Slipknot's James Root | Guitar Moves Interview

Jim Root of Slipknot rarely does interviews- so when I asked if he’d be a guest on Guitar Moves I was stoked when he wrote back:

“I’m happy to stick to real conversations. And even if one person gets something out of it and/or becomes obsessed with guitar or collaborations with others that play instruments then it’s good.”

Root’s sensitivity generosity and unpretentiousness were on full blast backstage at Madison Square Garden- he was patient with my clumsy attempts at learning his guitar lines and gave insightful pointers. In conversation Root’s respect for his bandmates as individuals and for Slipknot’s collaborative process is palpable and inspiring: this is what dedication to art looks sounds & feels like.

When they performed at the Garden Slipknot’s masks, uniforms, vocals, vulnerable lyrics, massive rhythms & guitar hooks all combined to hit a personal connection no other rock band offers. I felt it. Go see them. Slipknot gives a voice to the outsider, the “freak”. James Root’s guitar playing is a defining element of the band: cathartic and intense.

This fool was humbled by the realness of Jim Root and Slipknot, and I hope their fans like this episode.

-MS

A Note: Guitar Moves is a series that uses the guitar to show that everyone can play music- in their own way, on their own terms, in their own communities. Guitar shredder dudes/Expert Guitar Officers: if this vibe isn’t for you, feel free to get what you are looking for elsewhere.

Matt Sweeney , host of Guitar Moves, is a member of The Hard Quartet and a NYC based producer (Joanna Sternberg “I’ve Got Me”) and composer (Superwolves, Chavez, Red Dead Redemption 2). His guitar playing can be heard on records by Adele, Johnny Cash, Endless Boogie, Neil Diamond, Cat Stevens, The Desert Sessions, Iggy Pop, Tinariwen.

Credits:
Directed & Produced by : Jason Diamond / Josh Diamond
Edited & Colored by : Andrew Reuland
DP / Camera A : Tony Waweru
Camera B : Josh Diamond
Camera C : Jason Diamond
Sound : Zach Bishop

Filmed in NYC

Follow us:
  / guitar.moves  
  / guitar.moves  
  / gtrmoves  
   / @guitar-moves  
  / gtrmoves