Variety: Exclusive Preview Of "Artists Den" Experience + Kim Discusses New Soundgarden Songs From 2017 Sessions

June 17, 2019 Jeff Ansari

Photo Credit: Colin Young-Wolff; Artists Den Entertainment

Article: Soundgarden’s Immersive ‘Artists Den’ Experience Premieres This Week (Exclusive Preview)
Author: Jem Aswad

In the demonstration, headed up by L-Acoustics’ engineer Jesse Stevens, 13 speakers were arrayed around the listeners, mostly in front but with five in the back. As the band rumbled into “Incessant Mace” (a deep cut from 1988’s “Ultramega OK”) the sound corresponded to the setup of the musicians on the screen — guitar coming out of the left side, bass out of the right, drums centered — but the sound became truly vivid when the late Chris Cornell’s vocals kicked in. They’re intensely present, as is his presence on the screen — but not creepily or morbidly so. And while it makes one sad for what has been lost, it’s also great to be able to experience the concert so vividly. Being respectful of Cornell’s memory was something that Stevens says was key, even with regard to the audio. “We didn’t want to be cheesy or gimmickly at all,” he said. “Even with the speakers located behind the audience, we limited it to special effects and ambiance, didn’t want to make it distracting or not feel like a concert.”

Jesse Stevens (L-Acoustic's Engineer)

As for what might be coming next, “There is some live material that wasn’t released and there’s unreleased material from the Sub Pop era,” Thayil says. “But I think the most interesting and significant material would be what the band was working on in the 18 months prior to that last tour, and even during it. There was material that we were writing and demoing and recording, and it’s certainly material that could be completed. Obviously we’re limited by the [recordings of Cornell’s] vocals that we have, but the band is certainly interested in doing what it can to complete the songs.” The new material “definitely has a different style to ‘King Animal,’” he continues. “ There’s definitely a rocking component, there’s a few that were a bit more contemplative. There’s definitely a darkness and moodiness to them — as there always has been with Soundgarden.”

Kim Thayil