In a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Mike Shinoda delved into the decision behind hiring Emily Armstrong as the new vocalist for Linkin Park. This announcement coincided with the band’s comeback performance in Los Angeles on September 5, marking their first live show since the tragic passing of Chester Bennington in July 2017. The concert featured a reunion of Shinoda, Brad Delson, Joe Hahn, and Dave "Phoenix" Farrell, alongside the new members Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain.
During the conversation, Shinoda reflected on how he and Armstrong began collaborating back in 2019, stating, "We did a couple of songs, and everything was a question mark." After a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the two resumed their musical partnership. Armstrong expressed how surreal it felt to join the band she had admired since her youth, identifying "Hybrid Theory" as a pivotal influence on her desire to sing and scream.
Shinoda further emphasized the impact Armstrong’s voice had on his perception of Linkin Park’s music. He noted that when he started hearing her vocals over their tracks, it felt right, stating, "It was the first time that my brain would accept it as a Linkin Park song."
Additionally, the band released a new track titled "The Emptiness Machine" and announced their upcoming album, "From Zero," along with a handful of tour dates for 2024. Emily Armstrong, known for her role in the band Dead Sara, has expressed her intention to honor Bennington’s legacy through her contributions to Linkin Park. For more insights, you can watch the full interview here.