Mike Shinoda talks about the next era of Linkin Park
Summary
TLDRIn this interview, the band Linkin Park discusses their journey since the passing of lead singer Chester Bennington. They talk about their decision to continue making music with new vocalist Emily, emphasizing the importance of natural chemistry and the band's evolution. The band shares their experiences with fans, the significance of their new album 'From Zero,' and how they believe Chester would have supported their current direction. They express gratitude for the fans' continued support and look forward to future performances.
Takeaways
- đ¶ The band's reunion wasn't premeditated but evolved organically from the members spending time together and creating music.
- đ They considered various ideas, including a singing competition, but ultimately focused on the natural chemistry within the band.
- đ©âđ€ The introduction of Emily, a new singer, brought a unique and special dynamic to the band, despite initial uncertainty about how fans would react.
- đ§ The song 'An Emptyness Machine' was a pivotal moment, where Emily's vocals solidified the band's sound and direction.
- đ€ The band grappled with the question of whether to change their name or continue as Linkin Park, but Emily's contributions felt authentic to their legacy.
- đ„ The addition of Colin, a writer and producer, further enriched the band's creative process and sound.
- đ The band's music evolved from a diverse range of styles to a more focused and cohesive album, reflecting the band's identity as it came together.
- đ Emily's authenticity and ability to convey raw emotion through her voice were key factors in her successful integration into the band.
- đ The band's first live performance with Emily was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, reaffirming their decision to continue as Linkin Park.
- đ The band is committed to delivering a high-quality live show, with significant preparation and production going into their upcoming performances.
- đïž The band hopes that fans can embrace Emily's unique voice while still honoring Chester's memory and contributions to their music.
Q & A
When was the last time the band members sat together before the recent reunion?
-The last time the band members sat together was in January of the previous year.
Did the band have a specific moment where they decided to get back together?
-No, they did not have a specific moment where they decided to get back together. It was a gradual process that started with the members talking more often and deciding to make music together.
What was the initial approach to creating new music after the band members started talking again?
-The initial approach was to just get together and be creative, without any specific plans to form a new band or project.
How did the idea of involving Emily come about?
-Emily was invited to sing on some songs, and her vocal performance on 'The Emptiness Machine' was a turning point where the band felt that her voice was a perfect fit for their music.
What was the band's consideration regarding the band name when Emily joined?
-The band considered whether they should call themselves a different name or if they needed multiple people playing different roles, but ultimately, they felt that the music with Emily still sounded like Linkin Park.
How did the band members feel about the idea of having a voice competition to find a new singer?
-The idea of a voice competition was suggested by some people, but the band members felt it was the opposite of what they wanted to do, as their band is built on natural chemistry.
How did the band's sound evolve during the creation of the new album?
-The band started with a variety of music styles, but as they implemented feedback and ideas, the album and the band's identity naturally came into focus.
What was the most significant moment for the band when they realized the new direction was working?
-For Mike Shinoda, it was when Emily sang on 'The Emptiness Machine' and it felt like a Linkin Park song, which made them realize they were on the right track.
How did the band members support and advise Emily, who is stepping into a role previously filled by Chester?
-The band members have had numerous discussions with Emily about the unique challenges she faces, offering support and advice as they navigate the new dynamic together.
What was the band's reaction to the strong ticket sales for their upcoming show at The Forum?
-The band was grateful and surprised by the strong ticket sales, as they were unsure how fans would react to the new lineup and direction.
What does the band hope Chester would think about the current direction and Emily's involvement?
-The band believes Chester would be open-minded and supportive of the new direction, as he was never one to be sexist about rock and roll, and they hope fans can connect with Chester's legacy through the music.
Outlines
đ€ Reflecting on the Return of Linkin Park
The speaker reflects on the last conversation about the band's direction, mentioning that there was never a formal decision to 'get the band back together.' Instead, members began talking and making music informally without the pressure of being 'Linkin Park.' They initially just wanted to be creative, which organically evolved into inviting others like Emily and Colin to collaborate. Over time, it felt special, especially the work with Emily, whose contributions elevated the music to new levels.
đ€ The Challenge of Replacing Chester
The speaker acknowledges that Chester Bennington's unique voice and presence make it difficult for fans to accept someone new in the band, such as Emily. While Emily is not trying to replace Chester, her voice fits perfectly with the band's sound, bringing a fresh yet familiar dynamic. The speaker emphasizes that both Chester and Emily are one-of-a-kind, and that the band sees this new chapter as an opportunity for Emily to express herself rather than imitate Chester.
