Mike Shinoda discussed Linkin Park’s essence and future direction in a recent interview with Alternative Press. He notably omitted any mention of former frontman Chester Bennington while describing the band’s core identity.
A question about Linkin Park’s enduring essence and the uniqueness of their new chapter prompted Shinoda to focus on the band’s community aspect instead of its musical legacy.
“To me, part of that is the community. It’s the culture of the band, which is not the band. It’s bigger than the band. It exists whether or not the band is there,” Shinoda said. “It’s the people on the subway — we’re not there. We didn’t start that. We didn’t instigate. They’re having a shared experience, and our music’s part of it. To me, that’s the thing that travels all the way through from the beginning to the end.”
Shinoda reflected on the band’s early days: “In our very beginning days, we were sending out stickers and demos and CDs and whatever to spread the word about our band. The thing that started to happen was that people connected with each other over it. Then they connected with us, once we finally showed up to their town for the first time. Then we did it together.”
He then addressed the band’s current state: “That whole thing is the same thing that’s happening right now. What’s really fun and exciting is that the band looks different now, and the music is made by this group of people. Then there’s a little bit of a cultural shift. There are elements of it that are the same, and elements of it that are not. The type of person coming to the show has adjusted accordingly, too.”
These comments emerge as Linkin Park prepares for a significant transformation in their musical journey.
In a statement to Loudwire, Shinoda revealed personal motivations behind the band’s reunion. He expressed a desire to demonstrate resilience to his children and fans after Bennington’s tragic loss. His message emphasized that recovery remains possible even after hitting rock bottom.
The band’s evolution materializes in their upcoming album “From Zero.” LP Live reported this as their first major release since Bennington’s passing. The album introduces new members Emily Armstrong as co-vocalist and Colin Brittain as drummer.
Recent coverage highlighted how their new single “Parasomnia” showcases the band’s evolving sound during this transformation.
The band now works to balance two crucial elements: honoring their past and forging a new path in the contemporary music landscape.
