The Denver Westword recently conducted an interview with Clown (#6 of Slipknot) about a number of things, including the time he watched a couple of hippies screwing during the Dillinger Escape Plan’s set, his new book, what we can expect from Knotfest and Paul Gray. A few excerpts from the chat follow below:

The Denver Westword: Has Slipknot begun the writing process for the new album, and will Slipknot fans hear new music in 2013?

Clown: I don’t know what year you will hear it in, but the writing process has begun. It’s in different stages with different members, and everyone is just doing what they’re doing. Everyone will bring what they have done to the table. Some of it will get used, some of it will not get used, but it won’t be Slipknot until all of the gentlemen have put their love onto it. Everybody is writing every day, putting down the pain, the love, and preparing for the future.

The Denver Westword: After Paul died, was the future of Slipknot ever in question, and will you seek a full time bass player?

Clown: I don’t need to talk about a new bass player, because there will only be nine. Paul was number two of nine. He will always be there. He will always be at the round table with a glass of wine, our drink of choice, with a plate of food. He will always be involved with every record for the rest of our career. He will always be onstage. He will always be a part of the thought process.

As far as a new bass player is concerned, I don’t have to think about that. The time that I have to think about that will come soon enough. Whatever is meant to be will be meant to be. I really don’t even care to think about it, because there is no reason to think about it. I can’t predict the future, nor will I. I’m not a fortuneteller.

The Denver Westword: When Slipknot made its first live appearance since Paul‘s death, did you feel that Paul was with you?

Clown: Absolutely. He is with me right now.

Read more at The Denver Westword.