đ« The Evolution of a New Sound
The conversation shifts to the album creation process, discussing how the band started with a variety of musical ideas that spanned different genres. Over time, as the band members provided feedback, the songs started to take shape, helping them define what their new sound and identity would be. The speaker highlights that this process of discovering the band's direction while creating music was surreal but validating, affirming that the right pieces had come together.
đ¶ Emily's Voice and Emotional Authenticity
The speaker praises Emily's voice, explaining how her emotional authenticity makes the songs resonate. Emily's ability to infuse lyrics with raw emotion was something that previous singers in demo recordings couldnât replicate. The speaker expresses admiration for how Emily taps into the core of the songs, delivering performances that feel honest and visceral, ultimately elevating the music to a new level.
đž First Live Performance with Emily
The speaker reflects on their first live performance with Emily, sharing that they were unusually nervous before the show. However, seeing the audience's reactions during the first song, 'The Emptiness Machine,' reassured them that the new music belonged on stage. The connection with the audience was profound, as they embraced the new sound, despite not knowing the songs yet. This moment solidified the feeling that the band was on the right path.
đïž Anticipation for the Upcoming Forum Show
With the band's LA show at The Forum quickly approaching, the speaker expresses excitement about the strong reaction from fans during the pre-sale. Despite uncertainties about how the public would receive their new lineup after years of absence, the positive response has been overwhelming. The upcoming performance promises to be a much bigger and more elaborate production compared to their previous live stream, with over two hours of music and extensive preparation.
đ Chesterâs Legacy and Emilyâs Unique Role
The speaker discusses Chester Benningtonâs open-mindedness towards music and speculates that he would have supported the idea of a female lead for the band. Chester's lack of bias when it came to rock music and his progressive thinking would have aligned with Emily's role in the band. Interestingly, none of the lyrics had to be changed for Emily to sing, showing how adaptable and timeless the songs are. The speaker encourages fans to let Chesterâs spirit come through their voices, while allowing Emily to shine as herself.
đ Joy and Gratitude After the Performance
The speaker closes by sharing the overwhelming joy and sense of fulfillment they felt after the live performance with Emily. The giddiness and smiles reflected how deeply connected they were with the fans during the show. The speaker appreciates the energy and connection that the new lineup has brought to the band, leaving a hopeful and excited outlook for future performances.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄChemistry
đĄCreativity
đĄNatural Chemistry
đĄAmerican Idol
đĄCollaboration
đĄAuthenticity
đĄEvolution
đĄConnection
đĄChester
đĄEmily
Highlights
The last time the band sat together was in January of the previous year, a moment that feels both long ago and recent.
There was no specific moment of deciding to get the band back together; it was a gradual process.
The band's foundation is built on natural chemistry and relationships, which they consider crucial.
The initial idea was to get together and create music without the pressure of it being Lincoln Park.
The band evolved from spending time together to creating songs and eventually inviting others to join.
Emily, the new singer, was added to the band, and her contributions were described as 'special'.
The band considered changing the band name due to the significant change in sound and lineup.
The song 'An Emptyness Machine' was a turning point, solidifying Emily's role in the band.
The band's dynamic and music naturally came into focus as they worked together.
The band's connection with the audience is a vital part of their performance.
The band's upcoming show at The Forum is a significant milestone after years of work.
The band is grateful for the strong reaction and support from fans despite the changes.
The band's new music is a result of years of work and they are proud that it hasn't leaked.
The band hopes that fans can connect with Emily as herself, not as a replacement for Chester.
Chester was open-minded and would have been supportive of the band's new direction.
The band aims to honor Chester's legacy while allowing Emily to bring her unique voice to the music.
The band is excited for the future and the upcoming performance at The Forum.
