Mike Shinoda says Linkin Park's new lineup has 'the best culture we've ever had'

Speaking about the "culture" of the current Linkin Park lineup, Mike Shinoda stated that it seems like the "best we've had."

 During a livestream event last month, the band announced their return and revealed Emily Armstrong, previously of Dead Sara, as their new co-vocalist.  Chester Bennington, the late frontman, was replaced by her.

 After founding member Rob Bourdon left the band, drummer Colin Brittain also joined.  Although he is not on the band's reunion tour, founding guitarist Brad Delson continues to collaborate with them behind the scenes, even helping to write new songs.

When it was revealed that the new vocalist appeared to have connections to both convicted rapist Danny Masterson and Scientology, the revelation caused a rift among fans.  After that, Armstrong released a statement "to clear the air."

 Following a run of live performances with the new lineup and the release of a few new songs, Mike Shinoda has now discussed the "culture" among the band members and what it's like to be a member in 2024.

"Everyone in the band has a great dynamic, but it's especially strong among those of us with the most experience together.  It's excellent.  It's easily the best culture we've had, in my opinion," he said at the start of the From Zero podcast, adding that it wasn't a criticism on any previous members.

 "I don't mean to disparage the previous lineup.  I am referring specifically to the development of myself, Brad, Joe [Hahn], and Dave [Farrell].  The ability to do it again may be a contributing factor in everyone's positive state, he continued.

"What is your favorite activity in the world, and what if you were to lose it?  You're not capable of it.  It is no longer there.  And then settling into it for a while, then returning later and saying, 'Well, guess what?  You can reclaim it.  That feeling is really insane.

 Later in the conversation, Shinoda paused to consider his friendship with Bennington, especially the moment he realized how effectively they collaborated.

With Chester, I had a fellow human being with whom I could share ideas and who, unlike anybody else, could make them a reality.  It was incredible.  "And I had no better idea," he clarified.  I thought, 'Oh, this is just what it's like to have a really amazing singer and be like, 'What do you think about this?' I hadn't had much experience with anyone else.  Try this idea together, then give each other a high five.  That's fantastic.

 "I realized it's more difficult to locate when I started working with others.  That is not typical.

Shinoda clarified that this iteration of Linkin Park was "not about erasing the past" when they first started their most recent run of live performances.  "We are overjoyed to return here.  It's about coming out here for all of you and beginning this new chapter in the future," he remarked.

 Bennington's mother acknowledged at the same time that she felt "betrayed" by the new lineup.  Jaime, Bennington's son, shared this sentiment after criticizing Shinoda for "betraying the trust" of Linkin Park fans.

Shinoda, meantime, has discussed why Linkin Park decided to stick with their original band moniker for their relaunched lineup.  He went on to say that he is "not sure" if they would record new versions of Bennington's previous songs. Bennington passed away in 2017.

 "With this new lineup and the lively and energizing new music we've made together, we feel really empowered," he stated in a statement.  We continue to explore new audio touchpoints while integrating the ones for which we are recognized.