“A professor in my pocket who only wants to do what I ask it”: Slipknot’s Shawn Crahan says he’s been using AI “my whole life”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: Shawn "Clown" Crahan attends the ASCAP GRAMMY Brunch in the Garden at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on February 02, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images).

One thing certain about 2026 is that the ongoing debate about the place of AI in music will continue to rage. It’s a subject virtually every high-profile artist has been asked about, with many - such as Brian May, Kehlani and country singer songwriter Breland - being openly critical.

Now Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan of Slipknot has made his feelings known and put himself firmly in the pro camp. In a new interview with The Escapist, the percussionist and co-founder of the metal icons has said he’s “employing it 190%” and has described it as “a professor in my pocket who only wants to do what I ask it.”