Fieldy Talks StillWell, Korn, and So Much More - ARTISTdirect News: "We're still learning," says Reggie "Fieldy" Arvizu.
The legendary Korn bassist and StillWell guitarist is always open to trying new things musically, and that's why he remains one of the most intriguing and innovative musicians that hard rock has ever seen. On StillWell's debut, Dirtbag, Fieldy's riffs echo Led Zeppelin and Audioslave but with a gangsta gusto that's hyper-infectious. Songs like "On & Poppin'" practically pimp walk through guttural grooves, busting out a one of a kind style that was meant to make mosh pits move. Dirtbag has just the rhythm that heavy music needs.
In this exclusive interview with ARTISTdirect.com editor and Dolor author Rick Florino, Fieldy discusses StillWell's Dirtbag, Korn's new music, learning how to riff, and so much more.
Was there an instant chemistry between all of you?
We're definitely on the same page. It all clicks that way when StillWell is recording. When you hit the stage, there's nothing you can do but get experience. Playing live is so different than making a record, and it's such a challenge. Back in the day, Korn weren't always good [Laughs]. We were so sloppy, and we had to work everything out. Nowadays, we have YouTube, which kind of sucks because if you have a bad show it's on YouTube that night [Laughs]. Back when we started, we had the grace to play shows and get tight.
When you're writing on guitar, can riff ideas come any time?
I've written riffs sitting around the house playing acoustic guitar. There have been other situations where we'll throw a drum loop on and we'll jam to it for about two or three minutes. You've got to keep things moving. I like to keep moving quickly. I'll throw down three minutes-worth of ideas, listen back, and say, "There it is! That's the section I was trying to develop." You hear it, and then you work it out. My advice to anyone writing is don't spend too much time because it's in there, you simply have to listen and then go back and develop it.
Did you start playing guitar before bass?
I actually started playing guitar first when I was really young. I remember learning stuff from Brian "Head" Welch because we hung out when we were kids. He taught me "Rock You Like Hurricane" and "Smoke On The Water." It's funny because kids today still learn those same songs. We were driving one day and he was like, "I want to get a band together but I need a bass player." I said, "I'll play bass!" It worked like that. At the time, I just wanted to be in a band. I wasn't too stuck on any instrument.
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