Lazy Sunday with Jonathan Davis: A Glimpse Into the Life of Korn’s Frontman
In the first entry of our new Sunday series, we dive into the unorthodox yet utterly relatable weekend routine of Jonathan Davis, the iconic Korn frontman. Known for his powerful voice, poignant lyrics, and relentless touring schedule, Davis is one of rock’s busiest figures. Between his commitments to Korn and his solo ventures, it seems as though there’s no such thing as downtime for him. However, just like anyone else, rock stars need a break. So, what does Jonathan Davis do when he finally gets a moment to unwind? Welcome to Lazy Sunday, a new series that explores how the elite of rock and metal spend their much-needed days off.
The Life of a Rock Star: Always On, Always Creating
It’s not often you hear of a rock star who claims their downtime is “boring,” but Jonathan Davis isn’t your typical celebrity. With Korn, Davis has sold millions of albums, defined the nu-metal genre, and played some of the biggest stages in the world. On top of this, he’s a father, a solo artist, and an avid gamer, with a never-ending list of creative projects and ambitions. In 2018 alone, Davis managed to drop a solo album, perform at Download Festival, express interest in writing a musical, and engage in lengthy discussions about his Xbox One gaming setup. Oh, and let’s not forget about his appearance at Ozzfest on New Year’s Eve. It’s safe to say Davis is no stranger to a packed schedule.
But what happens when the stage lights dim, and the fans head home? What does the busiest man in rock do when he’s not touring or recording? We decided to find out. And the answer is simpler than you might think.
Bakersfield: Home Sweet Home
Davis has always been open about how much he values his home life, especially now that he’s returned to his hometown of Bakersfield. “I moved back to my hometown, so when I’m home, I’m home,” Davis says. “When I’m back on the road, that’s work, even though I love what I do. But basically, when I’m home, even if I’m creating or in the studio, that’s what’s important.”
For someone whose life is lived under a constant spotlight, this concept of home as a sanctuary holds significant weight. It’s a place where Davis can truly decompress and escape the demands of the music industry. The studio, while still a creative outlet, becomes a zone for genuine artistic expression rather than a space for “work” in the traditional sense.
The fact that Davis values this time at home might seem at odds with the perception of rock stars living it up during their time off. But for Jonathan Davis, the notion of “time off” isn’t synonymous with endless partying, as it might have been in the past.
“At home, I don’t think about work at all,” Davis says. “Back in the day, it was a nonstop party, but now, for me, it’s more about taking the time for me.” And, as he humorously admits, “Honestly, it’s pretty fucking boring!” It’s refreshing to hear a rock star admit that they don’t need an extravagant lifestyle to feel content; sometimes, all it takes is a little downtime in the comfort of home.
The Perfect Lazy Sunday: A Day in the Life of Jonathan Davis
So, what does a “Lazy Sunday” look like for someone like Jonathan Davis? As you might imagine, it’s not filled with luxurious indulgences or high-maintenance activities. Instead, it’s a down-to-earth routine that revolves around family, relaxation, and personal hobbies.
“I don’t get up in the morning,” Davis shares. “I get up around three or four.” For many of us, waking up this late might feel like a form of self-sabotage, but for a rock star who spends countless hours on the road and in the studio, this late wake-up call feels entirely justified.
Once he’s up, Davis spends time with his kids, something that’s become increasingly important as his life and priorities have shifted. “I play with my kids, or I’ll cruise around the fields out in back of my house,” he adds. Whether it’s enjoying the quiet of nature or spending time with family, this slower-paced lifestyle allows Davis to reconnect with what matters most outside of his musical persona.
Slobbing Out and Gaming: Escaping Into Another World
Like many people, Davis finds solace in video games. After all, there’s something therapeutic about immersing yourself in another world when your own life is filled with high-octane performances and media attention. For Davis, video games provide a much-needed mental escape.
“I mostly play video games, because it allows me to get out of my head,” Davis admits. “It’s a way to zone out, to not think about anything else but the game.” The ability to disconnect from the chaos and lose oneself in a digital universe is something that many can relate to. Whether it’s the joy of competition, the thrill of discovery, or simply the distraction of something entirely different, gaming offers a mental break that allows Davis to unwind.
For Davis, gaming isn’t just a casual hobby; it’s an essential part of his self-care routine. Whether he’s fighting his way through a complex RPG or simply enjoying a leisurely session of a classic game, his gaming sessions are as much a form of relaxation as they are a creative outlet. “To me, that’s not work,” he explains. “What I do for a living is like hitting the fucking lottery. I get to do what I love, and work with people I love.” Gaming, then, serves as an additional avenue for him to escape the pressures of fame while staying in touch with his creative spirit.
The Balance of Work and Rest
Despite his full schedule, Davis understands the importance of balancing work with rest. His Lazy Sundays may not be filled with wild adventures, but they provide him with the opportunity to recharge, reconnect with his family, and engage in activities that help him relax and restore his energy. In an industry where constant work can often feel like the only option, Davis’ ability to appreciate the value of downtime serves as a reminder to everyone—rock stars included—that even the busiest people need a break.
In fact, Davis has found that embracing this slower pace has improved his creativity. “When I’m home, I’m in a great headspace,” he says. “I can focus on the things I want to focus on, without the pressure of the outside world.” Whether it’s spending time in nature, playing with his kids, or enjoying a quiet moment with a video game, these simple pleasures help Davis stay grounded and creatively fulfilled.
The Modern Rock Star’s Break
While some may expect rock stars to spend their weekends indulging in a jet-setting, rock-and-roll lifestyle, Jonathan Davis proves that even legends of the genre find joy in the everyday. His Lazy Sundays are not about extravagant parties or flashy escapism, but about taking a step back from the chaos of fame and focusing on what truly matters—family, relaxation, and personal fulfillment.
For Davis, these moments of peace are a crucial part of his life. He’s found that his best work comes when he allows himself to recharge, and his Lazy Sundays are essential for maintaining the balance between his intense career and personal life. As Davis says, “It’s about taking the time for me.” And in this hectic world, it’s something we could all benefit from.
So, while we might not all have access to Davis’ massive house in Bakersfield or the luxury of endless creative projects, we can certainly take a page from his book. Sometimes, the best way to spend a Sunday is to kick back, play a game, enjoy the company of loved ones, and simply enjoy the moment.
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