Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park Shares Insights on His Grammy-Nominated Album and Its Themes of Looking Ahead

Mike Shinoda in Los Angeles on Jan 29, 2026.
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Phillip Faraone/Getty

Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda is embracing a new chapter for the band as they prepare to take the stage once again. During a recent conversation at the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Awards Party in Hollywood, California, the singer and rapper shared his excitement about the group’s ongoing evolution.

Shinoda expressed gratitude for Linkin Park’s enduring relevance. "We’re in a very unique position that we’re very grateful for, where this many years in, new fans are still showing up and people are still excited about the new music," he said. Reflecting on the band’s legacy, he added, "Twenty-something years in, it’s a real blessing to be able to experience that."

The discussion turned to the memory of late frontman Chester Bennington, who passed away in 2017. When asked if the band carries a piece of Bennington with them on stage, Shinoda affirmed, "obviously" they do. "As we do, the fans do, of course," he noted.

Since the addition of Emily Armstrong to the band in 2024, Linkin Park has shifted its focus towards the future. "The new album and the new tours are really about looking forward in this new chapter, and Emily is her own person with her own voice," Shinoda explained. He emphasized that the band’s efforts are designed to celebrate their new lead singer and the music they create together.

Shinoda elaborated on the process of selecting a new vocalist for Linkin Park, highlighting that while talent was essential, the chemistry between band members was equally important. "When we were trying to find somebody new to fit in with the band, talent was a basic prerequisite. It’s more about chemistry and knowing that we could spend a hell of a lot of hours with somebody on the road," he recalled.

Currently, Linkin Park has received two nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards: Best Rock Album for their latest album From Zero and Best Rock Performance for their single "The Emptiness Machine." When asked how the band would celebrate if they take home a Grammy, Shinoda responded, "We’ll see if it happens."

The album, released in 2024, was a significant project for the band, marking the first record to feature both Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain. It achieved impressive commercial success, peaking at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart and No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.