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The KOЯN Factor

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The KOЯN Factor
By: Danny Spanks / KRAB, Bakotopia.com Contributor
Description: KRAB radio’s Danny Spanks explains the lasting impact of Bako’s native sons

Topics: Danny Spanks, KRAB, Korn, KOЯN, Bakersfield, music, Bakotopia, blog, radio, dj, august, 2007, Korn Row
Posted by Bakontributor Wed Aug 22, 2007 22:46:32 PDT
Viewed 1568 times
0 responses 1 comment
Location: 1001 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301

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The Factor
KRAB radio’s Danny Spanks explains the lasting impact of Bako’s native sons



By Danny Spanks, Bakotopia.com contributor

It’s easy to take for granted the influence KOЯN has had on not only KRAB Radio, but ALL rock radio stations across the country.

Before Korn, you wouldn’t really hear bands like Slipknot, System Of A Down or Disturbed on the radio - it was almost as if hard rock was non-existent on the airwaves.

That is until our local boys busted onto the scene and changed the sound and style of heavy metal as we knew it.

KORN’s success paved the way for heavier and innovative music to make it on the air and connect with a much larger audience.

KORN pushed the envelope lyrically as well. Many of the emotions they expressed, and subject matter they dealt with, became much more commonplace in the years that followed, in the form of bands like Linkin Park, Papa Roach and Staind.

Since the release of their self-titled debut in ‘94 the band’s impact is still felt today, nearly 10 albums later.

You’d be hard-pressed to find bands that have survived, and remained relevant, for as long as KORN has. Think of all the songs and bands that have come and gone since you first heard “Blind” on KRAB Radio?

And keep in mind the opportunity for failure. How many bands have put out as much music in the same amount of time? With every new album and single, KORN delivers the goods and connects with old and new fans alike.

Throw in some cover tunes for fun along the way, and you’ve got a band that's always dependable, never predictable, and with the guts to risk it all as they continue lead, not follow.

Here are some of my most memorable Korn moments…
• Back in ‘92? Congratulating Sex Art (Jonathan Davis’ first band, that also featured
  Dave DeRoo of Adema) on winning a Battle Of The Bands.
• Gazing up for the first time at the 30-foot photo of Jonathan Davis (alongside Cher   
  and Tim McGraw) inside Rabobank Arena.
• The first time I walked down Korn Row.
• Head coming to on the air with me to announce his departure from the band.
• Listening to “KORN On The KRAB” for the first time.
• Running my fingers over the bronze KORN plaque outside Rabobank Arena.
• Head showing up at a KRAB broadcast unannounced just because he happened to
  be in town.
• Jonathan sitting two rows in front of me at a wedding here in town.
• Reading the “Streets of Bakersfield” quote inside the “Life Is Peachy” CD case.


KRAB
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Comment From: cruiznkoRn64

Fri Aug 24, 2007 10:42:08 PDT
Bakotopia KoRn Well said. There has never been a band with a more far-reaching and profound musical influence than that of KoRn. On both the subject of musical scope and in their relationship with the fans, KoRn has been a groundbreaking influence in the music industry which has set and exceeded the standard on both of these topics. In looking back at the beginnings of KoRn with the initial self titled album, to Life is Peachy, we saw the original dark, guttural style we all were gripped and consumed by. We saw the first intercollaboration with another artist on this album, when Chino of Deftones made a guest appearance with the track 'Wicked'. When Follow the Leader came out, we were blown away by the advance in musical style and collaboration with such other artists as Ice Cube in 'Children of the KoRn' and Fred Durst in 'All In The Family'. Up until the release of the 'Life is Peachy' and 'Follow the Leader' albums, it had not been commonplace to see collaborations (especially rock and hip hop or rap ones) within popular music! KoRn again were the initiators of such fine tradition as we see today with many artists, Dj's such as Skratch n Sniff, and also in nameless clubs. Back to the point...when 'Issues' came out, fans were blown away by the dark lyrics and infectious melodies produced by the band, and even more so upon the release of 'Untouchables'. Every album showed a divergence from the former, yet with an adherence to that fine stock which makes KoRn unique and unforgettable. 'Take a Look in the Mirror' excellently demonstrated the capability of the band to exceed expectations yet once again. But the wicked truth that forever cemented the fidelity of our hometown boys was yet to be seen in 'See You On The Other Side', which came out after our dear Brian 'Sir Headly' had made a life changing decision. Fans were blown away by the ability of KoRn to pull together and produce some of the most excellent music ever which varied greatly from anything before yet contained lyrics and melodies which could, at first listen, be identified as KoRn even by a novice, untrained ear. The fine tradition of going above and beyond the norm was continued this year with the release of 'Untitled'. Shocking evolution into a whole new realm of sounds using such a wide variety of instruments and vocal techniques marked Untitled as one of the most groundbreaking albums of all time, one that shall forever cement KoRn as the top band in both versatility and signature sound. In terms of KoRn's relationship with their fans, there is no other like it, and again, KoRn has set the industry standard which shall likely be commonly imitated but never equaled. Throughout the years, KoRn has been one of the initiators of online fan communities, from Palace, to KoRner, to Kamp, and now with the KoRn Street Team and BSC consortiums, they have facilitated interconnections between themselves and the fans. They have also provided their fans the means to connect with each other and form life-long friendships! Furthermore, the level of support KoRn has historically shown is exemplified by such things as the Issues cover art kontest, the discount tickets offered for fans under 18 on the PopSux Tour, the heart shown by KoRn as they go and visit terminally ill fans, the flight of the troops from Iraq with the in-air concert, all of the meet and greets, autograph sessions, and parties which they make it a point to be at just to make us happy, and many, many more personal examples which are best related by those who have experienced them! Leave it to say that KoRn is awesome...always was, always will be. From the heart of one fan to all! KoRn4Life!
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