M. Shawn Crahan, known as Slipknot's percussionist, recently discussed his side project, Look Outside Your Window, an album nearly two decades in the making. Joined by Slipknot's Corey Taylor, Jim Root, and Sid Wilson, this venture deviates significantly from their main band's aggressive style, offering a more introspective and melancholic sound. Originally conceived during the 2008 recording of Slipknot's 'All Hope Is Gone,' the album, set for a vinyl-only release, explores experimental soundscapes, including environmental recordings and unconventional vocal techniques. Crahan emphasizes that this project was a creative outlet born from the downtime of Slipknot's demanding schedule, allowing the musicians to explore different artistic facets and emotions.
This distinct musical endeavor emerged from a period of both creative abundance and personal challenges within the band. Crahan highlights how the album became a "timestamp on other emotions" from a turbulent time, reflecting deeper feelings of melancholy and shared experiences, including the later loss of bandmate Paul Gray. The project allowed the members to push their creative boundaries, incorporating diverse influences from alternative rock to punk, and fostering an environment of spontaneous musical exploration. This "open lab" approach, inspired by producer Rick Rubin, eventually influenced Slipknot's later works, demonstrating the profound impact of this experimental detour on their overall artistic process.
The Genesis of an Unexpected Sound
The album "Look Outside Your Window" originated from the creative downtime during the recording of Slipknot's 2008 album, "All Hope Is Gone." M. Shawn Crahan, along with bandmates Corey Taylor, Jim Root, and Sid Wilson, found themselves with an abundance of creative energy that didn't fit the Slipknot mold. Crahan set up a small, experimental studio in his rented room, a concept he refers to as an "open lab," allowing himself and Root to freely compose music. This environment encouraged a departure from their familiar heavy metal sound, drawing instead from influences like Radiohead, alternative rock, and punk. The project became a space for exploration, where the musicians could experiment with unfamiliar instruments, record ambient sounds like toads and crickets, and even have Taylor sing from the bottom of a well, all contributing to the album's unique, melancholic, and brooding atmosphere.
This side project was not just a musical diversion but a vital creative release. Crahan felt a sense of guilt being away from his family if he wasn't actively creating, prompting him to maximize every moment. The bandmates, despite facing internal turbulence and personal struggles, including Sid Wilson's illness and others' battles with addiction, channeled these experiences into their music. This period of intense emotion and experimentation resulted in tracks like "11th March," where Taylor's vocals convey deep emotion, and "Juliette," a pensive reflection on loss and philosophy. The album captures a raw and introspective side of the musicians, a stark contrast to Slipknot's characteristic harshness. It served as a therapeutic outlet, transforming personal difficulties into a collection of deeply felt, experimental compositions that would eventually see the light of day.
Creative Departures and Lasting Legacies
The musical direction of "Look Outside Your Window" is a distinct departure from the aggressive sound associated with Slipknot. Drawing inspiration from artists like Radiohead, Pink Floyd, and even punk icons like Big Black, the album showcases a more art-rock and atmospheric side of the musicians. Tracks such as "Moth" with its harp-like guitar melodies and "Dirge" with its unique percussion, highlight the band's willingness to step outside their comfort zone. The inclusion of guest vocals from Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil, who recited an original poem and sang on "Is Real," further underscores the project's experimental spirit. Crahan encouraged unconventional recording methods, such as utilizing the natural reverb of a water well and incorporating ambient field recordings of toads and crickets, all aimed at fostering a truthful and spontaneous artistic expression.
The "open lab" approach cultivated during the "Look Outside Your Window" sessions had a profound and lasting impact on Slipknot's subsequent albums. This method of creating a separate, unpressurized space for musical experimentation became a staple in their future recording processes, influencing albums like ".5: The Gray Chapter" and "We Are Not Your Kind." This creative freedom allowed for the development of interludes and experimental tracks, pushing the boundaries of what a Slipknot album could encompass. For Crahan, the release of "Look Outside Your Window" marks the closing of a significant chapter, acknowledging that while it might be confused with Slipknot's main discography, it also paves the way for future iterations of this side project. It stands as a testament to the idea that true creativity flourishes when artists are unburdened by expectations, allowing them to explore new sonic territories and express deeper, more personal emotions.