Former SLIPKNOT drummer JAY WEINBERG has released “Drown Fountain”, a new collaborative single featuring Canadian grunge-gaze duo SOFTCULT. The track is the latest entry in Weinberg’s ongoing series of genre-spanning collaborations and showcases a dramatically different side of his songwriting.
A departure from the aggressive percussion that has defined much of his career, “Drown Fountain” embraces layers of shoegaze, drone, and atmospheric textures. The song also marks Weinberg’s first time performing lead vocals, with SOFTCULT’s Mercedes Arn-Horn joining him on what he describes as one of his most personal and vulnerable compositions.
Weinberg revealed that the song began as an unfinished idea more than a decade ago.
“‘Drown Fountain’ is this weird song I started writing back in 2013 that I’d keep revisiting over the years, but I could never figure out how to get it across the finish line. It took my introduction to Softcult’s music and reaching out to see if they’d be interested in collaborating for the song to finally become what it was meant to be.”
He added that stepping behind the microphone for the first time was both challenging and rewarding.
“I’ve never sang before. I’ve always had my loud drums to ‘protect me’ in a way. It’s all new and exciting territory, and to have Mercedes and Phoenix help me bring it to life in this beautiful way has been an artistic dream.”
“Drown Fountain” follows Weinberg’s previous collaborative singles “Sandstone” featuring George Clarke of DEAFHEAVEN and “Drone Operator” featuring NOWHERE2RUN, continuing a project that explores different musical styles through one-off collaborations with a diverse range of artists.
The accompanying artwork, like the previous singles in the series, was created by acclaimed artist Paul Romano, whose work has appeared on classic releases by MASTODON, TRIVIUM, and THE RED CHORD. Weinberg explained that each collaboration is represented by a different color in an evolving visual concept developed alongside Romano.
In addition to his solo work, Weinberg will also be heard behind the drum kit on FUMING MOUTH‘s upcoming album The Ringing Bell, arriving July 17 via Triple B Records. Produced by Kurt Ballou, the album marks Weinberg’s first collaboration with the Massachusetts death metal and hardcore outfit.
Reflecting on his current creative direction, Weinberg said he is embracing a period of artistic freedom without limitations, allowing each collaboration to explore new musical territory.
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