Slipknot’s Clown Says AI Is ‘A Professor In My Pocket’ And He’s Not Afraid To Use It

Slipknot have never been a band that shies away from uncomfortable conversations, and now percussionist Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan is wading headfirst into one of the most divisive topics in modern music, artificial intelligence.

In a new interview, Crahan made it clear he’s firmly on the pro AI side, describing the technology as “a professor in my pocket who only wants to do what I ask it”, it’s a comparison that cuts through the hysteria, framing AI not as a replacement for creativity, but as another tool in the box.

The Slipknot co-founder revealed he’s been “employing AI 190 percent”, adding that he’s essentially been using the concept of AI his whole life.

For Crahan, it’s no different from leaning on new gear, production techniques, or outside perspectives to spark ideas, he’s even used it to rework “thousands and thousands” of poems he’s written over the years.

Importantly, Crahan stressed that no one is being forced to use it, “No one needs to use it,” he said, before giving a practical example of how he applies it to music.

“Here are my words,” he explained.

“Don’t change them. Don’t alter them. But show me some different ways to sing it.”

For Crahan, the outrage around AI misses the point.

“What’s the difference between me pulling out my pocket producer… or me trying to get a famous producer that might not even work with me and could potentially cost me $150,000… who will only give me one or two ways – I’m not mentioning any names!”

He was also quick to shut down the idea that AI replaces human effort altogether. “It’s still going to take me to sing it. And it will never be like it was,” he said. “None of it can work without you, the human. It’s a giant oracle… but it needs you.”

Corey is not on the same page

Not everyone in the Slipknot camp agrees, Frontman Corey Taylor previously made his feelings crystal clear, saying in 2023, “I don’t care for any of that crap dude, to be honest.”

Elsewhere, Crahan also reiterated hopes that Slipknot’s long-rumoured ‘lost’ album Look Outside Your Window will finally see the light of day in 2026, after years of delays and teasing, patience is wearing thin, even within the band itself.