As the lead singer of hard rock superstars Korn, Jonathan Davis has sold more than 40 million albums, won two Grammys and MTV VMA’s each, appeared on South Park, played the legendary Apollo Theater in NYC, co-headlined Lollapalooza and toured with Ozzy Osbourne, The Deftones and countless other rock bands.
But to Davis’ dogs, none of that success matters. That is the beauty of pets; rock star, accountant, teacher, NBA player, beautician, retired – none of it matters, as long as you are there for them. Davis calls the unconditional love of his dogs “magic.”
That is why he began the Freak on a Leash pet line, named after the smash Korn song. Featuring collars, leashes, harnesses, toys and more, designed in collaboration with designer Ashton Michael, the line not only reflects the style and hard rock swagger of Davis, it most importantly gives back to no-kill rescues.
I spoke to Davis about the line and the joy and beauty of being a pet parent.
Steve Baltin: I imagine it’s so fun just to be exploring something new.
Jonthan Davis: I love this. It feels good to be doing this cool collaboration with Ashton, and we’ve had the dog line for a while. It’s been really fun to be able to dress our animals the way we like in our style and get involved with designing pieces and this collab with Ashton’s amazing. He does little things that are part of me and part of him. If you notice in this new collection some of the collars have three rings on them that represent my three eyebrow piercings. It’s just been fun; I love all the dog jackets and the bandanas.
Baltin: ASAP Rocky is a friend, and we talked about his fashion stuff, and anything you do that is creatively infuses back into your music.
Davis: Yeah, it feels good to bring that creativity together I agree. But this is different. Korn’s music is darker, and this is more wholesome. It’s like dressing your animals. The one thing in my life that brings me so much joy is waking up in the morning and my little guy sitting there waiting for us. “Let’s go outside, dad, let’s go get our coffee,” all that kind of stuff. That’s amazing. This brings a lot of joy to my life.
Baltin: What kind of dog do you have?
Davis: I have a Moyen poodle. It’s medium size. They’re called a phantom. So, he’s black and brown and he’s perfect. I love him.
Baltin: I love having the dog because it grounds you. I will never forget coming home from covering the Michael Jackson funeral, which AOL wanted me to cover. You’re in the most surreal setting. And as soon as I get home my 75 -pound lab retriever shepherd is like, “Now take me out.” And literally still in my suit, I’m picking up her crap, and it was the most normal thing in the world.
Davis: It does something to you. A dog’s love is the only love you’ll have that’s unconditional, brother. Every time you come home, you see in their eyes how happy they are to see you. Every time you go to, every time you’re sitting in your chair and they’re sitting at your feet, everywhere you go, you can’t explain it. It’s magic. And same with people and their cats or whatever animal you have. It’s just something that we need as humans that helps us get through the insanity of this world. It takes me out of it.
Baltin: It also is for a great cause because there are all these great animals that are just looking for a chance.
Davis: Yeah, it’s heartbreaking. I go through the pound in my hometown of Bakersfield all the time. There are so many f**king dogs. Every time I’ve gone I’ve teared up. I can’t believe it. I can’t believe people would just abandon their animals. And it’s so sad, bro. So I put that: We donate to rescues that don’t kill and find them homes. It’s so important, there are so many dogs that need homes. And my first two dogs were rescues. It’s heartbreaking out there, but I’m glad there are places that do take care of them and find them homes.
Baltin: How important is it for you then that you are able to do this line that is not just fun for you, but as you say, gives back and helps animals and draws attention to it.
Davis: Yeah, it’s very important to me. It’s, it’s a welcome break from music and what we do. This is so fun too. I love being able to dress and put out a line of pet products where people can dress their dogs up in the kind of style they like because there are not too many companies out there that do that. There are some, but I like ours, all the jackets, the different collars. They got a little flare working with different people; just the collection with Ashton. Ashton’s amazing as a clothing designer. He really came through, and it just feels right.
Baltin: What are your favorite looks?
Davis: Dante’s got the gold and black collar with the three rings and spikes. And I love the denim jacket with a freak on the leash on the back. I love the little plush Ouija board plush toy. It’s one of my favorites, and the paddle is my other favorite with the little horns on it. There were a lot more, but we had to pick. So, this collection is all my favorites out of the ones he designed.