking my back, I would show up everyday with a “let’s get it the fuck on!!” attitude in severe pain. When the dudes would hit that ruthless level of intention, all the pain would go away! We all loved the band and stepped up to make the best record we could. ”

That album has some of their most savage material. How much did you enjoy that the band were taking a risk?

Robinson: “There was no risk because we didn’t care about pleasing people outside the band. That’s how It works for me now and seems for them, still today.”

Were you involved with the decision to open the first real track with a blast-beat?

Robinson: “I had Sid do back ups to ‘People = Shit’ when he found out his closest grandfather died. I used his voice in the album intro from out-takes of his bleeding love and sadness from that day. To me, the blast beat is dwarfed by Sid’s willingness to give himself that day. That was an incredibly bold move!”

Did you get on with the guys on the Iowa sessions?

Robinson: “I thought so, I loved it and felt so proud and on fire to give my life to that record.”

Did they make you the enemy at points or were they too busy fighting each other?

Robinson: “The band may have had stuff they didn’t like about me, but are 100% respectful and willing to try anything for the art.”

Were you surprised when they moved on for the Volume 3 record?

Robinson: “I was.”

When your professional relationship with the band ended, was it an amicable break-up?

Robinson: “I know bands are going to do what bands need to do, it’s not personal. I love them deeply and support anything they decide. I make draining, emotional records. These dudes are so good, they don’t have to feel severe gut wrenching intention to make a living. I totally don’t blame them for moving on. It’s not easy to do a “RR” record.”