After Bennington's death, Shinoda worried whether he could still create something good without him. Together with his friend, the musician also gained self-confidence and a sense of control over his own life. And it was a return to the recording studio that helped him get it back.
Linkin Park's future is still undecided. We talked to Mike Shinoda about the new album and trying to find his footing again.
I think there's a lot of emotion involved with the release of the Post Traumatic album, which is very different from what you've previously experienced with the band when they released an album. Is that true?
Things are different now. Nothing is the same as when we released the album with Linkin Park. Everything from the intention to the recording style is different. When I wrote music for Linkin Park, I composed parts for other musicians. Now I think of other people when I write. I realized who was supposed to play it.
When I wrote the words for Chester, I chose words that I thought would suit him. Sometimes he sings the lyrics as they are written, other times he changes them or comes up with a completely different idea and writes his own lyrics. Now I know it's up to me and what I write I will sing myself. It's a very different style of work.
The other thing is that when you work with a band, it's a democracy. You co-create with more people who have different opinions and ways of working. I have now taken that out of the equation and decided to do it all myself. The music you will hear on the recording has already been created. But I don't work very analytically. I'd rather just write lyrics about what I'm going through.
The record is presented as your debut solo album, as it is. But doesn't that sound strange? After all, it's not like you decided to go solo without a reason, because you just wanted to try something new. This is the result of a tragic event…
When you are going through a difficult and complicated situation, you often suddenly feel like things are out of control. Whether you get fired from your job or have an accident, you will lose your position. Recording a solo album was my way of finding that control again. I've always channeled most of my energy into Linkin Park, they're part of my identity.
But now it is healthy for me to stand on my own two feet, to be aware of who I am and what I do, to make decisions for myself. Now when I decide I want to play a concert in the afternoon, I don't have to ask anyone.
I'm still in touch with Linkin Park. We talk and I love them. However, the music I want to write now has a very personal character, and that's why I decided to record it myself.
I can't say now what will happen with Linkin Park. There's no answer to that and it's funny because anything I say about the band's future will make headlines. This is ridiculous because the answer is no answer.
Photo: Petr Horník, Law
Mike Shinoda at last year's Linkin Park show in Prague.
You've spoken frequently about the need to regain control of your own life in recent months. Have you done it yet?
I'm still working on it, but it's much better now. I really enjoy being able to make my own decisions. Check out my new Ghost sock puppet video. That's a really crazy idea that would never have had a chance at Linkin Park. But I like it.
The problem is, people who don't know me that well might think that everything in my life is dark right now. But there are times when I feel fine. Sometimes I have a good day and feel happy. And on those days, I make faster songs.
Through the video, I wanted to tell fans that even if they are always sad, it's okay to have fun. Joy is part of healing.
So glad you said that. I was thinking something similar with the song About You, where you sing about the fact that a lot of people will now look for a Chester connection in one of your lyrics. At the same time, not all of your messages have to be about him.
It is true. The album contains the song World's on Fire. He sings: The world is burning, but all I need is you.
You might think this is about Chester, but it's not. When people realize that not all the words on the album are about him, they get a more complete picture and understand him better. After all, the album is usually listened to this way – knowing that only some elements are autobiographical.
In addition, listeners have the opportunity to project their own experiences and emotions into the text. What the song means to you is just as important as what I put into it as the writer. It doesn't have to be my story, it can be your story.
What reactions have you gotten to this album and what does it mean to you?
There is an evolution because I release songs gradually and with a certain narrative intent. First, I released the eight songs that most touched the past in the form of an EP and single. It is the darkest. Then I get to what we were talking about, that we can't keep looking back. Respect will remain, but we must also look to the future.
The reaction from the fans was amazing, they were very supportive. But it's not just about my new music at the moment. They have been very supportive of us over the past year. Honestly, they helped me get through it all.
What do the band members say about your new song?
They are amazing, they also support me. We email and message each other about everything that happens.
You've had a few guests on the record, and you've talked about how the record is very personal. How much do you consider the involvement of other musicians?
I wanted everything, including the ability to be spontaneous and record songs with whoever I wanted. And I chose guests who are close to the theme of this album. It probably doesn't take much thought as to why I chose Deftones' China Moreno. First, we were friends, and second, he lost his bass player in a car accident. Blackbear was in the studio with me before with Chester.
I'm glad these guys were a part of this record. Apart from the vocalist, several other musician friends also took part in the recording, but I was responsible for everything. Luckily I didn't have to explain much to anyone, it all happened naturally.
You may find it useful in Zboží.cz services:
“Unapologetic social media guru. General reader. Incurable pop culture specialist.”