Transcripts
the last time that you and I sat was
January of last year which feels like it
was a long time ago and then again it
feels like it was 5 minutes ago in that
moment that you and I sat in the sound
space downstairs you were going to
release lost where was Lincoln Park in
your head where did you stand with this
entire thing that's happening now
basically what what's important to
remember what's important to know here
is that we didn't have like a moment
where we said hey let's get the band
back together we didn't have a moment
where we said let's try out singers
people had suggested stuff like that not
suggested as much as like hey do you is
this an idea that you like like they
they floated things by us one of which
by the way which is my favorite I talk
about this all the time now is like one
person a couple people were like what if
you did like a American Idol voice style
competition and like the winner is like
the singer like that's the opposite of
what we wanted to do or we yeah it's the
opposite of what we felt was like the
right thing because we the our band is
built on like n natural chemistry in
relationships and that's almost it's
just very important I I think that like
probably around the time when that
you're talking about I bet we were Dave
and Joe and I in the very beginning had
started talking more often and we were
just like what if you know what if we
get together and we just like start
making some things like making some
music it doesn't have to be Lincoln Park
we just let's just get together and be
cre creative and have fun and that's
what we did so back then it was more
about like just spending more time
together and then the more time evolved
into songs and the songs evolved into
let's invite some other people in and
see how that feels and eventually we got
to the point where it's
like that that girl
Emily it's the stuff we make with her is
special like I don't know why it's
special it just feels special and even
though the things we've made
are good I bet we I bet we make stuff
that's great with her if we just do it
more often um we also met met
Colin who uh who's playing drums for us
now Colin was a is a writer and producer
that I met in a session like some random
session a few years ago and just
instantly clicked with him and so once
we all once the six of us all started to
get together with Brad and Joe and Dave
it was like
it just slowly came into Focus what
would you say was the most or the next
most significant moment or a turning
point with all of you when this started
to become more of a reality like this
isn't just that we're in a room and we
feel good together and this makes sense
what was the next significant
moment I bet everybody has different
answers to this um I might even have
different answers to it I think for me
the first one that comes to mind
mind
is well I mean there were a couple songs
an emptiness machine is one of them
there was a couple songs where when we
did them in the form that you hear on
the record like when when on empty this
machine for example when we put Emily's
vocal when Emily sang on it the song was
at that point was pretty
written um and so and we had been making
new songs with her from scratch and
we're like oh you know what will you
sing on this one that we've already done
like just learn the words and whatever
and she came in and crushed it and we
were like that's a Lincoln Park s like
you can't listen to that song and say
it's anything else like it was at at
that point too we were like considering
should we call this a different band
name should we do we do we need like one
singer maybe we got like multiple people
like playing different roles and stuff
um and when she was singing on certain
things it it sounded so much like the
band it just for me I was just like that
feels good like I don't know I can't be
logical about it it's an illogical thing
it just feels good I think about her
journey and her experience a lot
especially yesterday because all of you
are going to have a unique experience
but Emily has in a way more eyes on her
and some of them critical some of them
you know she's just doing somebody that
somebody she's just doing something that
somebody else was doing before her so
she's going to be watched in a different
way have you talked to her about that
did you give her any advice and where
did she scared we've all we've all
talked about it yeah with each other and
with her a million times and we're still
talking about it
like I you know I
appreciate one one one difficult thing
that
people are experiencing is just that
they they've heard Lincoln Park for so
long with Chester's voice
and the idea of somebody else being in
that role feels it feels really
different you know
[Music]
um I know that in the context of the
music that's not released yet like I
know that I love it like I think her
voice is incredible and the the best
thing for people who have such a strong
connection to Chester to know just to
know about me is that Chester was a
one-of-a-kind person and a one-of-a-kind
voice and Emily is also a one-of-a kind
person and a one-of a kind voice like
she's not trying to be him she's trying
to be her and it so happens that I think
she singing on these songs sounds like
Lincoln Park let's talk about from zero
because when I heard her saying Mike
yesterday specifically everything you
just said resonates because yes it
sounds like Lincoln Park but I see Emily
you can't not see Emily so let's talk
about from zero and what was the energy
that like quarterbacked that album that
makes it new again a lot of things uh
we we definitely like started with a lot
of
very like a bunch of bunch of music that
was all over the place like it's
different almost like different genres
or something like wasn't not that
extreme but it was the sounds of the
songs were very um disperate like they
were very all over the place and then as
has happened before like I you know I'm
I'm usually in the driver's seat to to a
large degree on the records um I
produced I I have a produ producer
credit on this one we didn't work with
another producer um and the what I was
noticing as we started to like get
everybody's feedback on like what things
they liked what things they didn't like
what things what parts of songs were
their favorite and least favorite um as
we were implementing everybody's ideas
like the the album was naturally coming
into more of a
focus
and the the band became clear at the
same time that the music became clear
that isn't that weird like imagine you
don't you're making an album
but you don't know what the band
is and then as you're making the songs
you go this is the band so strange I
