|
With Mike Shinoda<
LP Web:What are your feelings about the sudden rise in your popularity? More and more
people are learning about and loving your music. And "One Step Closer" is getting some airplay. I'm sure you are excited.
M: We're popular? Does that mean we can get into all the cool parties now? Maybe
someone will sign my yearbook this year then. (lol) We're really excited that
we're getting such a good response on the songs. We've worked hard on writing
and recording them, and it's good to see it paying off.
LP Web: Do you have a personal favorite song that Linkin Park has done? If so, what is it
about it that you like?
M: I like "Papercut" because it has a lot of energy and generally sums up our
style pretty well. I know that Rob (our drummer) likes "In the End" a lot,
thoughhe says that one day he was thinking how much he wanted a song that was really
true about some aspect of life. And then, the very next day, I played him the beginnings
of what I wrote on that song, which included the piano and the chorus, and Rob said it was
exactly what he had been thinking
and he had never even told me he had been thinking
it.
LP Web: Your band has gained most its fans through the internet and mp3's and things like
this. Obviously you think the internet is a great tool to spread your music to the world
through places like mp3.com. But how do you feel about programs like Napster. As of right
now, most of your songs are available for download on Napster including unreleased songs.
How do you feel about this?
M: SHHH! Dont tell anyone were on Napster! (lol) We met the majority of our
very first fans through the internet. Its a great way to get the music out to
people, and let them know about whats going on with us. People can go to
linkinpark.com, take a look, listen to some music, give us feedback on the message board,
and find out when to catch a show. Right now, were on tour with the Kottonmouth
Kings, and well be touring the U.S. the show dates and venues are posted on
our site, linkinpark.com
LP Web: When you are writing songs, is there a set pattern you use (ie, music first then
lyrics, etc)??
M: We try not to follow a pattern too much. But I can tell you about a specific song. On
"In the End" (since we were talking about it already) I came up with the piano
and the chorus music and chorus lyrics. Then Brad came up with the guitar in the verse and
we worked on the bassline and composition. From there, I think everybody in the band began
chipping in and adding their parts and critiquing each others parts. And right
before we went into the studio to record it, we scrapped the beat I had originally written
for the verse, and had Rob do a new one, which is the one that we recorded.
LP Web: You used to have a singer named Mark (now manager of TapRoot). What happened with
him and why did he leave the band??
M: Mark has always been a really good friend of ours. We went to high school together. He
was in the band when we used to be called Xero (pre Hybrid Theory) and we parted ways
because musically it wasnt working out. But when everything was said and done, it
happened for the best: he found his nitch in management.
LP Web: There are many websites popping up on the internet. Mine of course being
www.linkinpark.cjb.net. Assuming that you have visted some of these sites, is there
anything that you wish you could see more of out there that just isn't showing up on sites
supporting you?
M: I want to see more pictures of Chester naked. Or at least one of him mooning someone,
which shouldnt be a hard picture to find. He likes to show people his butt. By the
way, speaking of websites, make sure to check out ours (linkinpark.com)
I just
re-designed all the graphics, and it should be up within a couple of days. Let me know
what you think
LP Web: Which of the songs off the new cd was the hardest for you to write, or took the
longest? What song are you most proud of?
M: The most difficult song to do might be "Points of Authority". That song
didnt have a chorus for the longest time (months). In the studio, Don (our producer)
was putting a lot of pressure on us to write more to it, and it took forever for Brad,
Chester, and I to come up with it. Writing a song under pressure is like trying to pee
with people watching you.
LP Web: What are some of your favorite sites on the internet?
For music, I regularly check out at Shoutweb, PimpRockPalace, BeStreetwise, and a lot of
other group and individual band sites. But outside of music, I really like ecko.com and
unitedbread.com. Not to mention this one called sissyfight. And, of course,
linkinpark.cjb.net
LP Web: If I demanded to know you top five favorite cd's what would they be?
M: Now Tom, theres got to be a more sensitive way to ask what someone is listening
to
demanding is so abrasive (hahaha)
Anyway, right now Im listening to
the newest Jurassic 5 album, Taproot, new Spineshank, U2 (War), Deftones, and Portishead,
among others.
LP Web: What made you want to get involved in the music industry? I mean sure we all have
dreams of playing in a band in front of our fans and jumping around and making people feel
the music, but what got you to actually go out and capture that dream?
M: I dont know what. And if my parents couldve figured out what makes me want
to do this, they wouldve steered me away from it a long time ago. (hahaha) As far as
the "dream" goes, Brad (our guitarist) once said: an idea isnt worth
anything if you dont follow through. And I think that goes for aspirations just as
well as ideas.
LP Web: How do you feel before you go up on stage?
M: Before a show, Im usually pretty excited. But afterwards, Im always pretty
nauseous. I wear myself out up there. But its always fun.
LP Web: What do you do in your spare time when you aren't writing or performing your
masterpieces?
: "Masterpieces"? You give us too much credit! -lol- Other than music, Ive
always been into graphic art. I majored in illustration in college, and I definitely love
to do that. I did the illustration for the cover of our album, and the graphics for our
website.
LP Web: Is there anyone that you would be interested in touring with the most? I know that
in your guys's official bio from Warner that it says you would tour with anyone because
your music touches so many genres. But there has to be someone you'd REALLY like to hook
up a tour with.
Mike: I couldnt tell you who Id like to tour with the most. But I would
probably love to score a movie for Tim Burton
LP Web: What is the most dedicated thing a fan has done for you guys? HAHA I have a few
that me and some other guys have done if you'd like to know later on.
Mike: You should tell us what you did. We dont have that many stories right now. We
occasionally sign some autographs on kids foreheads in permanent markers, though.
And I wonder if they go to school with our names on their face the next day
LP Web: Well man thanks a ton for your time. Anything else that you would like to say
before we end this?
Mike: Check out our album on October 24th, on Warner Bros. Records. And keep up with our
tour dates on the new and improved www.linkinpark.com well be touring all
over the place for the next few months.
Email Bliss Exchange
|