Interview with Brian "Head" Welch

Everyone has heard the story of talented musicians falling to the temptations of drugs and alcohol, and seeing some of the best musicians of our time falling too early. This was the case for one of the past decades biggest metal guitarists of our time. The only difference here is that this extremely talented musician was fortunate enough to get the help he needed, and get back to writing music before it was too late. Brian “Head” Welch, former guitarist and co-founder of the legendary band Korn, is back at it with new music. And for anyone who has ever had an addiction of any type, his story is one to admire. Not only is he back, he is back and hotter than ever with a new single titled "Paralyzed"and an EP due out in early 2012. Hard Rock Review's Aaron Manogue spoke with Welch about his new EP, how finding Christianity has affected his music and if he’d ever consider rejoining Korn.

Brian "Head" Welch & his band

Aaron Manogue: Tell me about your first single off of your upcoming 2012 EP, “Paralyzed.” Where did it come from and what is it about?
Brian “Head” Welch: Jason Rauch, who’s producing it and who co-wrote it, and he came to me with the idea and kind of the rhythm. Then I just added my stuff on it and then we just hooked back up. I remember when we were in the studio and he’s like “Alright, we need to do the middle section now.” So I suggested splitting up so we went to different rooms, because we were in his studio. We went to different rooms and I came back like a minute and a half later and he goes, “You got it, huh?” and I just said “Yup!” So it was really simple just like that, and trust me they’re not all like that.

Manogue: The lyrics on it seem very, very deep and personal. Is that what you kind of went for with this song?
Head: It’s very personal to me but also, I think a lot of people can relate to life just sucking sometimes you know? We all need help out of the situation that we get ourselves into once in a while and that’s basically what that song comes down to is just being stuck. It’s like, “Come on. Get me out of here!” you know? I’ve been through plenty of those lately, especially in the last year or so.