mean it's one of those things that I
think are meant to be if the energy is
right in the room you get to the point
that you're talking about which it it
had to have been so validating for you
to feel that because you're like oh my
God we put the right pieces together
yeah that must have been in on a really
like stupid and straightforward note I
just like the sound of Emily's voice
like that's like such a
simple thing
but
when we had some demos that other people
tried other people sang and they and I'm
talking about like people you don't know
it wasn't like you know
um just to say it's ridiculous it wasn't
like Ariana Grande it was like you know
it's like people you don't know we had
people try we had people sing them and
the the I I felt like the thing that was
missing the thing that was obviously
there when Emily sang it that was
different is that when she sings she
Taps into this honest
emotion in the inflection of her voice
and the presentation and the way she
does it it's raw
it's visceral and it's like honest in a
way that very few people can do and
I like I I really like like I gravitate
towards singers that when I hear it I I
just personally believe them um and she
she can she Taps into things in the
lyrics even if she didn't write a lyric
she Taps into a presentation of it in a
way that I I think makes the song better
we got to see it yesterday finally we
got to see it and you got to experience
it yesterday was the first time I'm
assuming well I think know that you were
all on stage with fans with that the
complete energy in the room so we got to
see it did you have a moment yesterday
uh you had the biggest smile on your
face I know that mik smile that's like
that like the giddy mik smile you were
wearing it yesterday but I'm sure you
were nervous and all the things but did
you have a moment that you looked around
that maybe stood out more than others
well when we first at the beginning of
the set like I was was
like I can't remember being so nervous
well um and I don't get nervous for
shows usually but I was like yeah my
brain was like scrambled eggs and then
getting out there and seeing the fans
and starting the first song which is our
The Emptiness machine the new song uh
that was just
so it was so reaffirming like it was
just like oh this is what this is where
this belongs like this is what I
do like it connected pieces that weren't
connected yet yeah and the fans being
there is a part of the the puzzle that's
so important right like singing it in a
room by myself I can I focus a lot on
like the the craftsmanship of the song
but singing in a room with people I
focus almost completely on like if if I
have rehearsed enough that I'm focusing
completely on my connection with them
yeah and their faces and they like they
couldn't sing along to the song they
don't know the song they're just
listening and to see the look on their
faces as we got into it was really
really I will never forget it was so
special
um I I can't wait like as you know like
we've got a show here in LA on the 11th
at The Forum in just a few days which
the turnaround time is nuts yeah so the
tickets are sell with the tickets went
on sale the tickets go on sale the day
um they're just starting to sell
pre-sale to the fan club right now and
the reaction is like so far so far
really strong I'm I'm you know I we
don't know like we what would we know
like if people want to see this or not
like we've been away for years we've got
a different lineup like I don't know
people would be like I don't you know
care and for them to come back so strong
and affirm in the band is like the
biggest blessing in the world so I'm so
so grateful for that um I also know that
the show we did on the live stream
yesterday was 60 Minutes on a stage that
was designed for that live stream and
the show we're going to do at the Forum
is over two hours and it's different
production so believe me when I tell you
like we've put in so much time and work
into what these things that you're
seeing right now like it's it's years of
work and thank goodness that it didn't
leak
which is unbelievable I'll ask you one
more thing before we wrap it up and just
because I want to include Chester uh if
he could and I know he is in some way
but
if if we know that he's watching what do
you think he would think about all
that's happening right now because I
think he'd be stoked well I appreciate
you saying that
um well like a couple things about about
Chester that I know is
that he was he he would
never
uh like he was an open-minded person
when it came to music he liked he would
like and so the idea that the band being
fronted by a female singer is something
that I feel like he would have come up
with the idea he would have been you
know what I'm saying like he's not he
was never like
like I don't know some some I feel like
there's some some dudes are like sexist
about their rock and roll and we've
never none of us have ever been that way
um funny side note actually funny piece
of trivia we didn't need to change any
lyrics to any of the songs that Emily is
singing because there's no he she
whatever wow it's all relatively
ambiguous so strangely she doesn't ever
have to change a he or she that is
really cool anyway so that's yeah that
just popped in my mind sorry for the
Sidetrack but but yeah to the to your
point like I said something to the fans
last night uh you know that that that my
hope is that Emily can be
Emily and if you if you're feeling like
a connection to Chester when you're
listening to music then then let that
come through you I think he can come
through his his singing can come through
the mouths of the crowd as opposed to
like putting Emily in that weird
position I think I think the best thing
for her to do is her to be herself and
and obviously like we all love what
Chester you know how Chester sang and
and what he meant um to the band so
that's that goes without saying I want
to leave it on that note because I think
what you said I haven't heard anybody
phrase it like this the fans can sing
for Chester's voice or through Chester
and Emily can be Emily and I think
that's where we leave it because this is
a beautiful thing that you're building
on and I'll see you at The Forum but
buddy here we go this is going to be
amazing
awesome man I'm so excited thank you I
know I could see it in your face and
yesterday when I was watching the live
stream like it almost looked like your
cheeks were going to hurt at the end of
the performance because you did smile
big dude and it's nice to see that again
thank you appreciate it welcome all
right I'll see you soon all right see
you soon
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