Slipknot’s M. Shawn Crahan Opens Up About His Other Band
Slipknot’s M. Shawn Crahan Opens Up About His Other Band
The music world is buzzing as Michael Shawn Crahan, better known as "Clown" from the legendary metal heavyweights Slipknot, has finally pulled back the curtain on one of the most enigmatic chapters of his storied career. In a series of recent revealing interviews, Crahan has shared profound insights into the long-awaited debut of his experimental side project, Look Outside Your Window. This collective, featuring fellow Slipknot members Corey Taylor, Jim Root, and Sid Wilson, represents a stark departure from the chaotic intensity of the Nine, offering a melodic and atmospheric soundscape that has been held in a "vault" for nearly two decades. Fans of the Iowa-born percussionist are getting a rare glimpse into the creative sanctuary that helped him navigate the turbulence of the late 2000s, setting the stage for a release that promises to redefine how audiences perceive the artistic breadth of these metal icons.
Michael Shawn Crahan, the co-founder and visual mastermind of Slipknot, has officially confirmed that his experimental side project "Look Outside Your Window" will release its debut album on Record Store Day 2026. Recorded during the 2008 "All Hope Is Gone" sessions at Sound Farm Studio in Iowa, the project features a four-man lineup of Crahan, Corey Taylor, Jim Root, and Sid Wilson. Unlike the aggressive nu-metal signature of Slipknot, the album is described as a brooding, melodic, and atmospheric "art piece" that explores experimental recording techniques, such as tracking vocals from the bottom of a well. Crahan views this project as a vital emotional timestamp and a creative outlet that was kept separate from the main band's politics to preserve its unique artistic integrity.
The Genesis of Look Outside Your Window
The story of Look Outside Your Window begins in the early months of 2008. While Slipknot was gathered at Sound Farm Studio in Iowa to record their fourth studio album, All Hope Is Gone, a distinct creative rift began to form. While one half of the band focused on the heavy, driving anthems that would define that record, a smaller faction consisting of Shawn Crahan, Corey Taylor, Jim Root, and Sid Wilson found themselves gravitating toward a completely different sonic direction. They set up an improvised studio in the producer's house on the property, creating a "Montague and Capulet" dynamic within the band.
Crahan has described these sessions as a "creative sanctuary." In the midst of the high-pressure environment of a major label recording cycle and the internal tensions that often plagued the group, this quartet found freedom in experimentation. They weren't writing for Slipknot; they were writing for themselves. This separation allowed them to explore sounds that were melodic, atmospheric, and almost melancholic—elements that didn't fit the "Slipknot sphere" at the time but were essential for their individual artistic growth.
Experimental Soundscapes and Recording Techniques
One of the most fascinating aspects of Look Outside Your Window is the unconventional approach to recording. Free from the expectations of the Slipknot brand, the members leaned into "found sounds" and unique acoustic environments. Crahan has revealed that they used various parts of the property to achieve specific textures. For instance, one track was built entirely around the rhythmic croaking of a frog they recorded on-site, while Corey Taylor famously recorded vocals for another song from the bottom of a well to capture an eerie, cavernous echo.
The instrumentation also shifted. Shawn Crahan, known for his custom percussion and beer kegs in Slipknot, took over the primary drumming duties for this project. Jim Root handled both guitar and bass responsibilities, as the late Paul Gray was not involved in these specific sessions. Sid Wilson moved away from aggressive scratching to focus on keyboards, electronic textures, and ambient layers. The result is a collection of eleven songs that Crahan describes as a "very unique art piece" that stands entirely on its own merits.
Why the 18-Year Wait?
For nearly two decades, Look Outside Your Window has existed as a myth among the "Maggots" (Slipknot fans). Rumors of the album surfaced periodically, but Crahan was adamant about waiting for the right moment. He explains that he didn't want the project to "confuse everyone" or be released out of spite during times of band conflict. Instead, he waited for a time when the "story of Slipknot" could accommodate such a drastic departure.
The decision to release it on Record Store Day 2026 is strategic and symbolic. It marks a period where Slipknot is celebrating its 25th anniversary and reflecting on its legacy. Crahan has noted that the album "hurts" to listen to because it serves as a timestamp of a specific era, featuring contributions from members who have since moved on or passed away. By holding it back, he ensured that the music would be heard as art, rather than just a "side project" lost in the noise of a new Slipknot album cycle.
