Former Slipknot producer Ross Robinson recently recalled the intense emotional state of turntablist Sid Wilson during the recording of “People = Shit” for the band’s sophomore album, Iowa. His comments were shared in a recent feature on Louder.
Released in 2001, Iowa was recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, and Studio City Sound, and is widely regarded as one of Slipknot’s most abrasive and punishing records. Robinson, known for his intense, emotionally raw production style on landmark nu-metal albums including Korn’s self-titled debut, Limp Bizkit’s Three Dollar Bill, Y’all, and Slipknot’s own self-titled debut, pushed the band to extreme emotional depths throughout the sessions.
Robinson discussed the challenges of recording the album, noting the difficulties in getting band members back into the zone for vocal overdubs, particularly with frontman Corey Taylor.
When asked, “What was the toughest part of recording ‘Iowa’?”, Robinson explained the difficulties of the process.
“Vocal overdubs could be tough,” Robinson said. “The bar was set so high with the band slamming together – when you’re that extreme, it gets difficult, especially when you’re on your own and trying to get back into the zone.”
He also noted that frontman Corey Taylor was dealing with personal distractions during the sessions.
“There was a lot going on with Corey at the time too – he’d be going out pretty much every night and had this little fanbase of people he hung out with,” Robinson continued.
However, Robinson recalled that the easiest session to record involved Sid Wilson — also known as #0 and DJ Starscream, Slipknot’s turntablist who contributes scratching, samples, soundscapes, keyboards, and backing vocals — who was grieving the loss of his grandfather.
“Weirdly, the easiest one to get in the zone was when Sid’s grandfather passed away, and I’d asked him to do some overdubs for the background of People = Shit,” Robinson added. “He was so distraught, sad, hurt and was just crying. I was like, ‘You’re doing backgrounds today’ and he nailed it.”
This insight highlights the raw emotion and chaotic environment that shaped the sound of the landmark 2001 album.
