Mike Shinoda Reveals Reasons For Linking Park To Recruit Emily Armstrong As A New Vocalist

The latest formation of Linkin Park (Instagram @linkinpark)

JAKARTA - Mike Shinoda (vocal, multi-instrument) revealed how Linkin Park finally decided Emily Armstrong as the main vocalist to replace the late Chester Bennington.

It is known that Bennington was found dead at his home in California, United States on July 20, 2917. Since then, Linkin Park has stopped all of its musical activities, including the One More Light World Tour which is still running.

In 2019, Linkin Park returned to music, they had several sessions with other musicians, one of which was Emily Armstrong, who was then the vocalist of Dead Sara.

The pandemic has stopped Linkin Park's plans, until several years later Armstrong was finally decided as a permanent member.

Shinoda also added his perspective on Armstrong and how he realized that the vocalist was suitable for Linkin Park.

"When I process things in general, I think a lot. When I process our music, I think more," recalled Mike Shinoda in a recent interview with Zane Lowe at Apple Music 1, citing Loudwire, Sunday, September 8.

We had a lot of sessions with a lot of people. It wasn't a trial, it was just a session," he continued.

Mike Shinoda explained his assessment of Armstrong. He felt the 38-year-old singer's voice was suitable for Linkin Park.

"And of course, when I started hearing Emily's voice, it was the first time my brain had accepted her as Linkin Park's song," Shinoda said.

"When it was just my voice, and I could accept it. But when we put other people in those songs, with Emily's voice over and over again, it became fun," he added.

Armstrong's first appearance with Linkin Park in front of fans took place at a small show in Los Angeles, United States on September 5.

The live-streamed show marked Linkin Park's return since Chester Bennington's death.

Apart from Armstrong, Linkin Park has also made Colin Brittain a permanent drummer, replacing Rob Bourdon.

In addition to new personnel, Linkin Park also announced the release of a new single, a world tour schedule, and plans to work on the first album with the latest formations.