The Emotional Weight of the "Vault" Material
In his interview with Rolling Stone, Crahan was visibly moved when discussing the emotional resonance of these tracks. "The album doesn't make me cry, but it hurts," he remarked. For him, the music is tied to the memories of brotherhood and the specific atmosphere of 2008. It captures a time when the band members were "just nine human beings deciding to share our time together," even as they moved in different creative directions.
This emotional depth is what sets Look Outside Your Window apart from Crahan's other side projects like To My Surprise or Dirty Little Rabbits. While those bands were explorations of different genres, this project was born out of a specific necessity to escape the weight of the "Clown" persona. It represents a more vulnerable side of the artist, one that prioritizes melody and introspection over the masks and mayhem associated with his primary band.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Lineup | Shawn Crahan, Corey Taylor, Jim Root, Sid Wilson |
| Recording Date | February – June 2008 |
| Location | Sound Farm Studio, Iowa |
| Release Date | Record Store Day 2026 |
| Number of Tracks | 11 Songs |
| Musical Style | Experimental, Melodic, Atmospheric |
Corey Taylor’s Perspective on the Project
While Shawn Crahan considers Look Outside Your Window his "baby," Corey Taylor's involvement was crucial. Taylor has often spoken about the difficulty of juggling the two "camps" during the 2008 sessions. He would spend the day writing aggressive lyrics for All Hope Is Gone and then head to the house to track melodic, almost Radiohead-esque vocals for the side project. Taylor has described the music as "much more of a rock vibe" and has praised Crahan's vision for the record.
However, Taylor has also shown signs of ambivalence over the years due to the numerous delays. In 2023, he humorously told fans to talk to Clown about it because he had "given up" on predicting a release date. Despite the delays, Taylor's performance on the record is said to be some of his most experimental work, moving away from the "Slipknot scream" toward a more textured and emotive vocal style that fans of his solo work or Stone Sour might find intriguing.
The Legacy of Shawn Crahan’s Side Projects
Shawn Crahan has never been an artist content with staying in one lane. Throughout his career, he has used side projects to express facets of his personality that Slipknot's rigid aesthetic cannot contain. In 2003, he formed To My Surprise, a project that leaned into pop and alternative rock influences. Later, in 2007, he became the drummer for Dirty Little Rabbits, a band that focused on quirky, theatrical indie-rock. He even ventured into industrial territory with The Black Dots of Death in 2011.
Look Outside Your Window is different because it was born directly from the Slipknot ecosystem. It isn't just a side project; it's a "lost" Slipknot era. By opening up about this band now, Crahan is inviting fans to see the internal dynamics that allowed Slipknot to survive for over two decades. It shows that even in their most fractured moments, there was a collective drive to create something beautiful and lasting.
The Impact on the Next Generation of Fans
Crahan believes that Look Outside Your Window will "open up the next generation" of listeners. As Slipknot fans age and their musical tastes evolve, the melodic and atmospheric nature of this "lost" album may appeal to those looking for something beyond nu-metal. It also serves as a bridge for younger fans who discovered the band through their later, more melodic work like The End, So Far.
The release is also expected to coincide with a new wave of visual art from Crahan. As the director of most Slipknot music videos and the feature film Officer Downe, Crahan has always viewed his music through a cinematic lens. He has confirmed that artwork and visual concepts for Look Outside Your Window have been ready for years, suggesting that the 2026 release will be a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond just a digital download.
Conclusion
Slipknot’s M. Shawn Crahan opening up about his other band is more than just a promotional cycle for a "vault" release; it is an act of artistic liberation. By finally sharing the details of Look Outside Your Window, Crahan is validating a period of his life that was defined by both immense creative output and internal struggle. This project proves that the "Clown" is not just a character of chaos, but a deeply sensitive composer capable of crafting intricate, atmospheric music. When the album finally drops on Record Store Day 2026, it will stand as a testament to the fact that true art has no expiration date and that sometimes, the most profound messages are the ones that take the longest to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the name of Shawn Crahan's side project?
A: The project is titled "Look Outside Your Window."
Q: Which Slipknot members are in Look Outside Your Window?
A: The lineup includes M. Shawn Crahan, Corey Taylor, Jim Root, and Sid Wilson.
Q: When was the Look Outside Your Window album recorded?
A: It was recorded in 2008 during the sessions for Slipknot's "All Hope Is Gone" album.
Q: Why has the album been delayed for so long?
A: Shawn Crahan wanted to wait for a time when the release wouldn't conflict with Slipknot's schedule or confuse the fan base, viewing it as a standalone art piece.
Q: What does the music sound like?
A: It is described as melodic, atmospheric, and experimental, with a brooding rock vibe that differs significantly from Slipknot's heavy metal sound.
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